How To Wash & Care
for Your Merino Wool.
icebreaker garments are designed to be easy for you to care for.
Merino Wool Care: Do’s and Don’ts
Do: • Follow the garment care label instructions • Wash merino wool inside out on a cold, gentle cycle • Use a mild, wool-safe or eco-friendly detergent • Pre-treat stains with a wool-safe remover or diluted vinegar • Air dry garments flat in the shade • Use a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate items • Store garments clean, dry, and folded in breathable cotton or canvas bags Don’t: • Wash merino in hot water or use a high-speed spin cycle • Use bleach, fabric softener, or harsh detergents • Tumble dry (unless the care label says it's safe) • Wring, stretch, or twist garments when wet • Iron on high heat settings • Store damp garments or use plastic storage bags • Mix merino with heavy or abrasive fabrics like denim during washing • Over wash! Let merino's natural odor resistance do the work
Garments and odor.
Merino fibers absorb and release moisture to help manage odors.
The fibers work this way in our garments the same as they do in the sheep that supply our merino. We strongly recommend that you only wash your garments using the specific care instructions on the garments label.
FAQs about merino wool care.
We recommend that you wash your icebreaker garments following the specific care instructions on the garments label or in the products care section onsite using regular powder or liquid detergent, unless the garment is dry clean only. Separate light and darks as usual. Don’t use softeners or bleach.
Some icebreaker merino garments are suitable for dry cleaning. Please check the garments label to see if your garment can be dry cleaned.
Merino bounces back into shape easily after washing, so you may find that you don’t need to iron your merino at all. Refer to the specific care instructions on the garments label for drying instructions.
Most icebreaker garments should be air dried flat in the shade. However, some items (like select socks) are tumble-dry safe. Always check the care label first, and if tumble drying is allowed, use the lowest possible heat setting.
Hot water can cause merino wool to shrink or lose its shape. If this happens, gently reshape the garment while it’s damp and let it air dry flat. Unfortunately, irreversible shrinkage can occur. Stick to cold water and a gentle cycle to avoid this.
Merino wool is naturally odor-resistant. To refresh between washes, simply air garments out in a well-ventilated space. Hanging them overnight is often enough to eliminate light odors caused by sweat or wear.
No. Fabric softeners coat the fibers and reduce merino’s natural breathability and moisture-wicking performance. Skip the softener entirely to preserve performance.
It’s not recommended. Vacuum-sealed plastic bags can trap moisture and lead to mildew or fiber damage over time. Use breathable cotton or canvas storage bags to allow airflow and protect your garments from pests.
For heavier or structured pieces like jackets or dresses, hanging is fine but just use a wide, padded hanger to avoid shoulder bumps. For lighter items like base layers or tees, folding is the better option to maintain shape.
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