Professional Care Guide for Merino Wool Garments
Merino wool is a fantastic, natural fiber known for its softness, temperature regulation, and odor resistance. With proper care, your merino wool clothing can last for many years. Here’s how to do it the right way.
Step-by-Step Washing Instructions:
· Check the Care Label: Always start here. It's your garment's bible.
· Turn Garments Inside Out: This minimizes pilling and surface friction.
· Use Cold Water: Always. Hot water can cause felting and shrinkage.
· Choose the Right Detergent: Use a mild detergent specifically designed for wool or delicates. Regular detergents, especially those with enzymes or bleach, are too harsh and will damage the fibers.
· Fill a clean sink or basin with cold water.
· Add a small amount of your wool detergent and swish to dissolve.
· Submerge the garment and gently agitate it for 2-3 minutes. Don't wring, scrub, or stretch the fabric.
· Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
· Drain the soapy water and gently press the garment against the sink to remove water. Refill with cold water to rinse, or if using a no-rinse detergent, you can skip this step.cosmopolis.
· Use your machine's "Delicate," "Hand Wash," or "Wool" cycle.
· Always place the garment in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
· Use cold water and the gentle spin cycle.
What to AVOID:
· 🚫 NEVER use fabric softener. It coats the fibers, reducing their natural moisture-wicking and odor-resistant properties.
· 🚫 NEVER use bleach or stain removers.
· 🚫 NEVER wring or twist the garment to remove water.
· Lay Flat to Dry: This is the single most important step for maintaining the shape of your merino wool clothes.Roll the garment in a clean, dry towel and press gently to absorb excess water.Lay it flat on a fresh, dry towel or a mesh drying rack. Reshape it to its original dimensions.
· Avoid Hangers: Hanging a wet merino wool garment will cause it to stretch out and lose its shape permanently.
· Keep Away from Direct Heat & Sunlight: Avoid placing it directly on or near radiators, heaters, or in direct sunlight, as this can weaken the fibers.
· Always fold your merino wool items and store them in a drawer or on a shelf.
· Hanging can cause shoulders to stretch and the garment to lose its form over time.
· For long-term storage, ensure the garments are clean and store them in a breathable cotton bag (not plastic) to protect from moths. Cedar balls or blocks are a natural, pleasant-smelling moth deterrent.
· Wrinkles: Merino wool is naturally resistant to wrinkles. If needed, use a steamer on a low setting, holding it a few inches away from the fabric. You can also use an iron on the lowest "wool" setting with steam, but always use a pressing cloth between the iron and the garment.
· Pilling: Those little fuzzy balls are normal, especially in high-friction areas (like under the arms). They do not mean the garment is ruined! Use a cashmere/wool comb or a fabric shaver to gently remove them.
· Stains: Treat stains immediately. Gently dab (don't rub) the spot with a cloth dipped in a solution of cold water and a few drops of mild wool detergent. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse the area with cold water.
Quick-Care Cheat Sheet
· WASH: Cold water only. Use a wool-specific detergent.
· DRY: Always lay flat.
· STORE: Fold, never hang.
· GOLDEN RULE: Treat it gently—your merino wool will reward you with years of comfortable wear.
By following these simple steps, you'll keep your merino wool investment soft, shapely, and performing at its best for a long, long time.