How to wash merino wool? A complete care guide.
Merino wool does not require washing as frequently as cotton or synthetic materials. Its natural properties help minimize odor absorption, so thoroughly airing out the garment is often sufficient.
When washing does become necessary, the most important factors are choosing the right cycle, using a low temperature and a gentle detergent, and ensuring proper drying.
However, not all merino products require the same care. A lightweight single-jersey T-shirt is washed differently than a boiled wool or "Teddy" knit jacket.
In this guide, we explain how to properly care for specific Basic Wool products so they retain their shape, structure, and properties for many seasons.
Does merino wool need to be washed often?
No.
Merino wool retains its properties best when not washed after every use. In most cases, simply hanging the garment in a well-ventilated area after wearing it—allowing the fibers to rest—is enough.
It is a good idea to let T-shirts, sweatshirts, or trousers air out for a few hours. Jackets and vests can be aired out on a wide hanger, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Washing is necessary only when the product is visibly soiled or when airing it out is no longer sufficient.
The golden rule: always check the label.
Before cleaning the product, check the information on the care label.
Merino wool comes in various forms and fabric weights. Lightweight jersey knit behaves differently than boiled merino wool or Teddy-style fleece.
Therefore, a single washing method should not be used for all wool products.
At Basic Wool, we divide our products into two main groups:
Boiled merino wool or teddy knit jackets and vests; professional dry cleaning is recommended.
Machine-washable merino knitwear.
Step-by-step machine washing
- Turn the garment inside out.
- Close zippers and empty pockets.
- Select only the wool wash cycle.
- Set the temperature to a maximum of 30°C.
- Set the spin speed to a maximum of 600 rpm.
- Use a small amount of wool-specific detergent.
- Do not use fabric softener.
- Remove the garment from the washing machine immediately after the cycle ends.
Do not use a standard delicates cycle if your washing machine has a dedicated wool cycle. The wool cycle operates differently, limiting the intense drum movements that can cause the material to felt.
Which detergent should I choose for merino?
Choose a detergent specifically designed for wool. Standard detergents may contain ingredients intended for heavy-duty cleaning of cotton or synthetic fabrics, which can be too harsh for natural wool fibers.
Do not use:
• fabric softener
• bleach
• strong stain removers
• enzyme-based detergents intended for regular laundry
• household remedies based on baking soda or vinegar without testing their effect on the fabric first
Fabric softener is not necessary. It can build up on the fibers and impair the natural properties of merino wool.
Why a maximum of 30°C?
Wool does not tolerate high temperatures or sudden temperature changes.
Water that is too hot, combined with movement and friction, can cause the knit fabric to shrink, clump, or felt.
Therefore, merino products should be washed at a maximum temperature of 30°C. They should also not be rinsed in water with a significantly different temperature.
Why set the spin speed to a maximum of 600 rpm?
A low spin speed helps remove excess water without excessively stretching or crushing the delicate fibers.
Excessive spin speeds can alter the garment's shape, particularly with thin T-shirts, dresses, and looser-fitting styles.
A maximum of 600 rpm is a safe setting for machine-washable Basic Wool merino knitwear.
Can merino be hand-washed?
Yes, but hand-washing must also be done gently.
Use lukewarm water (max. 30°C) and a wool-specific detergent. Do not rub or vigorously knead the fabric, and do not leave the garment soaking in water for an extended period.
Do not wring out the product after washing.
You can gently squeeze out excess water, then lay the garment on a towel and carefully roll it up so the towel absorbs the moisture.
How should merino wool be dried?
Merino knitwear is best dried flat.
After washing, gently reshape the garment. Smooth out the sleeves, seams, legs, and edges, then lay the product flat on a dry surface or towel.
Do not dry merino:
• in a tumble dryer
• directly on a radiator
• near a fireplace
• using hot air
• in direct, intense sunlight
• on a thin hanger, if the wet product might stretch
Drying flat helps maintain the garment's shape and reduces the risk of the knit stretching under the weight of the water.
How should boiled merino wool jackets be cared for?
Boiled merino wool jackets do not require frequent cleaning.
After wearing, simply letting the jacket air out thoroughly is usually sufficient. Minor soiling can be gently removed by spot-cleaning, without vigorous rubbing or soaking the entire garment.
If the jacket requires a full cleaning, we recommend professional dry cleaning in accordance with the care label instructions.
Jackets made of boiled Merino wool should not be machine-washed or hand-washed.
They should also not be tumble-dried, bleached, or exposed to high temperatures.
How should Teddy knitwear products be cared for?
Teddy-textured pile knit has a distinctive, soft, three-dimensional structure.
To preserve their appearance, we do not recommend machine or hand washing Teddy products. In most cases, airing the product out thoroughly is sufficient.
If the jacket or vest requires cleaning, we recommend professional dry cleaning in accordance with the care label instructions.
We also do not recommend washing Teddy products before their first use.
Do not tumble dry, bleach, or expose them to intense friction or high temperatures.
What should you do about a small stain?
The sooner you act, the greater the chance that washing the entire product won't be necessary.
First, gently remove any excess dirt with a clean cloth. Do not rub the stain deeper into the fabric.
Next, use cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of wool detergent. Gently dab the stained area with a damp cloth without rubbing vigorously.
Before using a cleaning agent, it is advisable to test it on an inconspicuous area.
For stubborn stains, or for boiled wool and Teddy knit products, using a professional dry cleaner is the safest option.
Does merino need to be washed before the first use?
There is no need to do so.
Basic Wool products are ready to wear upon receipt. We do not recommend washing Teddy jackets or boiled merino wool products before the first use.
T-shirts and other knitwear suitable for washing in water can also be worn immediately. If you decide to wash them, use the wool cycle and follow all the instructions on the care label.
Can merino wool pill?
Yes. Slight pilling of natural merino wool during use is normal and does not constitute a product defect.
Small pills most often appear in areas subject to regular friction, such as under the arms, near a bag strap, under a backpack, or on the sides of the garment.
The extent of pilling depends on factors such as the type of knit, the garment's construction, and how it is used.
Minor pilling can be carefully removed using a fabric shaver designed for knitwear. Lay the garment on a flat surface and do not press the device down too hard.
How should merino garments be stored?
Ensure the garment is completely clean and dry before storing it.
Knitwear, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and trousers are best stored folded. Storing heavy knitwear on a hanger for a long time can cause it to stretch out of shape.
Jackets can be stored on wide, properly contoured hangers.
It is a good idea to leave enough space in the wardrobe for air circulation. You can also use natural scents like cedar or lavender, remembering to refresh them regularly.
Common mistakes when washing merino
Most wool care issues arise from using the wrong wash cycle or a temperature that is too high.
Common mistakes include:
• washing on a standard cycle instead of the wool cycle
• setting the temperature above 30°C
• using a high spin speed
• using standard powder or a strong detergent
• adding fabric softener
• vigorously rubbing or wringing out the fabric
• tumble drying
• drying directly on a radiator
• hanging up a heavy, wet item
• machine washing Teddy jackets and boiled wool items
Care for it gently, wear it for many seasons.
Proper care for merino wool is simple. The key is to avoid frequent washing and to use the wool cycle, a maximum temperature of 30°C, a spin speed of up to 600 rpm, and a detergent designed for natural fibers.
Boiled wool jackets and "Teddy" style products are best aired out regularly; for heavy soiling, take them to a professional dry cleaner.
With mindful care, merino wool products can retain their shape, softness, and aesthetic appeal for many seasons.
Leave a Reply