How to wash merino wool

01 November 2024

Premium quality icebreaker merino wool is surprisingly easy to care for. Unlike traditional wool and cashmere, it's ultra durable and can be put in the washing machine, which helps the fibres to stay soft and odour-free. By following the care label, and washing merino wool clothing in the right way, you'll make sure your separates stay in tip-top condition and provide outstanding performance for as long as possible.

Merino wool - just like the famous New Zealand sheep which provide it - is famous for being silky, supple and highly resilient. Merino sheep survive in harsh climates, from freezing temperatures to extreme heat, all thanks to their thermo-regulating, breathable and high-performance woollen coat. It is precisely this adaptability which makes merino wool clothing easy to look after with the correct care.

Can you wash merino wool?

When made from high grade fibres, merino wool can usually be successfully washed in the washing machine. If you're wondering how to wash merino wool without damaging it, it's essential to follow the garment care instructions on the label. Most merino wool clothing is safe to wash in the washing machine on a gentle (cold) cycle to preserve its shape and softness.

Some people think that merino wool can only be dry cleaned, spot cleaned or hand washed, but the quickest and simplest solution to washing merino wool is in the machine. Most of icebreaker's range is safe to put in the washing machine on a cool cycle, and air dried in a shady area. Read more in our merino wool washing care guide.

How to hand wash merino wool

Some particularly delicate merino wool items recommend that you hand wash them, particularly with stitched-on embellishments or certain types of jackets, sportswear and skirts. Here's an easy guide to washing merino wool by hand:

• First, double-check the care label to make sure that hand-washing is recommended.
• Turn the garment inside out and secure any loose accents such as zips or buttons.
• Fill the washing bowl with mildly warm water, no hotter than 30 degrees Celsius.
• Use a gentle bleach-free detergent and soak the items for up to 10 minutes. You may need to use gloves.
• Gently move and slightly agitate the fabric in the water to help clean the garment thoroughly.
• Rinse the clothing with tepid water.
• Do not wring - re-shape whilst the item is still wet.
• Air dry in a shady spot out of direct sunlight. Do not tumble dry.

Can you machine wash merino wool?

Are you wondering: can you machine wash merino wool? The answer is yes, for most items, washing merino wool in the washing machine is safe to do. Ensure that the machine is set to a gentle cycle, at no warmer than 30 degrees C, and on a gentle spin to prevent damage to your clothing. Your merino wool items may feel even softer after washing.

It's important to use a detergent that is suitable for delicates, and it's not recommended to use fabric softener for icebreaker clothing as it can interfere with the fabric's natural ability to regulate temperature. As with hand washing, it's best to secure zips and poppers or buttons, to prevent snagging on other areas of the fabric, and many people like to use a mesh or cotton bag to place their items in to further protect them during machine washing.

Does merino wool shrink in the wash?

By following the garment label instructions, merino wool washing should be simple and safe, leaving your clothing feeling soft and smelling fresh whilst maintaining its shape and performance for longer. Washing merino in very hot water, rapid spin dry cycles or using a tumble dryer can lead to shrinking, snagging or fabrics becoming mis-shapen so this is not usually recommended unless clearly stated on the label.

Merino wool is a naturally stretchy material, with an internal spring-like structure, so it's designed to ping back into shape with the correct care. Ironing on hot settings or soaking items for too long can also lead to damage of the fibres, as well as washing merino wool in strongly alkaline detergents. Some items aren't recommended for line drying, which may stretch them, so be sure to read the label first and dry flat in this case.

How to Wash Merino Wool

Merino wool is easy to care for, but some items require slightly different washing techniques to others. Most icebreaker underwear, base layers, tops and skirts can be machine washed, whereas some delicates or tailored jackets may be dry clean or hand wash only. Many of our tougher icebreaker socks can be tumble dried, so always check the label first. Following the correct care instructions ensures your merino wool clothing stays feeling luxurious, feeling more itch-free and silky soft, whilst preserving its moisture-managing properties for all sorts of adventures to come.

Pre-treating stains

Clothing stains and marks are part and parcel of life, and it's best to tackle them before they dry on your garments. You can pre-treat stains using a special wool-safe stain remover, which doesn't contain bleach, applied as per the bottle's instructions. You can also pre-soak items in cool water for up to 10 minutes. Some experts recommend using a small amount of white vinegar dissolved in the water to help loosen stains and remove odours gently.

Washing frequency

Merino wool is breathable and durable with natural moisture management properties, so most clothing won't need washing too frequently as the lightweight fibres help to offer natural odour resistance. Base layers can often be worn several times before washing, whilst durable merino wool socks and most underwear will be hardy enough to wash after every use.

A popular question for active wear items is: can you wash merino wool after every workout? Although icebreaker clothing is designed to last, and can withstand regular washing, you may find you won't need to thanks to the material's natural breathability.

How to dry merino wool

Most merino wool separates are recommended on their care labels to naturally air dry - either flat or hung on a washing line or clothes airer - out of direct sunlight. It is not recommended to tumble dry merino wool items, unless stated on the care label, and in this case it should be infrequent and only on the coolest setting to avoid damage or shrinkage.

How to prevent pilling

Pilling is a natural occurrence from a wide range of fabrics, caused by friction affecting the yarn's structure as you move, but it can often be avoided by washing merino wool before the first wear. It can also help to wash your merino wool items separately from coarse fabrics, such as denim, and ideally place your items in a cotton bag to protect them in the machine. If pilling occurs, it's possible to tackle the problem using a special wool comb.

How to store merino wool

Your merino wool clothing should be stored in a cool, dark place and kept away from damp, sunshine and extreme temperatures when not being worn. It's vital to protect your garments from moths, who love this natural fibre. Your items can be neatly folded in drawers or securely kept in wardrobes, and tailored items - such as jackets and dresses - should be hung up on structured hangers to maintain their finish.

Experts recommend long-term storage of your clothing in zipped cotton or canvas storage bags, which are much more breathable than plastic or PVC vacuum storage bags, allowing your natural fibres to rest without becoming damaged, damp or dusty.

Conclusion

When you purchase premium quality clothing made from high grade fibres, merino wool washing is a breeze. As long as you follow the care label from each garment you can usually successfully machine wash merino clothing, and air dry it naturally to preserve its natural breathability and odour-resistance. Avoiding fabric softener, tumble drying and the use of bleach-based detergents helps care for your garments, as well as respecting our planet and supporting our sustainable mission.

You may find that your merino wool clothing needs washing far less frequently than those made with other synthetic materials. So, whether it's base layers, socks, activewear or a merino t-shirts, choose this soft, cosy and highly resilient merino material which can endure the toughest conditions - day in, day out.

How to wash merino wool - 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.