Dryer Settings for Flannel Sheets

Temperature Settings

• Remove flannel sheets from the washing machine and shake vigorously to remove as many wrinkles as possible prior to drying. Select a cool or low-heat temperature and dry the sheets alone. Beddington's Bed and Bath website maintains that flannel sheets can shrink up to 3 inches in size after the initial dryer cycle. In addition to shrinkage, the consumer can expect excessive lint after the first handful of washings. Using a cool or low-heat dryer setting will help reduce fiber breakage (which leads to pilling on the fabric's surface), thus prolonging the life span of the flannel sheets. Remove the flannel sheets immediately upon the dryer's cycle completion. Shake or smooth any remaining wrinkles and fold the sheets while they are fresh from the dryer.

Another Drying Option

• The Flawless Flannel Sheets website suggests line drying, as it protects the fibers of the flannel and reduces the pilling and lint shedding caused by a dryer. Flannel sheets may be fluffed on a no-heat setting for a cycle and then, while still damp, spread over a bed or flat surface, or hung from a shower rod, to air-dry until completely moisture free.

Fluffing to Remove Wrinkles

• Flannel sheets hung to dry can be popped into the dryer on a no-heat, or air-fluff, setting. Using a no-heat setting will prolong the life of the flannel. Dryer heat causes the flannel sheets to shed fibers, which is evidenced in the lint you'll find in the lint trap of the clothes dryer. Sheets folded and stored can also be fluffed on a no-heat setting to shake loose wrinkles.

Considerations

• When drying flannel sheets on a no-heat, cool or low-heat setting avoid using fabric-softener sheets. The sheets contain chemicals and fragrances that leave residue on the sheets. These additions to your flannel sheets are not welcome ones as they reduce the life of the sheet fabric by causing pilling. If you must add something to the drying cycle, insert a clean tennis ball or drying ball (that does not contain fabric softener additives) into the dryer with the flannel sheets.