Fire retardant soft furnishings - care and washing instructions

Fire‑retardant bedding

• Includes duvet, pillow, and covers

• Must be kept on the bed

• Replace covers after washing

Fire‑Retardant Throw

• Usually placed on a chair or sofa

• Keep it in place — it helps protect you

Fire‑Retardant Blanket

• Provided to replace an existing blanket

• Use this instead of non‑retardant alternatives

Smoking and smoking materials are the leading cause of fatal house fires. A recent incident involved a fire caused by smoking in bed — a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.

Please avoid smoking in bed or near soft furnishings.

• Do not cover fire‑retardant items with non‑retardant materials — this reduces their protection

• Replace any fire‑retardant items that become damaged

• A QR code and phone number are provided to request a Home Fire Safety Check: 0800 169 1125

To keep your fire‑retardant products effective, follow these guidelines carefully.

Bedding (Covers, Sheets, Pillowcases, Throws, Blankets)

Washing

• Wash at 60°C (recommended)

• Can be washed at 74°C for NHS‑level thermal disinfection

• Frequent washing does not reduce fire‑retardancy if guidelines are followed

Drying & Ironing

• Tumble dry on low heat

• Iron on a cool setting

Do Not

• Use soap powders like LUX or Velvet

• Wash with other items — this can reduce fire‑retardancy

• Use hypochlorite bleaches (e.g., Domestos Vortex, supermarket brands)

• Use tumble‑dry sheets

Fire‑Retardant Duvets & Pillows

Washing

• Wash at 60°C

• Fire‑retardant for up to 50 washes, but filling becomes lumpy

• Recommended: wash no more than 3–5 times, then replace

Drying

• Tumble dry on low heat

Do Not

• Use LUX or Velvet soap powders

• Use hypochlorite bleaches or Persil

Emollients (creams, gels, sprays, bath/shower products) can soak into clothing, bedding, and bandages.

• Emollients are not flammable on their own

• BUT once dried into fabric, they make it burn hotter and faster if exposed to a flame

Safety Tips

• Avoid smoking or going near naked flames when using these products

• Wash clothing and bedding frequently

• Use the highest temperature recommended on the label

• Note: Washing reduces but does not remove all emollient build‑up.