How to wash merino wool socks

20 September 2024

So you’ve got yourself some soft, cosy merino wool socks for your outdoor adventures. They fit beautifully and feel amazing. Of course, you want to keep them in the best possible condition. So you’re wondering: how to wash merino wool socks, and are there specific merino wool socks washing instructions you need to follow?

The good news is that washing merino wool socks is straightforward. There’s no need to hand wash them – the washing machine is your friend. Just follow a few simple guidelines and your merino socks will look and feel great for a long time to come.

When washing merino wool socks, use a cool programme, (around 30°C) as merino wool can shrink in hot temperatures. And choose a low spin speed: around 500 revolutions per minute is ideal.

You can use a regular mild laundry detergent to wash your socks. But never use bleach, as it can damage the amazing natural properties of merino wool and the soft, delicate fibres that give it that comforting warmth and delicious next-to-skin feel. Skip the fabric softener, too, as it can damage merino wool’s antibacterial properties.

Oh, and if you’re wondering not how, but how often to wash merino wool socks, read on.

How often to wash merino wool socks

Of course, it also matters how often you wash your wool socks. While you might know when it’s time to wash your other clothes, the question of how often to wash merino wool socks might be a little more tricky. After all, socks get stinky quickly – right?!

Well, not necessarily. Merino wool socks are different. Because of their natural odour resistance, there’s no need to wash them every time you wear them.

When you’re used to changing your socks every day, it can be a bit of a mindset shift to put your merino socks back in the drawer instead of in the laundry basket. But remember that merino wool socks aren’t like your other socks – they’re high-quality pieces of kit with inbuilt odour resistance and moisture wicking. Washing merino wool socks after every wear just isn’t necessary. And fewer washes are better for the planet, better for your bills and better for your socks.

How often to wash merino wool socks is a question everyone answers differently. A general guideline might be after two to three wears – but the best way to know when it’s time for your socks to hit the washing machine is to trust your own judgement.

Washing merino wool socks

Wondering how to wash merino wool socks? To keep them looking and feeling as good as possible for as long as possible, follow this step-by-step guide to washing merino wool.

• 1. Turn your socks inside out – Turning your merino wool socks inside out before you wash them will help prevent snagging and pilling. Your socks will thank you for it!
• 2. Choose a cool, gentle washing cycle – To prevent shrinking, avoid hot water. Choose a washing programme around 30°C, with a spin speed of about 500 revolutions per minute.
• 3. Add laundry detergent – Good news: you can use a regular mild detergent to wash your merino wool socks. A specialist wool detergent is even better. Avoid harsh detergents, as they can damage merino’s fine fibres.
• 4. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners – These can harm the natural fibres in your wool socks and reduce their softness and performance.
• 5. Wash similar colours together – Wash light and dark merino wool socks and clothing separately. That way, the colours won’t bleed.
• 6. Air dry – After they’ve finished washing, hang your merino wool socks on the line or lay them on a flat surface, and leave them to dry away from direct heat or sunlight.

Hand washing merino wool socks

There’s more than one way to answer the question of how to wash merino wool socks. The washing machine isn’t your only option – you can hand wash merino socks, too.

Perhaps you like the meditative process of hand washing. Or you don’t want to switch on the washing machine for just a few pairs of socks (we get it).

Hand washing is a great option, because you’re in control of the whole process, from the water temperature to the soaking time. And merino wool socks come up beautifully when you wash them by hand.

Here’s how to wash merino wool socks by hand, so that they stay soft, beautiful and resilient:

• 1. Fill a sink with water that’s around 30°C (cool to lukewarm).
• 2. Add a small amount of mild detergent, swishing to dissolve it (of course, you can also use a special wool detergent, if you have one).
• 3. Soak your socks for about 10 minutes (over-soaking could shrink your socks).
• 4. Drain and rinse with cool water until you’ve removed all the detergent.
• 5. Important! Press your socks to remove some of the water, then roll in a towel and press again to remove more. Don’t squeeze, wring or twist your socks – it damages the fibres.

How to dry merino wool socks

We recommend air drying all merino wool clothing, and merino socks are no exception. It’s the best way to prevent your merino wool socks from shrinking, keep them soft and warm and make sure they stay in the best possible shape.

Common mistakes to avoid

When you know how to care for your merino wool socks, it’s easy to keep them looking and feeling as good as the day you first slipped them onto your feet. The merino wool socks washing instructions we’ve given you will help you avoid these common mistakes (and keep your socks in great shape).

• Using hot water to wash your wool socks – Hot water makes the delicate fibres contract – that’s why wool shrinks. To avoid shrinking, always use cool to lukewarm water and gentle washing methods.
• Wringing merino wool socks – Wringing, squeezing or twisting merino socks stretches and damages the fibres, and your socks lose their elasticity, shape and softness. Instead, place wet wool socks flat on a towel, roll it up and press down on the towel. It takes just a minute.
• Using harsh detergents to wash your wool socks – Harsh detergents strip out the natural oils in merino wool, and your socks can start to feel rough. To keep your socks soft and comfy, choose mild regular detergent, or a specialist liquid designed for washing wool.

Washing merino wool socks summary

We put our hearts into creating the highest possible quality merino socks and merino clothing for your brilliant outdoor adventures. So it matters to us that you know how to look after them for a long time to come.

Here’s a reminder of the most important merino wool socks washing instructions to help you keep your socks in great shape, so they’re ready to go whenever you are.

• Never use harsh detergents or bleach
• Wash in cool water (too hot and they’ll shrink)
• Be gentle – don’t twist or wring your socks
• Air dry

Now you’ve got all the information you need about how to wash merino wool socks and dry them in the right way, we’d love to help you find your perfect pair of merino socks. Because whether you’re skiing off piste or navigating mountain trails, the right socks help your feet stay comfortable. So you can stay in the moment and enjoy every second.

How to wash merino wool socks  - FAQ

Can you machine wash 100% merino wool?

A common question is can you machine wash merino wool? The answer is yes, in most cases! The care label will tell you, but most icebreaker merino wool items can be machine washed on a gentle cycle at a low temperature and air dried to preserve their shape and performance.

Can you wash merino wool at 30?

Merino wool is best washed at 30 degrees C, as hot water can damage or shrink the fibres. Cool water, gentle detergent and a slow spin cycle will make sure your merino wool separates stay feeling soft, smelling fresh and ready to face the elements.

How do you wash merino wool that says dry clean only?

Some merino wool items might be dry clean only, so it's best to not machine wash or hand wash these to avoid snagging or shrinkage. Take your clothing to a professional dry cleaner to clean these particularly delicate products.

Why does merino wool smell after washing?

Merino wool is a natural product, and some items can have a distinctive smell when they're wet. This is only temporary, and merino is famously breathable, good at managing moisture and reducing odours, so once fully air dried your clothing will smell fresh again and will be ready to wear.

Can you wash merino wool with normal detergent?

Always avoid detergents that contain bleach, strong alkaline formulas or any powerful stain removers that aren't designed for use with wool. Other gentle detergents or those made with eco-friendly ingredients are the best choice to care for and cleanse your clothing without harming it.

Should you wash merino wool inside out?

It's recommended to wash merino wool clothing when it's inside out, to prevent snagging and help protect the fibres when washing in the washing machine. Always wash light and dark colours separately, on a gentle cold cycle, and avoid fabric conditioner or tumble drying.