1. Use vinegar!
Did you know that white vinegar is also an alternative cleaner and natural deodorizer? To preserve color brightness in your load of laundry, just swap out your usual detergent for half a cup of distilled white vinegar. The culinary staple is especially ideal for washing a set of flannel sheets for the first time to prevent balled-up fibers from forming on your loads of laundry.
2. Wash flannel in warm water
Rock the lumberjack look all autumn long by washing your flannel button-downs in warm—not hot—water. This laundry tip ensures minimal color fading, not to mention that washing cotton-dense fabrics (i.e., most flannels) in hot water can cause fiber shrinkage and reduce softness. We also recommend washing flannel items separately, as the fabric tends to leave lint deposits behind on other materials, especially on the first wash.
3. Wash knits in cold water
While handwashing yields the best results when it comes to caring for your knits, machine washing them in cold water saves not only time—it also saves your favorite sweater. Since washing yarn in warm or hot water is likely to cause frayage, remember to also set your load’s cycle to gentle/permanent press and to skip the spin cycle to prevent snags and reduce pilling.
4. Avoid fabric softener for flannel sheets
Contrary to what you may believe, over time, fabric softener can stiffen fabric fibers and reduce flannel softness. As an alternative, we suggest throwing in a couple of clean tennis balls in the dryer with your flannel sheets to help keep your bedding smooth and comfortable.
5. Air dry when possible!
It is no secret that a whirl in the dryer can inadvertently turn full-length T-shirts into midriff tops, and we especially advise you to be wary of dryer use for flannels and knits. These cotton-dense materials are especially prone to shrinking when exposed to high heat, so air drying is the way to go! On rainy days, card tables and vinyl tablecloths make excellent makeshift drying racks if you don’t have one on hand.
It’s really that easy—just put these 5 laundry hacks to the test, and enjoy comfortable flannel and soft sweaters all season long. If you’re looking for a quality washer or dryer, swing by our store today!