You have probably heard of flannel, but lately, flannelette has taken the stage as a popular choice of fabric for bed linens, especially winter bed sheets! Flannelette material is soft and warm, perfect to keep you comfy on those cold nights! So, what is the difference between flannel and flannelette? Flannel is a wool-based fabric, sometimes mixed with cotton, while flannelette is one hundred percent cotton that is brushed to give it a plush feel.
The two fabrics are quite similar, and both have their uses! Flannel is more breathable, making it perfect for the flannel shirts it’s famous for, while flannelette creates an insulating layer that holds in body heat, making Flannelette sheets ideal for winter. Flannelette was invented in 19th century Wales, United Kingdom as a less expensive alternative to wool flannel. The soft warmth of the new material and its low price ensured its popularity with the working class, and the fabric has continued to be a mainstay of winter linens around the world.
So, how does one care for flannelette sheets and bedding? Here are some tips for washing your flannelette in a way that protects it while ensuring it stays clean and fresh!
- Read The Care Label – This may sound obvious, but a surprising number of people skip this important step when throwing things into the washer! Be sure to check for any specific instructions for your flannelette sheets since some types are machine washable while others might need to be hand washed or dry cleaned.
- Sort Your Wash – Be sure to sort your wash by fabric type and colour to prevent any damage or bleeding. Flannelette sheets do best when washed with items made of similar fabrics and colours, which helps to keep them from shrinking or having their colour fade.
- The Right Detergent – Flannelette is made of natural fibres so choose a detergent formulated specifically for their care. Don’t use chlorine or bleach, they will damage your flannelette sheets.
- The Proper Cycle – Your washing machine should be set to a gentle cycle like ‘hand wash’ or ‘delicate’. • Water Temperature – Use warm water, never hot.
- Stain Removal – If your sheets have stubborn stains left behind after washing, run them again with a tablespoon of baking soda added to the water, it usually does the trick!
- Drying – After washing, it’s essential to dry them correctly. As mentioned before, check the care instructions for the sheets, some types can be machine-dried while others must be air-dried.
- Ironing – If you have to iron your flannelette bed linens you will need to use the lowest possible heat setting. The application of high heat can cause shrinkage and even burn the natural fibres. Add moisture to the fabric with a spray bottle to help smooth out any wrinkles.
- Fold And Store – Once your flannelette sheets have dried, gently fold them and store them in a cool, dry place. Never store bedding in areas that might be damp as it can cause dangerous mildew to grow.
We hope you enjoy a nice cosy night under your soft, warm flannelette sheets!