LOOW laundry net in a washing machine

Care guide

How to wash and care for merino wool

Merino needs less washing than most fabrics: air it between wears and wash it when it needs it. When you do, a wool programme at 30 to 40°C with a wool detergent, and drying flat, is all it takes. Here are the instructions, our stain guide and first aid for the small things that happen to a T-shirt.

The short version

  • Air first and wash laterHang it up overnight. Most days that is enough. Wash typically after 5 to 7 days of wear.
  • Wool programme at 30 to 40°CWool detergent, gentle cycle and a laundry net for T-shirts and tops. Socks and underwear can go in the normal wash. Never the tumble dryer.
  • Dry flatLay it on a towel or a drying rack. Thin hangers leave bumps on the shoulders.

Machine wash

  1. Turn the garment inside out and put it in a laundry net.
  2. Use a wool detergent. We recommend a lanolin-based one. Regular detergents contain enzymes that break down wool fibres and can cause small holes.
  3. Choose the wool or gentle programme at 30 to 40°C with a low spin.
  4. Take it out as soon as the cycle ends, gently pull it into shape and dry flat on a towel or a drying rack.
Machine wash

Hand wash

  1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a little wool detergent.
  2. Soak the garment for 10 to 15 minutes and move it gently. Do not rub or wring.
  3. Rinse in clean lukewarm water, press the water out and roll it in a towel.
  4. Dry flat, away from direct sun and radiators.
Hand wash

Socks and underwear

Wool socks and wool underwear can go in with your normal underwear wash at up to 60°C, and regular detergent is fine when they are washed together with other laundry. Wash new socks before the first use to prolong their life and avoid lint. Dry flat or on a rack.

Storage

Store merino clean and dry, folded, in a closed drawer or box. Clothes moths look for wool with sweat and skin residue, so wash before long-term storage. Read more in our guide to moths.

Questions and answers

Stain guide

Quick help for the tricky stains. We cannot guarantee that every stain comes out completely.

Deodorant stains and white marks under the arms

Soak the garment for 2 to 3 hours in a solution of one part household vinegar to two parts lukewarm water, then wash on the wool programme at 30°C with wool detergent. Prevent the marks by using less deodorant and choosing an aluminium-free or low-aluminium one.

Coffee

Rinse with cold water from the back of the stain. Dab with a solution of half a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of lukewarm water, then with three parts rubbing alcohol to one part cold water. Wash on the wool programme at 30°C.

Grease

Remove excess grease with a blunt knife, dab carefully with white spirit on a clean cloth, and wash on the wool programme at 30°C with wool detergent.

Red wine and fruit juice

Blot as much as possible, then dab with three parts rubbing alcohol to one part water with an absorbent pad underneath. Wash on the wool programme at 30°C.

Blood

Dab with household vinegar, rinse with cold water and wash on the wool programme at 30°C. Never use hot water on blood.

T-shirt first aid

The small things that happen to a merino T-shirt, and what to do.

There is a bump on the shoulder

It comes from drying or storing the T-shirt on a thin hanger. Wet the area, gently pull it into shape and dry flat. Store merino folded.

Small threads hang out at the hem or the sleeves

Loose ends of 1 to 2 mm are normal on a knitted fabric and can be cut with a pair of scissors. Do not pull them.

There are small holes in my T-shirt

Usually caused by regular detergent, friction against a zip, buckle or backpack strap, or moths. Repair the hole straight away: it grows with washing and use. Watch how to repair a small hole (video). If the hole is a defect in the garment, we exchange it. Read why small holes appear.

The neckline is wrinkled

Wet the neckline, pull it gently into shape and dry flat. Avoid hanging the T-shirt by the neck.

My T-shirt has started to smell

Air it overnight first. If that is not enough, wash on the wool programme at 30 to 40°C with wool detergent. For deodorant build-up under the arms, see the stain guide above.

The T-shirt twists

Single-jersey knits can twist slightly after washing. Pull the T-shirt into shape while damp and dry flat; it settles with wear.

The colour has faded

Sun, sweat and hot washes fade dyed textiles over time, and dark colours show it first. Wash cold, dry in the shade. Read our guide to sun bleaching. A brand new T-shirt that fades quickly is a fault; write to us.

Can I remove the washing label?

Yes. Cut it close to the seam with sharp scissors. Do not pull it out.

The knit looks slightly skewed

A slight skew in a knitted fabric is normal and evens out with wear and washing. Pull the garment into shape when damp.

Read more