How To Clean Merino Wool (2024)

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How To Clean Merino Wool

Pretreat

Merino wool shrinks when washed, and fixing merino wool shrinkage isn't easy, but it can be prevented altogether. When washing, always be sure to check tags first to ensure washability. If your merino wool item says "dry clean only" or "do not wash", you're better off taking it to the professionals. Once ready to wash, retreat stains on merino wool with a stain remover for woolens. Focus on susceptible areas such as underarms, necklines, and cuffs and work in using a Stain Brush.

Merino wool is generally odor resistant; however, if any odors appear, presoak your merino wool item for 30 minutes in cool water mixed with 1/4 cup of plain white vinegar. Rinse before proceeding with laundering.

How To Clean Merino Wool (6)

How To Clean Merino Wool (7)

Handwash

Though merino wool is often machine washable, handwashing is always the best and safest method. It's also best to avoid dry cleaning solvents and enzyme-containing detergents that can degrade the yarn of items like merino sweaters.

Add the appropriate amount of our enzyme-free (an ideal merino wool detergent) to a wash basin or sink filled with cool water.

Submerge the item and gently agitate the water with your hands to evenly distribute soap. Soak for up to 30 minutes.

Rinse well by running cool water through the item until the water is no longer soapy. Do not wring. Instead, press the water out of the item. This will help to avoid stretching or warping the sensitive merino wool fabric.

Machine Wash

Merino wool is an especially washable wool. More durable merino wool items are able to withstand machine washing using a delicate setting with cold water.

When ready to wash, turn your merino wool piece inside out, and place it in a Mesh Bag. Don’t skip the use of the bag, as it provides essential protection from snagging and warping. Select the woolens or delicate cycle on the washing machine, and make sure the water temperature is cold and the spin is on low.

Add the appropriate amount of according to the machine and load size.Always wash like colors and fabrics together to avoid dye bleed or snagging.

Remove promptly from the washing machine to reduce creasing.

How To Clean Merino Wool (8)

How To Clean Merino Wool (9)

Dry & Finish

Lay the item flat in its natural shape on a drying rack or clean towel. Do not put it in the dryer!

Expedite drying by laying the item flat on a clean towel. With the item in its original shape, roll it up in the towel (like a sleeping bag) to remove excess water.

When drying, avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, such as the radiator, because they can yellow, shrink, or damage woolens. Never hang wet woolens.

To remove wrinkles, we recommend steaming for the best and safest finish. Never iron, as ironing will crush or flatten the natural pile of the yarns. To freshen merino wool, give it a light steam.

De-pill

Remove pills on finer-gauge knits, such as lightweight wool & cashmere scarves, sweaters, T-shirts, or pants, by gliding the Sweater Comb across pilled areas.

For heavier-gauge items, such as thicker sweaters, outerwear, or heavy upholstery, use the Sweater Stone.

Always work tools in one direction.

When wool fibers become loose, they form little balls or pills. Merino wool pilling is a direct result of friction (which naturally occurs with movement), so the more you wear an item, the more likely it is to pill. Use a fine garment brush between wears to remove lint, fuzz, and hair and to release natural oils that rejuvenate yarns.

How To Clean Merino Wool (10)

How To Clean Merino Wool (11)

Store

Knit merino wool items should usually be stored folded to prevent stretching or distorting. Store jackets and suits using a solid structured hanger. Protect wool suits during long term storage by selecting a zippered cotton or canvas garment bag.

Storing in plastic encourages yellowing and can trap mildew-causing moisture, a prime environment for bugs.

All merino wool washing techniques are based on textile science. Not all garments perform and react as science would predict.

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How To Clean Merino Wool (2024)

FAQs

How To Clean Merino Wool? ›

Hand wash. This is the safest way to wash your merino wool garment. Check your bowl is clean and soak your clothing for 10 – 20 minutes in lukewarm water with a few drops of detergent. Gently agitate your clothing, then rinse thoroughly in clean water.

How do you clean merino wool? ›

Hand wash. This is the safest way to wash your merino wool garment. Check your bowl is clean and soak your clothing for 10 – 20 minutes in lukewarm water with a few drops of detergent. Gently agitate your clothing, then rinse thoroughly in clean water.

Should you wash merino wool inside out? ›

Turn socks and garments inside out. Machine-wash on gentle cycle in warm or cool water (avoid hot water as heat may shrink wool).

Can I wash merino wool with soap? ›

Hand-Washing Merino Wool

Get a gentle washing soap specifically made for wool. This will prevent damaging the fine wool fibers. Fill a water basin with enough cool water to cover your wool items. Add your soap according to the soap package's instructions.

What detergent should I use for merino wool? ›

Using a neutral, mild detergent, preferably one that is Woolmark recommended, should be your go-to when hand washing or machine washing wool clothing. Avoid using heavy-duty detergents, “bio” detergents containing enzymes, or any detergents containing bleaches.

Is white vinegar safe for merino wool? ›

You can use the following to help spot-treat stains: Mixture of warm water and rubbing alcohol. White Vinegar. Mild dish soap, undiluted laundry detergent such as Nikwax Wool Wash, or shampoo mixed with water.

Is OxiClean safe for merino wool? ›

We do not recommend letting any detergent or product sit on the fabric for extended periods of time; it's generally not needed if you treat spots promptly. Don't use bleach, peroxide based cleansers, or fabric softeners. Don't use any stain removers (such as OxiClean, Shout, Tide-To-Go pens, Spray'n'Wash, etc).

Does water ruin merino wool? ›

Merino wool is an especially washable wool. More durable merino wool items are able to withstand machine washing using a delicate setting with cold water. . Don't skip the use of the bag, as it provides essential protection from snagging and warping.

How to fix merino wool after washing? ›

A. You can unshrink merino wool by soaking it in lukewarm water with added hair conditioner or baby shampoo for 15 to 30 minutes. After that, gently squeeze out the excess water, then lay the garment on a towel, and carefully stretch it in all directions back to its original shape and size.

Why does merino wool stink when wet? ›

High-quality wool products can smell of lanolin, which is naturally secreted by sheep. This is what makes their coats waterproof, and this often results in wool smelling more strongly when wet.

Can I wash merino wool in Woolite? ›

If you want to be extra cautious, you can hand wash your Merino items with Woolite®.

How many days can you wear merino wool before washing? ›

Because merino wool is naturally anti-microbial & doesn't stink you'll get more than one day's wear. If you don't have time to wash your merino garments, simply hang them up and air them out overnight or hang them in the bathroom while you take a shower - the steam will rejuvenate them.

Can I use dish soap on merino wool? ›

Submerge your sweater (or whatever other woolen article of clothing) into a tub filled with the water, dish soap, and white vinegar. Gently swish it around with your hand. Never wring! Let it stand for at least an hour.

Is Woolite still good for wool? ›

What types of clothes can I wash with Woolite®? All Woolite® products are liquid detergents and are specially formulated for the machine to not cause shrinking, stretching, or fading on washable suede, linen, cotton, washable wool, silk, rayon, polyester, cotton/polyester, nylon, nylon/spandex and rayon/spandex.

Is Woolite safe on wool? ›

Woolite® Delicates laundry detergent is a gentle washing liquid, specially formulated to take care of your delicate garments in the wash.It can be used for machine washing in the gentle cycle, or for hand washing delicate fabrics such as silk and wool.

Does 100% merino wool shrink when washed? ›

But does merino wool shrink when washed? It can, but if you follow these steps, your wool socks most likely won't shrink in the washing machine. Wash your merino wool in cold or lukewarm water. (Hot water can cause shrinkage and damage the fibers.)

Can you get stains out of merino wool? ›

If the stain has dried, dab the stain from edge to center with a clean absorbent cloth soaked in a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda + 1 cup lukewarm water. 3. If the stain doesn't disappear, dab the area with a solution of 3 parts rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl), plus 1 part cold water.

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