How to Wash Merino Wool Socks & Garments
A complete guide to washing merino wool — from temperature and detergent to drying and storage. Keep your merino soft, odor-free, and long-lasting.
Related Care Symbols
Why Merino Wool Needs Special Care
Merino wool is a premium natural fiber prized for its softness, breathability, and natural odor resistance. Unlike regular wool, merino fibers are much finer — which makes them wonderfully soft but also more delicate.
The good news? Merino wool is easier to care for than most people think. You just need to follow a few key principles.
Step-by-Step Washing Guide
1. Check the Care Label First
Most merino garments will show either a hand wash or very gentle machine wash at 30°C symbol. Always follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions, as treatments and blends can vary.
2. Choose the Right Detergent
- Use: A wool-specific or pH-neutral detergent (like Eucalan, Soak, or Woolite)
- Avoid: Regular detergent, fabric softener, and anything with bleach or enzymes
- Enzymes in standard detergents break down protein fibers — and wool is a protein fiber
3. Machine Washing (If Allowed)
If the label permits machine washing:
- Turn the garment inside out
- Place in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection
- Select the wool or delicate cycle (maximum 30°C)
- Use a low spin speed (800 RPM or less)
- Wash with similar colors
4. Hand Washing (Safest Method)
- Fill a basin with cool water (around 20-30°C)
- Add a small amount of wool detergent
- Submerge the garment and gently squeeze — don’t rub, twist, or wring
- Soak for 5-10 minutes maximum
- Rinse in cool water until the water runs clear
- Gently press out excess water — never wring
5. Drying
This is where most people damage their merino:
- Always dry flat on a clean towel or drying rack
- Reshape the garment while damp
- Never hang merino wool — it stretches under its own weight when wet
- Never tumble dry — the heat will felt and shrink the fibers
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
Pro Tips
- Wash less often. Merino’s natural antimicrobial properties mean it doesn’t need washing after every wear. Air it out between uses.
- Treat stains immediately. Blot (don’t rub) with cold water and a tiny amount of wool detergent.
- Store folded, not hung. Hanging can stretch knit garments over time.
- Freeze for odor removal. If it smells but isn’t visibly dirty, place it in a plastic bag in the freezer overnight.
- De-pill carefully. Use a cashmere comb or sweater stone, never a razor.
What to Avoid
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Wash in cold water | Use hot water |
| Use wool detergent | Use regular detergent |
| Dry flat | Tumble dry or hang dry |
| Gently press water out | Wring or twist |
| Air between wears | Wash after every wear |