How to Wash, Dry and Store Merino Wool Clothing
The safest way to care for Merino wool is to follow the sewn-in garment label first. When that label allows washing, use a gentle wool cycle or careful hand wash, a mild wool-safe detergent, low heat and minimal friction. Reshape knitwear while damp, dry it flat, and store it clean and completely dry.
Before you wash
- Read the care label. Product construction and finishing can change the correct method, even when two garments contain the same fibre.
- Air the garment first. If it is not stained or visibly dirty, airing it in a ventilated place may be enough between wears.
- Treat small marks carefully. Avoid aggressive rubbing, which can add friction and disturb the surface.
- Turn it inside out. This helps reduce surface friction during washing.
How to machine wash Merino wool
Only machine wash when the care label permits it. Select the wool setting; if the machine has no wool cycle, use the cold-water delicate cycle. Use a small amount of neutral, mild wool detergent. Wash similar colours together and avoid bleach and fabric softener.
Do not use a standard hot or heavily agitated cycle. Heat, friction and agitation together can cause wool fibres to felt and the garment to shrink permanently.
How to hand wash Merino wool
- Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water, following the garment label.
- Add a small amount of mild wool-safe detergent.
- Submerge the garment gently without scrubbing, twisting or stretching it.
- Rinse carefully in clean water.
- Support the garment as you lift it. Press out water gently; do not wring it.
Woolmark’s guidance describes a short soak for hand-washable wool, but the sewn-in label remains the final instruction for your specific garment.
Which detergent should you use?
Use a neutral, mild detergent designed for wool. Woolmark advises avoiding heavy-duty detergents, biological detergents containing enzymes, and chlorine or oxygen bleach. Fabric softener is also unnecessary and may encourage fibres to move toward the surface during later wear or washing.
How to dry Merino wool
After washing, support the wet garment and press out excess water without twisting. Lay it on a clean, light-coloured towel or drying mesh, gently reshape it, and dry it flat away from direct heat and strong sunlight. Hanging wet knitwear can allow its own water weight to stretch the garment.
Do not tumble dry unless the care label specifically says that tumble drying is allowed.
How to deal with pilling
Pilling is the formation of small fibre balls where a fabric experiences repeated rubbing. It can occur on wool and other textiles and does not by itself identify a defective garment. Reduce avoidable friction, wash the garment inside out, and remove pills gently with a suitable wool comb or fabric tool. Do not pull pills aggressively by hand.
How to store Merino wool
- Wash or clean the garment as its label directs before long-term storage; food marks and body oils can attract moths.
- Make sure it is completely dry to reduce the risk of mildew.
- Fold knitwear instead of leaving it on a hanger for long periods.
- Use a clean, dry container or garment storage system and keep it away from direct sunlight.
- Inspect the storage area regularly for moth activity. If using a moth deterrent, follow its instructions and do not place it directly on the garment unless the product explicitly permits that use.
Quick care checklist
| Stage | Recommended approach | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Between wears | Air in a ventilated place | Washing automatically after every wear |
| Wash | Care label, wool cycle or permitted hand wash | Heat, heavy agitation and scrubbing |
| Detergent | Neutral, mild wool-safe detergent | Bleach, heavy-duty or enzyme detergent |
| Dry | Reshape and dry flat away from heat | Wringing, hanging wet knitwear or unapproved tumble drying |
| Store | Clean, completely dry and folded | Damp, dirty or tightly distorted storage |
Mello Wool care
The care label attached to the Mello Wool garment you receive takes priority over this general guide. For help with a specific item, contact hello@mellowool.com before washing.
Learn more in the Mello Wool material guide, review the care FAQ, or browse Merino wool T-shirts and Merino wool long sleeves.
Sources
- Woolmark: How to wash wool
- Woolmark: Best detergent to use when washing wool
- Woolmark: How to dry a wool sweater
- Woolmark: Caring for wool and long-term storage
Last reviewed September 21, 2026.