How to Shrink a Merino Wool Sweater? Steps to Follow
If you want to shrink a Merino wool sweater, you need to be careful not to damage it. Here are the steps to follow.
Most people agree that Merino wool makes high-quality clothing. It has a high-end appearance and feel, and it also fits perfectly. But how long will it last? Merino wool shrinks, though. If put in the dryer or washing machine, some Merino wool sweaters do shrink.
But can you shrink a Merino wool sweater if it is too big for you? Yes. Here is how to shrink your Merino wool sweater and care for Merino wool.
How to Shrink a Merino Wool Sweater?
Shrinking a garment made of Merino wool can be done by following these steps:
- Warm water and mild detergent should be added to a sink or basin. Avoid using hot water or abrasive detergents because they can harm the fibers of wool.
- Put the garment in the water and give it a gentle stir. Avoid stretching or damaging the wool’s fibers by not wringing or twisting it.
- To get rid of all detergent residue, give the item a thorough rinse in warm water.
- Lay the item flat on a towel to dry after gently pressing any excess water out of it. The weight of the wet wool can stretch the fabric and change the shape of the garment, so avoid hanging it to dry.
- When the garment has dried, you can further reduce its size by lightly steaming or ironing it on a low setting while placing a damp cloth between the iron and the wool.
- Be aware that some Merino wool clothing has been treated to prevent shrinkage; therefore, before beginning the process, you might check for care instructions on the tag.
Keep in mind that shrinking wool may alter the fit and appearance of your garment; therefore, it is crucial to test a small, discrete area before treating the entire item.
How Do You Wash Merino Wool Without Shrinking?
While you can machine wash Merino wool socks, we recommend hand washing them to extend their “life.” Merino wool can avoid shrinking by being hand-washed. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Your Merino wool needs at least 15 minutes of soaking.
- Your Merino wool should be hand-washed in cold or warm water.
- Use a mild detergent.
- Anything containing bleach or harsh chemicals should be avoided.
- Your Merino wool clothing needs only a light wash.
- Gently squeeze any extra water out.
- While washing, avoid twisting or wringing the fabric.
You can prevent shrinking when cleaning your Merino wool items by hand-washing them in cold water.
The notion of fabric shrinkage is widespread in the clothing industry. There are various kinds of fabrics and each reacts to washing in a different way. The manufacturer should have their fabrics tested before releasing them into the market. Below are the most common questions about shrinking clothes:
Conclusion: Shrink Merino Wool Sweater
Even though shrinking a Merino wool sweater can be tricky, done properly, it can produce a perfectly tailored item. You can reduce the size of your Merino wool sweater without harming the fibers or changing the shape by following these instructions.
To keep the sweater’s quality over time, keep in mind to handle it gently throughout the procedure and to refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions.
FAQs
Is It Easy to Shrink Merino Wool?
After washing, does Merino wool shrink? Being able to stretch and reshape itself, Merino is nature’s performance fiber. Writer Marie Knowles explains why icebreaker Merino is durable and long-wearing and won’t shrink in the wash. Use a standard warm or cool machine wash cycle and common liquid or powder detergent.
Can You Shrink Merino Wool in the Dryer?
When heated, Merino wool will feel like other types of wool. Putting your Merino wool in the tumble dryer will therefore mean it starts felting and will cause it to shrink. On the labels of the majority of Merino wool products, it is stated that tumble drying is not recommended.
What Shrinks Merino Wool?
Moisture, heat, and agitation are the three main culprits behind shrinking Merino wool – but we can use some elements of those factors to reverse the shrinking process, too.
