While merino wool has the benefits of being largely wrinkle, odor and stain resistant, it still needs to be washed occasionally, especially if it gets soiled or sweats a lot. Learn how to protect this fine natural fiber with gentle washing, drying and stain removal.
Merino wool can be machine-washed in cold or lukewarm water on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softener. Lay the garment flat to dry to avoid shrinking and stretching. Low heat or air-drying is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause color fading.
1.Hand Washing
Buy a soap made just for wool. Merino wool requires a very gentle wash to keep its color from bleeding or damage its fine fibers. Use a shampoo, soap or detergent specially formulated for wool.
Fill the basin with soap and warm water. Measure out your wool washing soap according to the directions on the package. Add it to a basin with enough warm water to cover your clothes.
Soak your wool for 3-5 minutes. Submerge the merino wool sweater completely in water and let it soak for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, run water slowly and gently through the fleece for about a minute.
Rinse with warm water. Rinse the wool several times in mild, warm water to wash off the detergent. Continue rinsing until the suds in the water are mostly gone.
Squeeze out excess water. Take the garment and squeeze it to squeeze out as much water as possible.
2.Machine Washing
Wash smaller clothes in the washing machine. It's best to avoid washing larger garments, such as sweaters or leggings, in the washing machine. However, smaller Merino items, such as hats, socks or gloves, will hold their shape better.
Wash with like colors and fabrics. Prevent any potential damage from bleed-through of merino wool by washing it with similarly colored garments, such as dark, light or light colors. To minimize pilling of wool fibers, it's also a good idea to wash with similar weight clothing or harder fabrics such as canvas or denim.
Turn the garment inside out, especially if it has a print on it. To keep your merino wool from pilling or getting fuzzy on the outside, wash from the inside out.
Use a wool-specific cleaning solution. Merino wool requires a very mild soap to reduce bleeding or fiber damage. Wash with a shampoo or soap specially formulated for wool, or with a mild detergent free of bleach and fabric softener.
Pick the right cycle. You'll want to choose a gentle, delicate, or knitting cycle so the machine's rotation won't damage the wool fibers or the shape of the garment.
Set the correct temperature. You want to wash your merino wool at a steady warm, low or cold temperature. Warm water (about 30 degrees Celsius or 85 degrees Fahrenheit) is usually the best option, but be sure to check the care instructions on the clothing label to make sure you have temperature guidelines for your particular product.
CONCLUSION:
As we promise, taking care of your wool garments is simple and doesn't require a lot of time and effort on your part. Just remember to follow the manufacturer's recommendations, avoid heat, and keep away from harsh chemicals. Now that you know the basics, your merino wool clothing will take care of the rest.