How to Care for Merino Wool? Care Guideline
One of the most common fibers is Merino wool, and in this article, we’ll tell you all about it as well as how to care for Merino wool, what not to do, and our best advice.
For them to continue being the cozy wardrobe pieces you have grown to know and love, Merino wool clothing requires a specific level of maintenance. Merino wool clothing has a long lifespan and retains its original softness and fit when properly cared for.
Here are some instructions on how to take care of your Merino wool clothing.
How to Care for Merino Wool?
We can find clothing and socks made of soft, supple, and long-lasting Merino wool thanks to its extraordinary qualities. It can be simple to make a mistake when caring for these qualities, which must be handled properly.
Cable’s top tips for how to care for your Merino Wool clothing are:
- Always wash Merino wool in cold water, whether by hand or in a machine.
- Utilize a wool detergent that has been approved.
- Do not soak.
- Leave to dry in a cool location (away from heat sources like the sun).
- To find out how to wash your knitwear, read the care label.
Hand-washing Merino Wool
When possible, we advise machine washing and drying your Merino wool as directed on the care label. On occasion, though, you might not have access to a machine washer or dryer. Here are some tips for when you need to hand wash:
- Don’t scrub the fabric when washing it in a sink; just be gentle. Swish the soap around while the garment is submerged in water.
- The clothes shouldn’t be wrung out. Place the garment between two towels, then roll it up to gently squeeze out the excess moisture to shorten the drying time.
- To avoid wrinkling the fabric, lay the item flat to dry rather than hanging it from a hanger.
- When you get home from a long hike or trip, we advise washing your wool thoroughly to get rid of all sweat, salts, dirt, crumbs, etc. from the fabric and to minimize any chance of insect damage.
Machine-washing Merino Wool
Merino wool is a delicate fiber that needs to be gently washed. When washing Merino wool, use a gentle detergent made especially for delicate fabrics, such as a wool wash.
There are wool-specific detergents, but they are not necessary. It can be very beneficial to protect the fabric in the washing machine by putting the item inside a mesh lingerie washing bag. Wash by hand for the best results even though front-loading washers are superior to top loading.
Related: How to Wash Merino Wool Socks to Avoid Shrinkage?
Removing Stains from Merino Wool
Stains can be avoided by treating your clothing right away. Apply a small amount of eucalyptus oil or a solvent-based stain remover to the affected area while working your way inward to prevent spreading.
After using a cold water rinse to clean the area, hand wash it according to the washing directions. Prior to attempting to remove a stain, make sure to test a patch of the garment.
By keeping in mind these suggestions, you can make sure that your Merino wool clothing will last for many years to come and keep its plush softness. Keep your Merino wool clothing looking its best while taking advantage of its special warmth and comfort.
Ironing Merino Wool
Merino Wool clothing naturally resists wrinkles due to the fact that each fiber acts as a coil spring that springs back to its original shape after being bent. Except in extreme cases, we don’t advise frequently ironing.
If you do, use a low or wool setting for items made of 100% Merino wool. If you hang your clothing in the bathroom while taking a hot shower, the steam will help to naturally remove wrinkles, which is another gentle method.
Treating Merino Wool Pilling
The natural process of knitwear is pilling, which is brought on by rubbing during use. All-natural fibers have a propensity to gravitate toward friction-prone surfaces. As a result, pilling occurs because the surface yarn tangles with use.
Turning your clothing inside out while washing will help prevent pilling. The fibers in your clothing will become stronger after a few washings, which will reduce pilling.
To get rid of the pilling, use a battery-operated pillar on a flat surface while gently pressing down in a circular motion. Be careful not to press too firmly as this could snag the threads and result in a hole in your clothing.
Drying Merino Wool
It’s best to let the clothing air dry because using a dryer that uses Merino wool too quickly can make the fibers stiff and brittle. It’s a gamble to use a dryer, and the more wool there is in the fabric, the more likely it is to be harmed.
- Never tumble-dry wool made of Merino.
- To preserve their shape, always lay them flat to dry or line dry.
- Never squeeze out extra moisture from a Merino garment because doing so can harm the fiber.
- Avoid drying in direct sunlight if possible because heat can cause Merino wool to shrink. If you must dry the item outside, cover it with a sheet.
- Avoid dry cleaning; you don’t want those chemicals anywhere near your fine Merino.
Further Reading:
Storing Merino Wool
Wash and completely dry your wool for the best protection against insect damage, then immediately store it for a long time.
If you want to store your Merino wool clothing for a long time, make sure to put it in an airtight container when not in use, like a Ziploc bag or plastic storage container. This will prevent moths, bugs, and other animals from eating your wool!
Your Merino wool clothing should be washed before being stored. Additionally, you can buy specific moth deterrents or traps to help with moth prevention. Because cedar repels moths, you can store your Merino wool clothing in a cedar chest or with cedar blocks to help prevent infestation.
Some detergents designed specifically for wool will also include ingredients that repel moths.
Conclusion: Care for Merino Wool
Each fabric needs care. Read the care label carefully before washing any Merino wool clothing. This will specify the ideal washing instructions for the garment, including the ideal water temperature and cycle. In general, hand wash in cold water, then hang to dry.
We want you to make an investment in a warm, cozy Merino wool garment. Please ask if you’re unsure; we’re here to help. We don’t want to hear horror stories about the time you put it in the machine because you weren’t sure.
FAQs
How Often Should You Wash Merino Wool?
The appeal of Merino wool is that you don’t have to do as much laundry thanks to its odor resistance. Most companies suggest you wash their garments after about 3-20 wear cycles.
Is Merino Wool Hard to Care For?
Merino wool garments are in fact quite easy to take care of and as they are naturally antibacterial they prevent odors and require less washing than cotton or synthetics. Additionally, Merino wool has excellent stain resistance.
How Long Can Merino Wool Last?
Because it doesn’t hold on to smell, Merino wool is frequently praised. In actuality, this entails that you can wear it for a number of days in a row, simply let it air out at night, and use it once more the following morning. If you don’t overdo it with activity, Merino can last for weeks without washing and smell.
Why is Merino Wool So Itchy?
The “itchiness” people associate with wool is determined by the diameter of the fibers used. Larger, broader fibers are less flexible and have less ability to bend, which results in a prick when pressed against the skin, causing the sensation of itch.
