Washing merino wool: 4 tips for gentle cleaning

Compared to synthetic materials, merino wool offers you enormous advantages. It is temperature-regulating, antibacterial, quick-drying, light, and soft – without itching. Due to all its properties, merino socks and co. even stay "fresh" over a longer period. 

But eventually, you will of course need to wash merino underwear. How to do this and what to consider when washing merino, you will learn in the following guide. 

Washing Merino Wool: Here's How 

Many people get short of breath just thinking about washing their wool products. No wonder! After all, wool shrinks quickly. But from now on, you can be completely relaxed.

Merino washing is entirely different. If you follow the following tips, you will enjoy your merino clothing for a long time. 

Can you wash merino wool in the washing machine? 

Yes! You can wash it in the washing machine without worry. However, be sure that your merino wool is not washed too hot.

• 60 degrees and more are harmful to the natural product!
• Merino wool also does not like spinning. Therefore, conventional washing programs are not suitable.

At 30° C in the delicate or wool wash cycle, however, you can wash merino without worry. The best detergent for merino wool is a pH-neutral wool detergent without protease. Why? You will find out shortly!

Which detergent for merino wool?

The wool can withstand ordinary detergent, but it can lead to it becoming "harder" over time. This is often because protease is included. This enzyme ensures that protein-based stains are removed.

However, protease can also destroy the protein-based wool fibers. Therefore, you should rather avoid it and use pH-neutral detergent for merino wool.

Under no circumstances should you use bleach or fabric softener! These also attack the natural fiber. As a simple handwashing detergent, shampoo is often sufficient.

What to consider when cleaning in the washing machine 

As with "normal" laundry, it is advisable to wash dark and light products separately to prevent discoloration.

Before washing, you should turn all garments inside out and close any zippers.

You achieve the best result when washing merino if you wash it separately, without other materials.

How to wash merino wool by hand? 

On a longer hike or vacation, a washing machine is not always available. But with merino wool, this is not a problem. The tried and tested hand wash is also suitable for washing merino socks:

Step 1:

Fill a bowl, bathtub, or sink with lukewarm water.

Step 2:

Add some wool detergent or pH-neutral shampoo.

Step 3:

Now wash your merino clothing gently. Avoid wringing and vigorous rubbing.

If there are stains, you can also soak socks and other items.

Step 4:

Rinse the merino wool with clear water. You can gently press out any water residues.

By the way: You can also wash other merino clothing, such as your merino underwear, this way.

My merino wool shrunk during washing: What can I do?

If merino wool is washed too hot, the fibers shorten and the wool shrinks. Too much spinning can also cause shrinking. But don't panic! With the following trick, you can relax both the wool and your nerves.

1. Fill a bowl or sink with lukewarm water. Dissolve some baby shampoo or hair conditioner in it.
   
   
2. Soak your shrunken merino wool in it for at least 30 minutes.
   
   
3. Lay it flat on a towel.
   
   
4. Now you can gently (!) stretch it on all sides. Do not pull and tear at the wool to avoid damaging it.
   
   
5. Cover your garment with another towel and gently press out the moisture.
   
   
6. Afterwards, you can carefully reshape the wool during drying.
   

If your merino clothing still doesn't have the desired size, you can repeat the process!

If your stretching was successful, wash your clothing once more at 30 degrees in the wool program to remove all shampoo residues. Use detergent for merino wool or regular wool detergent.

Properly drying merino wool

Merino wool does not like hot temperatures. This applies to both washing and drying. Therefore, you should never (!) put it in the dryer.

After washing Merino products, you should simply shake them out briefly and then hang them up or lay them flat to dry.

Preventing Lint

During the production of wool, shorter wool fibers often creep in. These short fibers can eventually reach the surface and form small knots.

Expert tip: Lint can be prevented by occasionally washing Merino products together with rougher products in the washing machine (e.g., denim clothing).

This way, the knots are rubbed off before they even felt. However, you should definitely use the delicate or wool wash cycle to prevent the wool from shrinking accidentally.

Storing Merino Wool After Washing

Clothing should only be stored in a clean condition – this prevents the accumulation of odors, stains, and dirt. We recommend not hanging Merino after washing and drying, but storing it folded.

Additionally, a moth protection in the wardrobe has proven effective in protecting Merino wool.

Ironing Products Made from Merino Wool

Merino returns to its original shape after washing, making ironing unnecessary. Small wrinkles can be easily hung out.

If the Merino wool product does need to be ironed, set the iron to a low temperature or a special wool program and be sure to turn a printed garment inside out.

Conclusion

As you can see, Merino wool is a very easy-care natural product, which offers enormous advantages, especially on longer hiking tours or trekking adventures. Thanks to its antibacterial properties, it is not necessary to wash Merino clothing often.

Even underwear and socks can be worn for several days without worry. And if you want to wash your Merino socks & Co., they are ready for use again in no time. Merino wool is particularly quick-drying.

We at ALPIN LOACKER love our Merino products and even wear them in everyday life. When will you discover your love for this easy-care natural product?

FAQ

Can you wash Merino wool with shampoo?

Yes, if no suitable detergent for Merino wool is available, you can also use pH-neutral shampoo.

Do you need to wash Merino wool before wearing it for the first time?

Since our merino clothing is produced free of harmful substances, you don't need to wash it before wearing it for the first time.

Can you wash merino wool with vinegar?

Even though it sounds unusual, you can actually add a splash of vinegar during the final rinse to remove any lime residues and keep the fibers soft. 

Why does merino wool smell after washing?

Merino wool only smells after washing if it hasn't been dried properly. You are probably familiar with this phenomenon from other laundry. If the humidity is too high, the fibers cannot dry properly. 

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