How to wash merino wool? - practical tips
Merino wool garments have a natural ability to self-clean when exposed to oxygen and are resistant to dirt due to their high fat content. It also inhibits the growth of bacteria, which prevents unpleasant odours. Despite this, it may need washing in the event of heavy use or more soiling.
Read our guide and find out how to wash merino wool correctly so as not to damage its delicate fibres or deprive it of its valuable properties. We have also prepared instructions for washing merino wool both with a washing machine and by hand. In the article, we will also give you tips on what to wash merino wool in, i.e. which detergents to use in order not to damage this fabric.
Washing merino wool - when is it necessary?
Merino is a popular term for a fabric used to produce everyday and outdoor clothing. This material is obtained from the fleece of merino sheep, which belong to a special breed of mountain sheep. A number of clothing products are made from merino wool, such as: underwear, T-shirts, gloves, socks or hats.
Merino wool is famous for being soft and pleasant to the touch, has great thermoregulatory properties, and also wicks away moisture and dries quickly. Read our article where we describe in detail, what is merino wool and what properties does it have.
For those wondering how often you should wash your clothes made mostly of merino wool, we have good news. It is a unique material because unlike many other materials, does not require frequent washing. It has self-cleaning properties and does not absorb unpleasant odors. In fact, it is often enough to hang merino wool clothing outdoors to air it out and restore its full freshness.
Washing merino wool is advisable when freshening up in the fresh air does not bring the expected effect or when stains appear on the clothes. It is always a good idea to first try to remove the dirt, even with a wet cloth, rather than washing the entire garment. However, if this is not enough, it is worth deciding on a thorough wash using special detergents.
How to wash merino wool in the washing machine?
Before washing Merino clothing, you should always read the label on the product. You will find information on it whether you can wash the item in the washing machine or if it is better to do it by hand. However, the vast majority of merino wool clothing can be washed in the washing machine, as exemplified by Icebreaker products.
If you already know you can machine wash your merino garment, it’s best to turn it inside out so that the outer fabric doesn’t rub against other materials or the washing machine drum. This will reduce the risk of pilling, pulling or damage, so the garment will stay in good condition for longer.
After placing your clothes in the washing machine, follow these steps:
1. Set the washing temperature to 30°C.
2. It is best to use dedicated agents to wash merino wool.
3. Dry clothes at room temperature, spreading them flat. Avoid radiators and dryers, which could damage the fibers.
Do not use fabric softeners or bleaches to wash this type of material! These agents usually contain strong substances that can weaken the properties of merino wool.
How to wash merino wool by hand?
If the manufacturer of your Merino garment recommends hand washing, or if you prefer this method because it gives you more control over the entire process, then remember a few key rules. First of all, merino wool garments require very gentle treatment. It is also important to rinse them in water at the same temperature as during the washing process, because merino wool is sensitive to sudden changes in temperature.
Hand washing merino wool is best done by following these steps:
1. Fill a sink, bathtub or large bowl with lukewarm water at about 30°C (the water should not be hot).
2. Add merino wool detergent to the water. Remember not to use bleach or fabric softeners.
3. Place the merino wool garment in water and knead it gently, do not rub too hard. Avoid soaking for too long to prevent damage to the fibers.
4. Pour out the water containing the detergent and fill the tank with clean water at the same temperature to rinse the garment. Repeat this until the water is clear and does not contain any traces of detergent.
5. Gently squeeze the water out of the garment, e.g. with a towel, do not wring the material.
6. Dry the garment at room temperature, preferably flat. Avoid direct exposure to strong heat sources, such as radiators or tumble dryers, which can damage the material.
Does merino wool shrink in the wash?
Merino wool is thin and has a resilient structure, which makes it more resistant to deformation. Your merino wool garment is unlikely to shrink in the wash if you follow the instructions on the labels. Remember that high temperatures are not good for this delicate fabric - always wash it on a low temperature, according to the manufacturers' instructions.
Wool shrinkage is not only influenced by high temperatures, but also by the length of the washing process. Washing merino clothing for too long can lead to excessive friction, which will cause the fibers to shrink.
How to wash merino wool? - specialist preparations
If you want your merino wool clothing to last a long time and maintain its properties, it is worth investing in a special detergent designed for this type of fabric. Popular washing powders and liquids available in stores and used every day are not suitable for washing merino wool, because they can wash out lanolin, which is responsible for its elasticity and softness. Choose detergents with a natural pH, free of enzymes such as proteases, which effectively remove protein stains, but can damage the structure of wool fibers.
When washing Merino, it is worth using dedicated products, such as Grangers Merino Wash. This product restores softness, elasticity and a fresh look to clothing. It effectively removes dirt and unpleasant odors and leaves an invisible layer of cedar oil on the surface of the fabric, which repels moths.
Merino clothing offer at MILITARY.EU
We invite you to check out our offer of merino clothing at MILITARY.PL. You will find here: socks, balaclavas and tube scarves, hats, T-shirts, thermal underwear, gloves and leggings made of merino wool. These are clothes from recognized brands such as Brubeck, Pentagon, Helikon, Salewa and many others.
