How to wash merino wool jumpers

05 November 2024

Spoiler alert: yes, you can wash merino wool sweaters in the washing machine – as long as you follow certain guidelines. This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to wash merino wool jumpers so they stay in great condition for years to come.

If you’ve got a merino wool jumper (or a whole collection of them), you know merino clothing is something special. And it probably won’t come as any surprise that it needs a bit of TLC when it comes to washing it.

Merino wool is soft, breathable and naturally odour resistant. It’s naturally temperature regulating, too, and stays warm when wet. This helps prevent heat loss in damp and rainy conditions, and it’s just one of the reasons why we use it for our high-quality activewear.

Washing merino wool sweaters incorrectly can lead to shrinkage, loss of shape and damage to the delicate fibres. And how often to wash merino wool sweaters matters as much as how you wash them. Taking a moment now to find out how to wash merino wool jumpers will help yours stay warm, soft and beautiful to wear.

Understanding merino wool

Merino wool comes from merino sheep – thought to be one of the oldest sheep breeds in the world. We source our premium merino wool from merino sheep that roam the rugged landscapes of New Zealand, where temperatures range from a freezing -10 to 30°C.

When you think that the sheep's soft, fine fleeces allow them to feel comfortable through the hottest summers and the depths of winter – even high up in the mountains – you can see why their wool is so sought after. And why merino wool is especially popular for jumpers – it’s warm and cosy, and feels incredible next to the skin.

As well as being toasty, beautiful and super comfortable, merino wool is naturally resistant to odours. So if you’re wondering how often to wash merino wool sweaters, the answer is probably less often than you think, and certainly not every time you wear it. In fact, we recommend that you only wash your merino wool sweaters when they actually need it. Most of us probably wash our clothing more than we need to – but less frequent washing is better for the planet, your pocket and your merino jumper.

Before you wash your merino wool jumper

Can you wash merino wool sweaters? Of course! You can wash them on a cool wash in the washing machine, or by hand. A little pre-wash preparation will help you make sure you get the best results and keep your merino wool jumper looking and feeling its best.

Start by checking your jumper’s care label. If there are specific washing instructions, make sure you follow them.

Next, sort similar colours to wash with your jumper to prevent colours bleeding in the washing machine. Turn your jumper inside out before you wash it. This will help it keep its shape, and protect the soft merino fibres from damage through friction with other garments, or zippers.

The right detergent is important. Use a gentle one – a regular mild detergent is fine; a specialist wool detergent is even better.

Harsh detergents can strip merino wool of its natural oils. If that happens, your merino wool sweater will lose its natural softness, stretch and resilience, and become brittle and prone to damage. That’s easily avoided by making sure you’ve got the right product to wash it with.

Hand washing your merino wool jumper

If you want to stay in control of what happens to your merino wool sweater while it’s being washed, hand washing is the way to go. There are good environmental reasons to wash your jumper by hand, too.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to how to wash merino wool sweaters so they stay soft and retain all of their amazing natural qualities:

• 1. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water – no more than 30°C. No thermometer? No problem. If the water is cool or lukewarm to the touch, you’re on the right track.
• 2. Add a small amount of mild detergent: It’s fine to use a regular gentle laundry liquid or powder. Of course, a specialist wool detergent is a great option, too.
• 3. Dunk your jumper: Place your jumper in the water and swish it around gently. Don’t wring or stretch it.
• 4. Soak for 10-15 minutes: Leaving your jumper to soak means the detergent can work its magic without agitating the fabric.
• 5. Rinse through with cool water: Rinse your jumper with clean water until there are no traces of detergent left.
• 6. Gently press out excess water – don’t wring: Lay your merino wool sweater flat on a clean towel and roll it up. Pressing down gently on the towel removes excess water without stretching or damaging your jumper like wringing or twisting can.

Machine washing your merino wool jumper

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: yes, you can wash merino wool sweaters in the washing machine (that’s probably the most common question we get – closely followed by ‘can you wash merino wool sweaters’!).

This step-by-step guide tells you how to machine wash merino wool jumpers safely, so they stay in brilliant condition. (Do always check the care label on your jumper, though, in case there are specific washing instructions you need to follow.)

• 1. Choose a gentle cycle with a low spin speed: Hot water causes shrinking. 30°C or cooler is perfect, and a spin speed of around 500 revolutions per minute is ideal.
• 2. Use a gentle detergent: Harsh detergents can strip your merino wool jumper of its natural oils. A regular mild detergent is fine, but the best choice is a specialist wool detergent.
• 3. Avoid fabric softeners and bleach: These can damage the wool fibres and shorten the life of your merino wool jumpers.
• 4. Turn your merino wool sweater inside out: This gives it more protection against damage and helps it last longer. For even more peace of mind, put your merino jumper in a mesh laundry bag before you wash it.
• 5. After washing: Lay your jumper on a flat surface and check there’s been no shrinkage, fading or felting (areas where the fibres clump together).

Drying and storing your merino wool jumper

We’ve covered two ways you can wash merino wool sweaters, so now let’s talk about the best way to dry and store them. Because when it comes to helping your merino jumpers last longer and look great, that’s just as important as how you wash them.

The first rule of drying your merino wool jumper is never use a tumble dryer – even on a cool setting – as it can cause your garment to shrink and lose its shape. Don’t dry it on a radiator, either. Instead:

• Lay your merino jumper flat on a clean, dry towel or hang it carefully on a line or clothes horse in a way that won’t make it stretch.
• Reshape gently to its original shape as it dries.
• Keep it away from sunlight and heat sources like radiators, fires or wood-burning stoves, as excessive heat can damage the fibres.
• Fold merino wool sweaters rather than hanging them, as this can make them stretch.
• Ideally, store them in a breathable bag to stop moths and other pests munching on them.

Want more tips? Read more about caring for merino wool.

Common mistakes to avoid

Cared for the right way, merino wool jumpers are practical and beautiful pieces of clothing that can look and feel luxurious for a long time. If you don’t know how to wash merino wool sweaters properly, you can damage them. So make sure you avoid these common mistakes.

• Hot water: Hot water causes shrinking, and can make your jumper lose its natural elasticity. So always use cold or lukewarm water (30°C or less).
• Using harsh detergent: Harsh detergents attack your gorgeous jumper’s amazing natural oils. Use a mild one, or even better, a specialist wool detergent.
• Tumble drying: You guessed it – heat will make your merino sweater shrink. Don’t take the risk – air drying is easy, and fairly quick (plus it’s a lot cheaper).
• Washing too often: Washing merino wool too much can wear down the fibres. Most of us are guilty of throwing on the washing machine a little too frequently. But merino wool really doesn’t need it, because it’s naturally odour resistant. How often to wash your merino wool sweater? Only when you think it really needs it (you could try every two to three wears, or even less often).

Washing your merino wool jumper summary

To finish up, let’s go over the most important points about how to wash merino wool sweaters.

You can safely put your merino wool sweater in the washing machine. Make sure you use cool water to prevent shrinkage, though. Can you wash merino wool sweaters with regular detergent? You can, but make sure it’s a mild one. Even better is a detergent designed especially for washing wool.

Tumble drying is a hard no – even on the coolest setting. Air dry your merino wool jumper away from sunlight. Once it’s dry, fold your merino wool sweater rather than hanging it. Then pop it into a breathable bag before you put it away, to keep it safe from moths and other pests.

Now that you know how easy it is to care for merino wool, perhaps you’d like to try some merino magic for yourself. Our merino wool jumpers are perfect for all your outdoor adventures (and you might not want to take them off when you get home). Discover our women’s jumpers, or our fantastic range of men’s jumpers.

How to wash merino wool jumpers - FAQ

Can you machine wash merino wool jumpers?

Yes, you can machine wash merino wool jumpers. Just use a cool or cold water programme (30°C or less) and a low spin speed (not more than 500 revolutions per minute). As for how often to wash merino wool sweaters, less is more, as they’re naturally odour resistant.

Can you wash 100% merino wool?

You can wash 100% merino wool, either by hand or in the machine. However you wash it, it’s important to follow the care instructions on the label and to avoid hot water and harsh detergents.

How do you wash a merino wool sweater without shrinking it?

Heat and harsh detergents are the main culprits when it comes to shrinking merino wool clothing. So wash your sweater on a cool programme (less than 30°C) with a mild detergent, and don’t tumble dry it.

Can you machine wash a merino wool sweater?

Yes, you can machine wash a merino wool sweater. Because merino wool has incredible qualities (it’s odour resistant, naturally elastic and temperature regulating), it does need special care. To avoid shrinkage and damage, use a cool wash with a low spin speed.