How to Wash Merino Wool

It's time for everyone to calm down about washing wool. Merino wool is actually known for being low-maintenance because of it's natural antibacterial properties, but when it does need a wash, doing it properly makes all the difference.

Here’s exactly how to wash merino wool safely at home so it stays soft, fresh, and long-lasting.

Do You Even Need to Wash Merino Wool?

Not as often as you think. Merino wool is naturally:

  • Odour-resistant
  • Breathable
  • Antibacterial

In many cases, simply airing your garment overnight is enough to refresh it. We do this too! I think of my merino as I do of jeans - they only need washing when they neeeeeed washing.

You can use a laundry soap to spot wash small marks or tackle stains.

Also, less washing equals a longer lifespan of any garment, merino wool included.

How to Wash Merino Wool (Step-by-Step)

1. Turn It Inside Out

This helps protect the outer surface and reduces pilling. 

2. Use a Cold, Gentle Wash, Ideally the Wool Cycle

  • Temperature: 30°C or lower
  • Cycle: Delicate / wool setting

Hot water is the quickest way to shrink merino so avoid it. Agitation is the quickest way to felt wool so avoid that too, hence the delicate or wool cycle.

3. Use a Mild Detergent

Choose a wool-friendly detergent. Avoid fabric softener, bleach and harsh biological detergents.

If you don't have specialised wool or delicate detergent, use non-bio, enzyme-free detergent to reduce the damage to the protein structure of the natural fibres.

4. Don’t Overload the Machine

Give your garments space! Only having a few garments in each load can make a real difference to the longevity of your merino wool garments. 

Also, avoid washing with any items that have zips, hooks or hard hardware that can cause holes and pilling.

Hand Washing Merino Wool (Best for Premium Pieces)

If you want to be extra careful or the care label says to hand wash:

  1. Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water
  2. Add a small amount of wool detergent
  3. Gently swirl (don’t rub or wring)
  4. Rinse with clean water
  5. Press excess water out using a towel

How to Dry Merino Wool

Never tumble dry.

If you've hand washed:

  • Lay flat on a towel
  • Reshape while damp
  • Air dry naturally

Hanging can stretch the fabric, so drying flat is best. We use clothes racks ideally in the shade outside but also inside over winter.

Merino wool is surprisingly lightweight and moisture naturally evaporates off it quickly so it won't take as long as your cotton clothes to dry. Overnight in winter or a couple of hours outside in the shade usually does it. 

What NOT to Do When Washing Merino Wool

  • ❌ Don’t use hot water
  • ❌ Don’t tumble dry
  • ❌ Don’t wring aggressively
  • ❌ Don’t wash after every wear

Pro Tips (From People Who Wear It Daily)

  • Wash after 3–5 wears minimum, not every time
  • Air dry between uses to keep it fresh
  • Spot wash any marks with laundry soap
  • Make a thing of your wool wash of a few garments and give it the special treatment with wool detergent, on a wool cycle, air drying flat on a rack outdoors in the shade

Why Proper Washing Matters

Merino wool isn’t just another fabric. When cared for properly, it:

  • Lasts for years
  • Keeps its shape
  • Maintains softness and performance

Treat it right, and it will outperform most of your wardrobe. I have pieces that are over a decade old and you'd never know!

Merino Wool Washing FAQs

Can you wash merino wool in the washing machine?

Yes, most merino wool garments nowadays can be machine washed on a cold, gentle or wool cycle. Always use a mild detergent and avoid high temperatures.

Importantly, this doesn’t always mean the fabric has been treated with “superwash.” Many brands now use enzyme-based or more eco-friendly processes that allow merino wool to be machine washable without traditional chemical treatments.

Does merino wool shrink when washed?

It can shrink if exposed to heat. Stick to cold washes and air drying to maintain its size and shape. This may be a change for you but it's much better for the environment and your energy bill, so hopefully you can embrace this small change easily.

How often should you wash merino wool?

Typically every 3 - 5 wears (but I don't keep count so it could be many more - just like a pair of jeans!) Merino wool naturally resists odour and bacteria, so frequent washing isn’t needed. How great is that??

Can you tumble dry merino wool?

No, tumble drying can shrink and damage the natural fibres. Always air dry flat. This may be a change for you but it's much better for the environment and your energy bill, so hopefully you can embrace this small change easily. 

Merino wool is surprisingly lightweight and moisture naturally evaporates off it quickly so it won't take as long as your cotton clothes to dry. Overnight in winter or a couple of hours outside in the shade usually does it. 

What detergent is best for washing merino wool?

Use a wool-specific or gentle detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, harsh chemicals and biological detergents.

You can also use a laundry soap to spot wash small marks or tackle stains.

Final Thought

If you’re used to washing clothes after every wear on 60 degrees Celsius and throwing everything in the tumble dryer, merino wool will feel different. And that's OK. You treat jeans, coats and other pieces differently, merino wool is another one now and it's totally worth it.

Wash it less. Treat it gently. And it’ll quickly become one of the most reliable pieces you own.

Looking for more tips? Check out our blog posts to get the most out of your clothing.