Merino wool clothing offers outstanding performance and requires proper care. When washing, many fear damaging its delicate fibres. To extend garment lifespan while washing and drying effectively, a few simple rules apply. Explore everything you need to know about caring for merino wool.
Can merino wool shrink?
The properties of merino wool make it a top-tier fibre. Naturally antibacterial, it lets you space out washes simply by airing it outdoors. But like any material, merino wool has its pros and cons. While it regulates temperature and feels soft against the skin, it can still shrink in the wash.
Wool shrinks with heat or when exposed to water combined with mechanical agitation. Washing garments in hot water, with heavy or abrasive fabrics, or running a high-speed spin cycle creates real risk. Tumble drying, high-heat ironing, and storing damp clothes are also not recommended. Fabrics risk shrinking, stretching, or wearing out much faster.
Machine washing a merino wool garment
Before machine washing your merino wool t-shirts, always start by checking the care label. Every brand provides specific washing guidelines.
Ideally, merino wool garments should be washed separately from other clothes. Sorting by colour and turning garments inside out prevents colour bleeding and protects fibres. Finally, make sure not to overload the washing machine to minimise friction.
When washing, use a dedicated wool detergent that is pH-neutral and enzyme-free. Avoid fabric softeners, which coat fibres and compromise temperature regulation. Select a wool or delicate cycle. Keep the temperature below 30°C and keep the spin cycle low, ideally between 400 and 800 rpm. Higher speeds risk misshaping the fibres.
Hand washing a merino wool garment
Caring for merino wool can also be done by hand. While most garments are now treated "superwash", ultra-fine knit garments like merino wool thermal base layers are especially delicate. It is best to avoid the washing machine. Fibres will endure less friction, extending their lifespan.
Hand washing can be done in a sink or basin filled with cool to lukewarm water. Just like machine washing, water temperature should never exceed 30°C, and a specific wool detergent is recommended.
Submerge your garments in water. Let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes so the detergent penetrates the fibres thoroughly. Handle gently with circular motions, never wringing or scrubbing. Finish with a clean water rinse.
Once washing is done, do not wring or twist damp garments. Instead, roll them in a clean towel and press gently. This removes excess water without distorting the wool.
How to safely dry a merino wool garment
Drying is a key step in caring for merino wool. While machine washing is generally fine, tumble drying is strictly out of the question. Heat and heavy tumbling shrink and felt the wool. In this case, even a wool or cold cycle can be too harsh.
Air drying is best. Choose a well-ventilated, shaded spot, as direct sunlight can fade colours and weaken fibres. To dry merino wool properly, lay it flat on a towel rather than hanging it, which tends to stretch the wool. Keep in mind that drying time is often longer than for synthetic or cotton garments.
To avoid distortion, reshape garments while damp. As merino wool naturally regains its shape, ironing is rarely needed. If you really must iron, a gentle blast of low-temperature steam is plenty.
Once garments are clean and dry, simply store them properly. Ideally, fold them instead of hanging them up. Choose a cool, dry place, and protect them from moths. Keep them in a breathable cotton bag or add cedar balls or lavender sachets. Your merino wool will stay flawless season after season.
