How to Wash and Care for Your Merino Wool Clothing

Properly washing and caring for your merino wool clothing is essential to ensure it performs at its best for many years.

Merino wool has natural odour resistance, but that's not an excuse to never wash your base layer! In this article, we will walk you through some simple steps you can take to ensure your merino clothes come out clean and fresh every time.

1. Can you wash merino wool clothing?
2. How to wash merino wool clothing
3. Merino wool washing FAQs
4. How to care for your merino clothing so it last longer
5. Professional aftercare services

Can you wash merino wool clothing?

Yes, and you should! The reason some people are cautious about washing is their fear of shrinking their garment. Water by itself does not shrink wool, the culprit tends to be excessive heat and friction in the washing process. We are going to tell you how to avoid this.

How often should you wash merino clothing?

Thanks to wool's natural properties you will not need to wash it as often as synthetic fibres. This is great when you are on a big adventure, it saves water and is good for the environment! Out on the trail you should easily get 3-4 days of use out of a baselayer before needing a wash. You may feel more comfortable washing socks and underwear more regularly - you may be surprised how far you can push it!

How to wash merino clothing

Before you start: Wool garments can shrink when exposed to the high heat and friction generated by washing machines and dryers. Never wash above 30˚C and do not tumble dry.

1. Empty any pockets, do up your zips and turn your garments inside out.
2. Hand wash. This is the safest way to wash your merino wool garment. Check your bowl is clean and soak your clothing for 10 – 20 minutes in lukewarm water with a few drops of detergent. Gently agitate your clothing, then rinse thoroughly in clean water. Squeeze your garment dry, do not tightly wring it!
3. Machine wash. Set your washing machine to a delicate cycle no higher than 30˚C and use a liquid detergent such as Ecover, Delicate, Nikwax Woolwash or pure soap.
4. Dry your Merino clothing flat or hang it somewhere airy and out of direct sunlight.
5. Store your clothing away from moths. If there is one thing hungry moths crave, it is delicious merino wool fibres.

Merino wool washing FAQs

Here is a summary of some things you should do, and not do, to keep your wool wearable for as long as possible.

Can I tumble dry merino wool?

Never tumble-dry your Merino wool clothing. The high heat can shrink or misshape your garment.

Can I wash merino wool in hot water?

We have already said this, but it is worth reiterating as it is the most common reason people shrink their garments. Never wash your merino in water hotter than 30˚C.

What about merino wool / synthetic blends?

Merino wool / synthetic blends, such as those found in our Merino boxers and Long Johns have increased durability and are less susceptible to shrinkage, however, we still recommend treating them with the same loving care you would give to your 100% pure wool garments.

Is it better to use liquid detergent or washing powder to wash merino?

Always use a gentle liquid detergent or liquid soap flakes. Do not use powder-based detergents because particles can cause wear to your clothes inside the washing machine and leave a residue that will cling to the fibres and inhibit their ability to wick moisture away from your body.

Can I use a fabric conditioner to wash merino wool?

No! Fabric softeners interfere with your clothes' natural moisture-wicking and odour-resistant properties. Merino wool fibres are also much finer than standard wool and naturally soft.

How to care for your merino clothing so it lasts longer

Merino wool is a natural product and can be repaired when it shows signs of wear and tear. Here are some pointers:

How to repair merino wool rips, tears and holes

Snags, tears and troublesome holes are easily mended by darning with a silk sewing thread. Patch up any holes as soon as possible to prevent tiny pinpricks from growing.

How to stop your merino wool from pilling

Pilling is a natural process and happens when the shorter Merino fibres find their way to the surface of the fabric. To prevent pilling, we recommend washing your Merino clothing before you wear it.

Professional aftercare services

Each of our stores has a Repair Station where our gear technicians can look after your kit for you. We believe mending is better than ending and in 2022 we made over 7100 repairs. We've now made it even easier to keep your kit going by launching our online wash and repair service. If you're not near any of our stores, send us your tired gear and our repair heroes will give it some TLC.