How to Care and Wash Your Merino Wool Socks and Clothing

The great thing about wool garments is they don't need a lot of washing as wool is naturally odour and stain resistant.

An important tip is to always follow the wash instructions on the label of the garment.

These are general guidelines only for washing wool garments.

Use a product especially designed for washing woollens.
Use warm water to wash and rinse the woollens.
Softly is a highly recommended brand by Cosy Toes as it has been specifically designed for washing wool. Softly can be used in top or front loading washing machines.

Be careful to avoid washing wool in laundry products, which contain enzymes. Wool is a protein fibre and protease enzymes may attack the wool fibres and damage the woollen fabric.

If hand washing wool, do not allow the tap water to run directly on the wool, as this can damage the fibres. Fill the tub or the sink with water and then add the woollen items.

When washing, machine washable wool garments in a washing machine, always use the wool cycle or delicate cycle on the machine.

Do not tumble dry woollen garments.

Never use bleach.

Do not dry woollens in direct sunlight.

How to wash your wool blanket:

Properly cared for, your blanket will provide a lifetime of comfort.

First Wash: Your wool blanket can be used immediately, however the first wash will significantly bulk and soften fibres. Use the washing machine on a cold water, short cycle and gentle spin. Add a wool fabric softener (detergent not required). Pull to shape and air dry in the shade. Your blanket will have relaxed and softened with a 6% shrinkage factor which is normal, and accounted for in the weave.

Regular Care: We recommend wool blankets are washed only once or twice per season then regularly aired and spot cleaned as required.

How to wash your merino wool baby shawl:

Your baby shawl is not machine washable!

If your baby shawl needs washing please hand wash it with a small amount of approved wool detergent. Fill a tub and gently squeeze your shawl in the warm water.
Then rinse by squeezing in fresh water. Keep adding water and rinse until the water goes clear.
Once again gently squeeze to get as much water as you can out of it.
Lie flat on a towel that is a neutral colour. Do not lie in the sun.

Have you got a washing question you would like to ask? Let us know your questions and we will ask the experts at Softly and Martha Gardeners. Email us here.

Martha Gardener Wool Mix is available throughout New Zealand and Australia and is also a highly recommended brand.