Merino wool is the Rolls Royce of knitwear: luxurious, extra soft and built to last – as long as you know how to take care of it. A high-quality, RWS-certified Merino sweater isn’t just an investment in your look but a win for the environment too. This functional fibre is a natural marvel: it regulates temperature, needs minimal washing and feels as good as it looks. But to keep Merino looking fresh for years, it deserves a bit of attention. So, the question is: how to wash Merino knitwear the right way? Here’s everything you need to know to keep your Merino piece as sustainable and long-lasting as possible.
Merino Wool is not just any wool, it’s in a league of its own. Its fibres differ from cotton or regular wool – they’re finer, softer and significantly more breathable, making it a worthy rival to cashmere. One of Merino’s most functional attributes is its natural ability to neutralise odours, meaning you don’t have to wash it constantly. Often, just airing it out will do the job. Sounds low-maintenance, right? It is! But let’s keep it real – Merino is still a delicate fibre. It’s a bit like leaving a luxury car outside in bad weather: it can handle it, but you probably shouldn’t do it every day. So, unless absolutely necessary, go easy on the washing of Merino wool and let it breathe more often.
To Wash or Not to Wash?
As mentioned, Merino wool should not be washed after every wear. Thanks to its natural odour resistance and self-cleaning fibres, a simple airing out usually does the job. Just lay your sweater out overnight on a balcony or windowsill, and it’ll be fresh like a daisy again by morning. Trust us, both your sweater and the planet will thank you.
If you do get a stain, it’s best to spot-clean it rather than washing the entire sweater. A damp cloth with natural soap or delicate detergent should do the trick without putting the entire sweater through the wringer.
Washing Done Right
Now, if you absolutely must wash it, you’ve got two options: machine wash or hand wash. Don’t worry – we’ve kept both methods easy to follow.
Wool Cycle on Your Machine
Most modern washing machines now have a “Merino-friendly” wool cycle, gentle and low-temperature. Here are the basics:
- Temperature: Max 30°C, ideally around 20°C.
- Spin: Minimal or off altogether – the gentle motions of the wool cycle are usually enough.
- Detergent: Use a wool-specific detergent and skip bleach or fabric softeners – they will do nothing but damage to Merino fibres.
Hand Wash for Extra Care
If you want to be extra cautious with your favourite Merino sweater, hand washing is the way to go. And if Merino wool could talk, it’d probably tell you that it loves hand washing. Even though it may sound like a bit of a hassle, it’s actually quite quick and adds years to your Merino essential. Here’s how to hand wash your Merino wool:
- Use cold or lukewarm water, filling a clean sink and adding a few drops of wool detergent.
- Immerse the knitwear and gently swirl it. Avoid rubbing and wringing! Let the Merino piece sit for no more than five minutes to protect the fibres.
- Lift it out of the water, press it gently to remove excess water without twisting the piece and roll it in a towel to soak up extra moisture.
Drying Done Right
Merino care doesn’t stop at washing – how you dry it is just as important. One wrong move, and your Merino sweater could end up looking as short as your girlfriend’s crop top.
Dry Flat, Don’t Hang
To maintain the shape of your sweater, dry it flat on a towel. The fibres stretch when wet, so hanging it can cause it to lose shape. So, lay it on a towel and place another towel on top, pressing gently to absorb moisture and speed up drying.
Avoid the Dryer
Mistakes with wool happen to the best of us, but if there’s one laundry rule every man should know, it’s this: wool and high heat are sworn enemies. Tumble drying will shrink your Merino piece and damage the delicate fibres. Needless to say that it’s 100% worth giving it time to air dry naturally instead.
Storing Done Right
After you’ve washed and dried your Merino knitwear, don’t let it fall at the last hurdle: store it right.
Fold, Don’t Hang
As we mentioned, Merino wool is delicate – not just with high washing and drying temperatures, but with hanging, too. Prolonged hanging can stretch and distort the fibres, so fold it neatly and store it on a shelf or in a drawer.
Moth Protection
Merino, like any natural fibre, is a favourite snack for moths. But fear not – there are plenty of natural, easy ways to prevent them. Cedarwood blocks or lavender sachets, for instance, naturally repel moths. This keeps your sweater free from holes without the synthetic chemicals in moth sprays that can harm fibres and health alike.
Off-Season Storage
When the warmer months roll in, give your Merino sweater one last hand wash before the summer break, then tuck it away in a breathable cotton storage bag. This keeps it fresh, clean and moth-free, ready for the next sweater season.
How to wash Merino Knitwear: Conclusion
As you can see, a premium quality Merino essential is not only a timeless, luxurious fashion statement but, with proper care, a sustainable, durable investment into your style and the environment. By following our wash guide, you won’t need to replace it every few years; instead, you’ll have a piece that lasts a lifetime. Not only does this keep your look sharp and stylish, but it also saves resources, reducing your environmental impact.
If you want to find out what benefits merino wool offers compared to conventional wool, you can read more here.