Can you wash Merino wool? What steps do you have to take to maintain wool? Is Merino wool care worth the effort? These are common questions people ask because they think Merino wool is difficult to maintain when in reality, it’s one of the easiest fabrics to care for. It's machine-washable and requires less washing than other fabrics because it’s stain-resistant and has natural antibacterial properties that prevent odors.
Though Merino wool is easy to care for, a few extra steps are required to keep your wool products safe while washing. We put together this guide to help you learn how to wash Merino wool to ensure your products last.
What Is Merino Wool Made Of?
Merino wool is a natural fiber produced by Merino sheep. It’s softer and thinner than other wool types, making it great for bedding and clothing. Merino wool is natural, helps regulate body temperature, resists odor, and wicks moisture to keep you warm and comfortable.
How to Handwash Merino Wool
Merino wool is relatively easy to wash and maintain. Follow these steps and tips for proper Merino wool care.
Step 1 - Check the Label
The most important step in Merino wool care is to check the label. Some labels will suggest hand-washing, while others will provide specific instructions for how to wash your Merino wool product in the washing machine. Following the steps listed on the label is the best way to ensure your Merino wool is properly cared for.
Step 2 - Try Hand-Washing Merino Wool
Most Merino wool is machine-washable, but hand-washing is sometimes the safest method. Here’s how to wash Merino wool by hand.
Step 3 - Opt for a Gentle Wool Soap
Get a gentle washing soap specifically made for wool. This will prevent damaging the fine wool fibers.
Step 4 - Use Cool Water
Fill a water basin with enough cool water to cover your wool items. Add your soap according to the soap package’s instructions.
Step 5 - Soak
After submerging your wool items in the water, let them soak for three to five minutes.
Use your hands to gently agitate the water for one minute.
Step 6 - Rinse & Ring
Rinse your items several times in a gentle stream of warm water. Keep rinsing until the water is free of suds. Ring or squeeze as much water out of your items as you can. However, avoid twisting your wool to remove the water.
How to Machine Wash Merino Wool
Merino wool is known for being easy to wash and can even withstand the washing machine. However, you should follow some simple steps to avoid damaging your Merino wool products.
Step 1 - Choose the wool or delicate cycle option on your washing machine.
Step 2 - Set your machine to use cool or warm (not hot) water.
Step 3- Use a low spin mode for your Merino wool products.
Step 4 - Use a gentle detergent that is safe for wool products.
Step 5 - Turn your wool garments inside out, especially if the garment contains any printing.
Step 6 - Wash your products with like colors to avoid damage from potential color bleeding.
Step 7 - Once your wool has finished washing, immediately remove it from the washing machine to prevent wrinkles.
Drying and Pressing Merino Wool
After washing your Merino wool items, lay them flat on a drying rack. Don’t put Merino wool in the dryer or hang wet wool items. To speed up the drying process, you can lay your items flat on a clean towel, then roll them up in the towel to remove extra water.
Avoid drying your wool items in direct sunlight or near a heat source like a radiator because they can damage the wool or cause it to shrink or yellow.
Use a low iron temperature to remove wrinkles. Avoid high heat settings, as these can cause discoloration in your wool. You can also steam your wool products for wrinkle removal.
Stain Removal
Remove stains immediately by rinsing the stained spot with cold water and dabbing it out with a soft dry cloth. Don’t rub the stained area, as this may cause the stain to set into the wool fabric.
You can treat stubborn stains with wool soaps by dabbing a small amount of the detergent onto the stain, letting it soak for a couple of minutes, then rinsing it in cold water.
Try Merino Wool Bedding for Better Sleep
Now that you know how to wash Merino wool and how easy it is to maintain, it’s time to look for products that can bring more comfort to your life. Switching to Merino wool bedding is a great place to start. Not only is Merino wool bedding easy to clean, but it’s also great for sleep health.
Studies show that switching to Merino wool bedding can improve your sleep by 25% by increasing the amount of regenerative sleep you get. Plus, it’s naturally temperature-regulating and hypoallergenic, helping you get the healthy, happy sleep you deserve.
Merino Wool Care Tips
Consider these tips to keep your Merino wool products looking fresh and lasting as long as possible.
Recommended Detergent
Choose a soap or detergent explicitly made for wool. If you don’t have any wool-specific detergent, you can wash your wool with a mild soap that has a neutral pH. An example is clear, fragrance-free dishwashing liquid made for sensitive skin. Avoid using fabric softeners and products that contain bleach when washing Merino wool.
Storing Away
When storing your Merino wool products, ensure they’re completely dry. Then store them in a plastic box or storage bag to keep bugs out. You can also wrap them in clean cotton fabric to protect them from condensation.
Fixing Merino Wool
Your Merino wool can shrink if you use the wrong detergent, wash it on the wrong machine setting, or put it in the dryer. Fortunately, you can save most wool products by following these steps.
- Fill a tub with lukewarm water.
- Dissolve a wool-specific condition in the water.
- Let your wool product soak for 10 to 30 minutes.
- Squeeze out excess water and lay flat on a towel, sheet, or blanket.
- Roll it up in a towel to absorb excess water.
- Gently stretch the item in small sections until it has reached its original size.
- Let it dry on a towel.
For more information on the different type of wool, benefits of wool, and tips for care and cleaning, visit the Woolroom Learning Center.