Merino wool garments have many properties and require appropriate care. When it comes to washing, many people worry about damaging the delicate fibres. To extend their lifespan while washing and drying them effectively, a few key rules should be followed. Everything you need to know about merino wool care.
Does merino wool shrink?
The properties of merino wool make it a premium fibre. It is naturally antibacterial. This means you can space out washes by simply airing it outside. But like any material, merino wool has its advantages and disadvantages. While it regulates temperature and remains soft against the skin, it can nonetheless shrink in the wash.
Wool shrinks under the effect of heat or when combined with water and mechanical movement. Washing garments in hot water, with heavy or abrasive fabrics, or using a high-speed spin cycle all carry a risk. A tumble dryer, high-heat ironing and storing garments while still damp are not recommended either. Fabrics may then shrink, stretch or wear out more quickly.
Machine washing a merino wool garment
Before machine washing your merino wool t-shirts, start by reading the care label instructions. Every brand has its own recommendations for appropriate washing.
Ideally, merino wool garments should be washed separately from other items. Sorting them by colour and turning them inside out helps prevent colour bleeding and protects the fibres. Finally, make sure not to overload the washing machine. This helps limit friction.
When washing, use a specialist wool detergent with a neutral pH and no enzymes. Avoid fabric softeners, which coat the fibres and impair their thermoregulating properties. Finally, select a wool or delicate programme. The temperature must not exceed 30 °C and the spin cycle should be set to a low speed, ideally between 400 and 800 rpm. Otherwise, the fibres risk becoming misshapen.
Hand washing a merino wool garment
Merino wool garments can also be hand washed. While most garments are now treated as "superwash", very fine knit pieces such as merino wool thermal base layers are particularly delicate. It is therefore recommended to avoid the washing machine. The fibres will be subjected to less friction and their lifespan will be extended.
Hand washing can be done in a sink or basin filled with cold to lukewarm water. As with machine washing, the temperature should never exceed 30 °C and a specialist wool detergent is recommended.
Submerge your garments in the water. Then leave them to soak for five to ten minutes so the detergent penetrates the fibres thoroughly. Handle the fabric gently, using circular movements, but never twist or rub it. Finally, rinse with clean water.
Once washing is complete, do not wring or squeeze your damp garments. Instead, we recommend rolling them in a clean towel and pressing down gently. This removes excess water without distorting the wool.
Drying a merino wool garment safely
Drying is a key step in merino wool care. While machine washing is generally possible, tumble drying is strictly off-limits. Heat and vigorous tumbling cause wool to shrink and felt. In this case, even a wool or cold programme can be too harsh.
Air drying is therefore recommended. Choose a breathable, shaded spot, as direct sunlight can fade colours and weaken the fibres. To dry your merino wool garments properly, opt for flat drying on a towel rather than on a hanger, which tends to stretch the wool. Also bear in mind the drying time, which is often longer than for garments made from synthetic fibres or cotton.
To avoid any distortion, reshape your garments to their original form. As merino wool is a fibre that naturally returns to its shape, ironing is generally unnecessary. If you really need to, a light burst of steam at low temperature is sufficient.
Once your garments are clean and dry, all that remains is to store them properly. Ideally, fold them rather than hanging them on a hanger. Choose a cool, dry spot and protect them from moths. To do so, place them in a breathable cotton bag or add cedar balls or lavender sachets. Your merino wool will stay in perfect condition season after season.
