Maintain your cozy flannel sheets at top condition without bumpy pilling. When fibers split and stick on a flannel surface, then this pilling will age your own sheets before their time. Avoid this unwanted fuzz by minimizing the friction your sheets suffer on laundry day. If pilling does collect, a sharp tool will help you maintain your linen looking fresh for several seasons to come.

Machine Washing

A front load washer collection horizontally is much more gentle on the sheets than a top load washer with a spindle or agitator. Launder your sheets before using them for the first time. Separate colored sheets from white sheets to keep the white sheets from picking up other colors and looking dingy. Set your washer to your cold water, gentle cycle to minimize shrinkage and color fading. Wash without soap to get the first time, and then add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar mixed with water into the rinse cycle. For future washings, launder with a mild detergent and warm or cold water (visit the manufacturer’s care label) on a gentle cycle for the minimum time. A good illustration of a gentle detergent is one with cellulase enzymes. Avoid inserting harsh detergents, bleaches and fabric softeners. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar mixed with water into the rinse cycle, if preferred.

Drying Methods

Hang your sheets to dry to help reduce wear and tear caused from a drier’s tumbling action. If hanging sheets is not an option, set the dryer to your low heat cycle. Remove your flannel sheets as soon as the cycle ends to stop over-drying the fibers. Remove all of the lint from the lint basket.

Removing the Pilling

When pilling reveals, trim off the raised surface using a clothing shaver. A hardware store, online appliance distributor or even a fabric store often stocks these battery-operated, hand-held shavers to trim the bumpy surface to get a sleeker finish. The rotating blades cut and collect the fuzz in a small receptacle for quick removal.

Storing Your Sheets

If the sheets are folded and folded in the cupboard, take the time to shake the sheets out sometimes to avoid the folded edges from setting in and looking irregular. Avoid tightly packing your sheets.

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