How to Care for Your Merino Wool Sweater

November 21, 2024 | icebreaker

Caring for your merino wool sweater helps it stay soft, comfortable, and ready for all your adventures. With just a few mindful steps, you can make sure your merino wool sweaters stays as fresh as the day you bought it. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from washing techniques to avoiding shrinkage and preventing pilling.

How to Wash a Wool Sweater: The Basics

Caring for your sweater is easier than you might think, even if it’s a merino wool knitwear. To keep your wool sweater fresh and soft, wash it gently in cold water with a mild detergent, and skip the bleach or fabric softeners. After washing, lay it flat to air dry and avoid the tumble dryer to preserve its shape and natural resilience. Between washes, simply air out your sweater as needed to keep it fresh and ready for the next wear. Following the steps of merino wool care, and your wool sweater will stay in great shape, season after season.

1. Use Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle

Select a cold and gentle machine wash cycle, ideally around 30 degrees Celsius and approximately 500 revolutions per minute (rpm). This setting will protect the wool fibers from unnecessary stress. Heat can cause wool to shrink, so it’s best to avoid hot water.

2. Choose a Regular Powder or Liquid Detergent

Regular detergents work well, but ensure they don’t contain bleach or fabric softeners. Bleach can damage wool fibers, and softeners can reduce their natural resilience.

3. Separate Colors

Just like other garments, wool sweaters should be washed with similar colors. Additionally, wool sweaters should be run as a dedicated wash separate from bulky linens, towels and delicates.

4. Skip the Tumble Dryer

Wool isn’t suited to high heat or tumbling. Instead, air dry your wool sweater by laying it flat in a well-ventilated area. By avoiding hang-drying keeps it from stretching or shrinking while preserving its shape and softness.

When Should You Wash Merino Wool?

Merino wool’s natural odor resistance means it doesn’t need frequent washing compared other sweater fabrics, but there are times when a wash is beneficial. Typically, it’s best to wash your sweater after 5–10 wears, depending on use. For example, if you’ve worn your sweater during a high-energy activity or in warmer weather, or if it’s developed a lingering odor, it’s time for a gentle wash. Otherwise, a simple airing out can keep your sweater fresh for several wears, especially if it’s been lightly worn or layered over other clothing.

How to Air Out a Sweater

If your wool sweater smells a little musty or feels like it could use a quick refresh, airing it out is an easy, eco-friendly solution. Merino wool’s natural properties mean it doesn’t need frequent washing, so a simple airing can work wonders to restore freshness.

Hang in a Well-Ventilated Area: After wearing, hang your sweater outside or near an open window. Fresh air naturally revitalizes the wool fibers and helps eliminate any light odors. If possible, avoid humid areas, as moisture can take longer to evaporate. Dry, fresh air is best for refreshing your sweater.

Avoid Direct Sunlight: While a bit of shade is perfect, direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade over time. Choose a spot with indirect light to keep your sweater looking vibrant.

The Art of Spot Washing a Sweater

For minor stains, there’s no need to wash the entire sweater—spot washing is a gentler and more sustainable solution. For stains like coffee, wine, or food spills, a quick spot clean can effectively lift the stain without unnecessary wear on the fabric. Here’s how to tackle those small mishaps:

Act Quickly: Address stains promptly, especially for stains from liquid it’s important to stop the spreading and setting in the fibers.

Use Cold Water and Diluted Detergent: Dampen a clean cloth with cold water and add a small drop of wool-friendly detergent. For particularly stubborn stains opt for natural stain removers like vinegar and alcohol. Diluted white vinegar will work well on organic stains like coffee or food, and diluted rubbing alcohol will work on oil-based stains like grease and sap.

Test Before Escalating: If diluted detergents aren’t working to remove the stain, it’s best to test any more extreme stain removal methods on a spot that isn’t noticeable.

Blot, Don’t Rub: Gently dab the stained area, taking care not to rub, as this can damage the fibers. Let the detergent sit briefly, then blot with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.

Air Dry Flat: Lay the sweater flat to dry naturally, avoiding direct sunlight or heat.

Storing Merino Wool Sweaters

Your merino wool sweater needs more than just a spot on a hanger to stay in top shape. Unlike other fabrics, merino wool requires thoughtful storage to preserve its natural softness, structure, and durability. With a few simple steps, you can keep your sweater fresh and ready for next season of wear -free from stretching, fading, or damage.

Fold, Don’t Hang

Always fold your merino wool sweater rather than hanging it, as hanging can cause stretching and misshaping, especially around the shoulders. If hanging does occur, merino wool fibers will bounce back if you stretch it to 20% of its length.

Clean Before Storing

Before storing with other garments, make sure the sweater is clean and free of any grime as dirt and oils can stain and cause discoloration over time. As a best step before folding up, merino wool can be air dried.

Merino Wool Care FAQs

Q: Do Merino Wool Sweaters Shrink?

A: Merino wool is less prone to shrinking than traditional wool, but it can still shrink if exposed to high temperatures or rough handling. The Internal spring-like structure of merino wool can be stretched to20% of its length it will bounce right back. .

Q: Do Merino Wool Sweaters Pill?

A: While merino wool is more resistant to pilling than many fabrics, some pilling can occur over time, especially in areas that experience regular friction, like under the arms. To keep your sweater looking fresh, use a fabric shaver or de-pilling comb periodically. Washing inside-out can also help reduce pilling over time.

Q: Can You Use Bleach on Merino Wool?

A: No, bleach should never be used on merino wool. Bleach is too harsh and can weaken the fibers, causing damage to the fabric’s texture and appearance. Stick to a mild, wool-friendly detergent to preserve the quality and longevity of your sweater.