How To Soften Flannel Sheets (and Keep Them Soft)
When flannel starts to feel stiff or rough, it’s often a sign it’s been washed or dried incorrectly. If your bedding has lost its cozy appeal, learn how to soften flannel sheets by washing them in cold water with a gentle detergent, running the rinse cycle twice, and drying them carefully.
After all, scratchy sheets don’t fit with the delightful experience of curling up in bed beneath warm, inviting flannel when the weather turns cold. Not to worry—with the right approach, you can enjoy your coziest bedding for many winters to come.
Why Flannel Sheets Lose Their Softness
When flannel sheets feel rough, it’s usually because the brushed fibers on the surface have been worn down, coated, or damaged. Some common reasons flannel loses its softness include:
- Pilling: Small fabric pills (or balls) form when fibers break and tangle from friction, which can make flannel feel coarse instead of fuzzy.
- Heat damage: Washing or drying on high heat can damage cotton fibers, flatten the brushed nap, and make sheets stiff or scratchy.
- Detergent buildup: Using too much detergent or fabric softener leaves residue behind and creates a rough or waxy feel.
- Washing with rough fabrics: Towels, denim, or items with zippers snag on fibers and accelerate flannel sheet pilling.
