Merino wool offers you enormous advantages compared to synthetic materials. It is temperature-regulating, antibacterial, quick-drying, light and soft - without being itchy. Thanks to all its properties, merino socks and co. even stay "fresh" for a longer period of time.
But of course you will also have to wash merino underwear at some point. You can find out how to do this and what to bear in mind when washing merino in the following guide.
How to wash merino wool
Many people gasp at the mere thought of washing their wool products. No wonder! After all, wool shrinks quickly. But from now on you can rest easy.
Merino washing is completely different. If you follow these tips, you will enjoy your merino clothing for a long time.
Can I wash merino wool in the washing machine?
Yes, you can wash them in the washing machine without hesitation. However, make sure that your merino wool is not washed too hot.
- 60 degrees and above are poison for the natural product!
- Merino wool does not like the spin cycle either. Therefore, conventional washing programs are not suitable.
However, you can wash merino at 30° C on a delicate or wool cycle without hesitation. Incidentally, the best detergent for merino wool is a pH-neutral wool detergent without protease. Why? You'll find out in a moment!
Which detergent for merino wool?
Wool can withstand ordinary detergent, but it can cause it to become "harder" in the long term. This is because it often contains protease. This enzyme ensures that stains containing protein are removed.
However, protease can also destroy the protein-containing wool fibers. That's why you should avoid it and use a pH-neutral detergent for merino wool.
Under no circumstances should you use bleach or fabric softener! These also damage the natural fibers. Shampoo is often sufficient as a simple hand wash.
You need to pay attention to this when cleaning in the washing machine
As with "normal" laundry, it is advisable to wash dark and light-colored products separately to prevent discoloration.
Before washing, you should turn all garments inside out and close any zippers.
You will achieve the best results when washing merino if you wash it separately, i.e. without other materials.
How do you wash merino wool by hand?
A washing machine is not always available on a long hike or on vacation. But this is no problem with merino wool. 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 a little wool detergent or pH-neutral shampoo.
Step 3:
Now carefully wash out your Meriono clothing. However, you should avoid wringing and vigorous rubbing.
If there are stains, you can also soak socks and the like.
Step 4:
Then rinse the merino wool under clear water. You can carefully squeeze out any water residue.
By the way: You can also wash other merino clothing, such as your merino underwear, in the same way.
My merino wool has 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 lead to shrinkage. But don't panic! With the following trick, you can relax both wool and your nerves.
- Fill a bowl or the sink with lukewarm water. Dissolve some baby shampoo or hair conditioner in it.
- Soak your shrunken merino wool in it for at least 30 minutes.
- Spread them out lying on a towel.
- Now you can stretch carefully (!) on all sides. However, do not pull or tear the wool to avoid damaging it.
- Cover your garment with another towel and carefully squeeze out the moisture.
- You can then carefully pull the wool back into shape as it dries.
If your merino garment is still not the size you want, you can repeat the process!
However, if your stretching was successful, wash your clothes again at 30 degrees on the wool program to remove any shampoo residue. Use detergent for merino wool or normal wool detergent.
Merino wool dry properly
Merino wool does not like hot temperatures. This applies equally to washing and drying. That's why you should never (!) put it in the tumble dryer.
Merino products should simply be shaken out briefly after washing and then hung up or dried flat.
Prevent lint
When making wool, shorter wool threads always creep in. These short threads can come to the surface over time and mat into small knots.
Expert tip: Linting can be prevented by occasionally putting merino products in the washing machine together with rougher products (e.g. denim garments).
This way, the knots are rubbed off before they become matted. However, you should also use the delicate or wool wash cycle here so that the wool does not shrink accidentally.
Storing merino wool after washing
Garments should only be stored in a clean condition - this prevents odors, stains and dirt accumulation. We recommend that you do not hang up Merino after washing and drying, but store it folded.
Moth protection in the closet has also proven to be a good way of protecting merino wool.
Ironing merino wool products
Merino springs back to its original shape after washing and makes ironing unnecessary. Small creases can be easily removed.
If the merino wool product does need to be ironed, set the iron to a low temperature or a special wool program and always 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.
You can even wear underwear and socks for several days without worrying. And if you want to wash your merino socks & co., they are ready for use again in no time at all. 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 you don't have a suitable detergent for merino wool to hand, you can also use pH neutral shampoo.
Do I have to wash merino wool before wearing it for the first time?
As our merino clothing is produced without harmful substances, you do not need to wash it before wearing it for the first time.
Can you wash merino wool with vinegar?
Even if it sounds unusual: You can actually add a sip of vinegar during the last rinse to remove any limescale residue and keep the fibers soft.
Why does merino wool stink after washing?
Merino wool only stinks after washing if it has not been dried properly. You are probably also familiar with this phenomenon from other laundry. If the humidity is too high, the fibers cannot dry properly.
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1 Comment
I have an alpinloacker shirt and am delighted with it. I'm now buying one for my husband too.