Question from Steve
Hi Debra,
I came across some of you posts and writings as I was searching for bedsheets. I would like to know if all flannel sheets are free from hazardous chemicals. Is it safe to buy flannel sheets that are not organic? Must they state that they are free from chemicals on packaging or are all flannel sheets safe because/if they are not treated to be wrinkle free, easy care, etc? I greatly appreciate your advice.
Thanks,
Steve.
Debra’s Answer
All flannel sheets are “safe” in the sense that they
- have no harmful finishes (they are naturally wrinkle-free because of the weave”)
- pesticides are removed as a by-product of processing in raw cotton into fabric
- dyes are “color-fast,” which means they stay in the fabric
Organic flannel sheets would be even better, though the benefit is more environmental.
I myself sleep on non-organic flannel sheets and have for years.
The only problem I’ve ever had is sometimes they use plastic printing for certain designs. Otherwise, a quick tumble in the washer and dryer and I’m always happy with them.
Not all flannel sheets are dyed with colour-fast dyes. Wash a corner in hot water before using, and if the colours bleed or run, return the sheets. Many, many fabric dyes are of high toxicity and big concern. If a colour bleeds into the water you wash an item in, that colour will also be absorbed through the skin.
Debra, are sheets no longer treated with flame retardants? I thought that was a concern…
Hi Jackie, I agree with you about the dye test. In 40 years of buying flannel sheets I’ve never had the dye release, so this is the first I’ve heard of this. Certainly what you suggest is prudent and i agree not to wear clothing or sleep on fabrics with dye that releases from the fabric.
To the best of my knowledge flannel sheets haven’t been treated with fire retardant for at least the past 40 years. I’ve been sleeping on flannel sheets for that period of time with no problem.
Since I hadn’t heard of this before, I did a little search and the only reference I found was a blog post that said, “stay away from flannel sheets that contain hazardous chemicals like flame retardants. The reason we say this is because this type of sheets is often laden with dangerous chemicals, which may affect the quality of your sleep in the long run. Not only that but the smell they give out is sure to cause you a certain degree of discomfort in the first few days after unpacking the sheets.”
I think there was a misunderstanding somewhere. The problem finish is not flame retardant, it’s permanent-press finish that releases formaldehyde. But flannel sheets don’t have permanent-press finish and never have.
My personal experience with purchasing flannel sheets from multiple sources for forty years and even sewing my own is I’ve never experienced a toxic chemical from flannel.