How to wash and care merino wool: a complete guide with 8 basic tips from our BUFF® experts

When it comes to washing merino wool, it’s important to keep a few key tips in mind to protect those delicate fibers.  

Even though merino wool is pretty resistent, using the wrong washing methods can cause it to shrink, felt, or lose that wonderful softness we all love. 

To help you get it right every time, we’ve compiled a list of expert tips to guide you through the washing process. Here are 8 tips you can apply:  

1. Hand wash or use the wool cycle or gente cycle on your machine – the safest way to wash merino wool is by hand, but if you prefer machine washing, use the wool or delicate cycle. 
2. Use cold or lukewarm water – always wash merino wool garments in cold or lukewarm water to prevent shrinking or damaging the fibers. 
3. Choose a gentle, wool-specific detergent – Not all detergents are suitable for merino wool. Opt for those designed for delicate fabrics to maintain the material’s integrity. 
4. Avoid fabric softeners – fabric softeners can coat the wool fibers and reduce their natural breathability. Stick to wool-friendly detergents. 
5. Ideally, wash your merino clothes separately – uou can wash them with similar colored items, but it is best to wash them on their own. 
6. Don’t wring or twist the fabric – to avoid stretching the wool, gently squeeze out excess water without wringing or twisting. 
7. Air dry flat – lay your merino wool garment flat on a clean towel and let it air dry. Avoid hanging it to prevent stretching. 
8. Store properly – once washed, make sure you store your merino wool garments in a cool, dry place, ideally folded rather than hung, to preserve their shape. 

Unlike standard wool, merino wool is beloved for its fine, soft fibers, making it perfect for everything from comfy base layers to snuggly sweaters.  

To keep your favorite merino items looking great and feeling fabulous, it’s super important to wash them properly.  

Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Below, we’ll share some simple and gentle washing techniques to help you care for your merino wool and keep it in tip-top shape for all your adventures.  

Happy washing! 

We covered that washing merino wool in hot water is a major “don’t,” whether by hand or machine. 

Hot water can cause the fibers to shrink and felt, drastically altering the appearance and fit of your garment. Always stick to cold or lukewarm water for the best results. 

When using a washing machine, choose either the gentle cycle or a 30-degree cycle. 

Also, as we previously mentioned, it’s best to wash merino wool items separately or with clothes in similar colours. 

What if you need them to hand wash them? 

Some merino wool garments will have clear labels indicating that they should be hand washed only. 

To clean them, fill a basin with warm water and a bit of soap, but make sure not to soak them for too long. 

Dry cleaning is a professional washing method that uses solvents like perchloroethylene (commonly known as perc) instead of water to clean fabrics.  

While this technique is effective for many materials, it can be particularly damaging for merino wool.  

The harsh chemicals used in dry cleaning can strip the natural oils from the wool fibers, leading to dryness, brittleness, and a loss of softness. 

Finally, if you need to treat a stain, lightly dab the area with a soft cloth. Avoid rubbing, as that can stretch the wool and cause more damage. 

Choosing the right detergent is crucial for washing merino wool. 

In fact, not all detergents are suitable, as some can be too harsh, stripping the wool of its natural lanolin and softness. 

Here are a few detergent options that are gentle yet effective for merino wool care: 

• Don’t use any aggressive oxygen-based detergents, or those containing chlorine or bleach. 

• Avoid powdered detergents; if you have one, dissolve it in water before applying it directly to the garment. 

• Choose detergents formulated for delicate fabrics or enriched with lanolin. 

• Avoid the use of fabric softeners. 

• Regular detergents can cause permanent damage to your merino wool neckwear and headwear. 

Once you’ve washed your merino wool snood, it’s essential to dry it properly, as it requires special care unlike many other fabrics. 

Avoid twisting or wringing the fabric, as this can strain and damage the fibers. 

Yes, but proceed with caution.  

Merino wool is naturally wrinkle-resistant, so ironing is rarely necessary.  

However, if you do choose to iron it, always use a low-heat setting and place a cloth between the iron and the garment to prevent scorching.  

Be sure to avoid applying direct heat to avoid damaging the fibers. 

It’s best to avoid it. 

Tumble drying merino wool garments can cause significant damage due to the high heat and tumbling motion. 

Merino wool fibers are delicate and can shrink or lose their shape when exposed to the intense heat of a dryer.  

The mechanical action of tumble drying can also lead to pilling, making the fabric look worn out much faster. 

These are the 3 dos for drying Merino wool:  

• It’s best to lay it flat to preserve its shape, or gently hang it if needed.  

•  To prevent shrinkage, keep your merino garments away from heat and direct sunlight.  

• If drying outside, drape a light cloth over the garment to shield it from direct sun exposure. 

To keep your merino wool products in excellent condition and extend their lifespan, follow these simple storage and care tips: 

• Fold, don’t hang – always fold merino wool garments to avoid stretching the fibers, especially for heavier items like sweaters. 

• Store in a cool, dry place – keep your wool products in a breathable cotton bag or drawer, away from moisture and direct sunlight to prevent mold and fading. 

• Avoid plastic storage – wool needs to breathe, so avoid storing it in plastic bags or containers that trap moisture and encourage mildew. 

• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets – protect your garments from moths by using natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets, which deter pests without chemicals. 

• Refresh between wears – air out your merino wool items between wears to reduce the need for frequent washing, as they are naturally odor-resistant. 

• Handle with clean hands – always handle merino wool with clean, dry hands to avoid transferring oils or dirt that can degrade the fabric over time. 

By following these tips, you’ll ensure your merino wool garments remain in top condition and last for years. 

At BUFF®, we take pride in offering high-quality neckwear and headwear made from premium merino wool.  

Our snoods are crafted in different weights with 80% to 100% non-cruelty, non-mulesing merino wool, making them both ethically produced and delicate in nature. 

These snoods are soft and naturally odor-resistant, so they require minimal washing, making them perfect for long-term wear.  

Our collection of beanies ranges from performance-oriented styles for active use to knitted merino wool designs, providing both warmth and durability without compromising on comfort.  

With proper care, these merino wool products will remain in excellent condition for years. 

Both our Merino wool snoods and neck warmers made from merino wool require minimal effort to keep clean. They can be gently hand washed with cold water and a mild wool detergent. 

We do not recommend ironing or tumble drying them. 

After washing, reshape them and lay them flat to dry, following the same air-drying principles as other merino wool garments. 

Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, as these can damage the fibers and reduce the material’s breathability. 

Our Merino wool beanies are naturally odor-resistant and only need washing after several wears. 

When it’s time to clean them, hand wash your beanie with cold water and a wool-specific detergent. 

Avoid rubbing or wringing the fabric, as this can stretch or distort its shape. After washing, gently squeeze out excess water and lay it flat to dry. We do not recommend tumble drying or ironing the beanies.

Ensure you store your beanie properly, folded in a cool, dry place to maintain its shape and softness.