Merino wool rarely needs washing: air it after wearing. When it does need washing, hand wash in lukewarm water (20 to 30 degrees) with a wool detergent, do not wring, and dry it flat on a towel. Never use a tumble dryer.
|
Step |
Do |
Do not |
|
Refresh |
Air outdoors or on the balcony for a few hours |
Wash after every wear |
|
Wash |
Hand wash at 20 to 30 degrees with wool detergent |
Hot water, rubbing or kneading |
|
Rinse |
Same lukewarm temperature |
Switch between hot and cold |
|
Dry |
Press out gently, lay flat on a towel |
Wring, hang wet, tumble dry, dry in direct sun |
|
Store |
Fold loosely with lavender |
Cram into tight drawers |
|
Brush |
Twice a year, brush gently with a wool brush, in the direction of the knit |
Use stiff brushes or brush when wet |
Airing merino wool – how to refresh clothes without frequent washing
Merino wool just needs a good airing. Sounds simple? Not at all. Thanks to its wonderful properties, merino wool is resistant to dirt and odors. It shouldn't absorb unpleasant smells or dirt. To refresh it, hang the garment on the balcony and wait a few hours.
What to use for washing merino wool
Hand washing merino wool with liquid
If you need to wash the wool, we recommend hand washing in lukewarm water, not cold or hot (optimal temperature is 20-30 degrees). Use a special wool washing liquid (e.g. Sonett) in the proportions given by the manufacturer. Merino wool is a very delicate fabric, so handle it carefully. During washing, do not press or knead it. Rinse in water at the same temperature as washing. Heat and rubbing make wool felt and shrink, so keep the water the same lukewarm temperature and do not wring it. Gently squeeze out, do not twist the wool, lay flat to dry.
Washing merino wool in the washing machine
NOTE! Our merino brands recommend hand washing. If an item's care label allows the machine, use the wool programme at 20 to 30 degrees and a spin of 400 rpm at most.
You can wash merino wool in the machine if the clothing manufacturer allows it. Check the care label for merino wool washing instructions. Select the wool program in the washing machine. If the machine doesn't have such a program, pay attention to the washing parameters:
Washing temperature should be around 20-30 degrees, spinning maximum 400 revolutions, or none at all.
After washing, remove the garment immediately and dry it the same way as hand washing, i.e., flat and horizontal, e.g., on a towel. Do not wash merino wool clothing with other items. Best to wash separately and individually.
How to dry merino wool properly
After washing, never dry merino clothes in the sun or in a dryer. Best to lay them flat on a towel to maintain their shape and elasticity. Merino fibers are delicate and can deform if subjected to too much force. Do not dry merino clothing in a tumble dryer.
Ironing merino wool – is it necessary?
Merino wool doesn't need ironing; even if it wrinkles a bit, it will quickly return to its original state. Just hang the garment, perhaps in a steamy place like the bathroom after a bath, and wait until it returns to its original shape.
Brushing merino jackets and vests
Heavier merino pieces such as jackets, vests and cardigans benefit from regular brushing. A specialized wool brush gently lifts dust, lint and loose surface fibres. It also keeps the knit looking fresh between washes, so you wash the garment less often.
How to brush merino wool:
- Choose the right brush. Use a soft wool or garment brush with natural bristles, or a dedicated merino/knitwear brush. Avoid stiff clothes brushes and sticky lint rollers, which can pull at the fibres.
- Brush dry garments only. Never brush a damp or wet item, because wet fibres stretch and tangle more easily.
- Lay it flat or hang it on a padded hanger. A flat surface keeps the knit from stretching.
- Brush lightly and in one direction. Follow the direction of the knit with short, gentle strokes, and don’t press hard.
- Pay attention to friction zones. Underarms, cuffs, elbows and areas under bag straps are where pilling starts first.
- Remove pills by hand or with a proper tool. If small pills do form, which is normal for a natural fibre, lift them off gently rather than pulling. Pilling usually fades after the first few wears.
A quick brush after wearing, combined with airing, is often all a merino jacket or vest needs.
How to care for merino wool
Use special care products
If you want to increase the durability of your merino wool clothes, invest in special wool washing products. They can help maintain the softness and elasticity of the material while providing thorough cleaning. A good solution is also using natural alternatives. During rinsing, you can use lanolin, which additionally protects the material and keeps it soft and pleasant.
Stain removal tips
If your merino wool clothes get stained, try to remove the stains as quickly as possible. Use a gentle washing agent and rinse the stain thoroughly. Avoid strong detergents that could damage the fiber structure.
How to store merino wool clothing
Merino wool clothes like space. Therefore, it's not recommended to store them in tight places. The fabric will then lose its fluffiness and is prone to faster felting. A good solution is to store woolen clothes flat, without stacking too many pieces on top of each other.
Protecting merino clothes from moths
Remember to place a sachet of fresh lavender or an insect repellent in the wardrobe where you store merino wool clothes. Unfortunately, wool is one of the favorite materials for moths, which can cause a lot of damage.
FAQ
How often should I wash merino? Air it after wearing and wash only when it is visibly dirty or after several wears. Merino resists odour, so it stays fresh longer than cotton.
Can I use fabric softener? No. Use a wool detergent. A little lanolin in the rinse can keep the fibre soft.
What if my baby spits up on it? Treat the stain quickly with a gentle stain remover and rinse well in lukewarm water.
Can I tumble dry merino? No. Tumble drying and direct sun can deform the fibres. Lay it flat.
Should I brush my merino jacket or vest? Yes. Brush it gently with a soft wool brush after airing to remove dust and lint and to limit pilling.
Summary
Proper care of merino wool clothes is key to preserving their beauty, softness, and durability for many years. Merino doesn't require frequent washing. If we decide to wash, follow a few rules. Applying these simple tips will help you enjoy your favorite items from this unique material longer and in the best condition. If you want to enjoy merino wool clothes for a long time, we recommend following our tips.
Not sure which fabric to buy? See our merino vs cashmere vs cotton comparison.
