How to Wash Merino Wool

How to Wash Merino Wool: Complete Guide (Fleece & Knit Merino)

Merino wool is a beautiful natural material, but it requires gentle care. The good news is that it’s not complicated. Once you know what to do – and what to avoid – your merino products will stay soft, functional, and in great condition for a long time.

In this guide, you’ll learn the difference between fleece (fluffy) merino and merino knit, how to wash and dry them properly, and the most common mistakes that can permanently damage the material.

⚠️ Important: Incorrect washing can permanently damage merino wool (felting, loss of softness, or fiber damage). Always follow these care instructions.

Quick answer: how to wash merino wool

Max. 30°C (86°F)
Fleece merino: hand wash only
Merino knit: hand wash or wool cycle
Use a gentle wool detergent
Do not use fabric softener
Do not use vinegar, baking soda, or citric acid
Avoid temperature shock
Do not wring or twist
Use low spin speed
Do not tumble dry or dry on a radiator
Dry flat

Fleece merino vs. merino knit

Fleece (fluffy) merino is extremely soft and warm but more delicate. We recommend hand washing only.

Merino knit is more practical and can be washed by hand or in a washing machine on a wool cycle.

How to wash fleece merino

Lukewarm water (max. 30°C / 86°F)
Use a gentle wool detergent
Gently press and soak
Do not rub or wring
Rinse in water of the same temperature
Gently press out excess water
Dry flat

Light shedding is normal for fleece merino and not a defect.

How to wash merino knit

Hand wash or wool cycle
Temperature max. 30°C / 86°F
Low spin speed
Use a wool detergent

Temperature shock: the most common cause of damage

Merino wool does not tolerate sudden temperature changes. Washing in warm water and rinsing in cold water can cause shrinking or felting.

What NOT to use on merino

Fabric softener
Vinegar
Citric acid
Baking soda
Aggressive stain removers

Real example: damage caused by stain remover

The image below shows merino wool damaged by a common stain remover.

A customer tried to remove a stain using a product designed for other fabrics (e.g. Vanish-type products). The result: not only the stain disappeared, but the material structure was damaged.

This type of damage is irreversible.

Merino damage caused by stain remover

Recommendation: Only use detergents designed for wool. Regular stain removers can be too aggressive.

What happens when merino is washed incorrectly

The image below shows the difference between properly maintained and damaged fleece merino.

The top liner was exposed to incorrect washing (higher temperature, friction, or wrong program). The result: the wool becomes matted, flat, and loses its fluffy texture.

The bottom liner is in correct condition – soft and functional, like our merino liners.

Damaged vs. proper merino wool

Top: damaged merino after incorrect washing. Bottom: correct condition.

Important: Once merino felts, it cannot be restored.

Spinning and wringing

Do not twist or wring merino wool. Always use low spin speed.

How to dry merino

Dry flat
Do not dry on radiators
Do not tumble dry

Pilling is not a defect

Pilling is a natural characteristic of merino wool, not a defect. It occurs due to friction – for example when wearing anti-slip merino pants or using liners.

How often to wash merino

Merino wool does not need frequent washing. Often, it is enough to air it out, as it has natural self-cleaning properties.

Common mistakes

Using a regular washing program
High temperature
Temperature shock
Fabric softener
Household “hacks” (vinegar, baking soda…)
Aggressive stain removers
Tumble dryer
Drying on radiators

Summary

Fleece merino: hand wash
Knit merino: hand wash or wool cycle
No fabric softener or chemicals
Low spin
No tumble drying
Pilling is natural

Tip: The most common mistake is washing merino like regular laundry. If unsure, always choose hand washing.

Our merino products

Explore our range of high-quality merino products:

All products are designed to be comfortable for children and easy to maintain.