Merino Wool Care Guide
Merino wool is beautifully soft, naturally breathable and easier to care for than you might think. A gentle wash, the right detergent and careful drying will help your baby’s merino clothing stay soft, comfortable and in shape.
Always check the care label on the individual garment before washing, as instructions may vary between products.
Merino Care at a Glance
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Washing Merino Wool
Our merino garments can be washed in a washing machine, as advised by our acre label.
Before washing, fasten all zips and poppers and turn the garment inside out where appropriate. Wash with similar colours and lightweight fabrics, keeping merino away from towels, denim, exposed Velcro and open zips that could catch or rub against the fabric.
Add a small amount of wool-safe detergent, then select a wool or gentle cycle at no more than 30°C. Choose a gentle or low spin setting and remove the garment promptly when the cycle has finished.
For garments that require hand washing, fill a clean basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of wool-safe detergent. Gently submerge the garment without rubbing or scrubbing. Rinse carefully, support the garment as you lift it and press out excess water without twisting or wringing.
Choosing the Right Detergent
Use a mild detergent clearly labelled as suitable for wool. Regular heavy-duty detergents and harsh stain removers may be too strong for merino’s natural fibres.
Avoid using:
- Bleach
- Fabric softener
- Harsh stain removers
- Detergents that are not suitable for wool
- Merino is naturally soft, so fabric softener is not needed.
Drying Merino Wool
Gently reshape the garment while it is damp, paying particular attention to the sleeves, seams and edges. Lay it flat on a clean towel or suitable drying rack in a well-ventilated space.
Keep merino away from radiators, strong sunlight and other direct heat. Avoid tumble drying unless the garment’s care label specifically permits it.
Heavy, wet merino garments should not be hung to dry, as the weight of the water may pull them out of shape.
Treating Everyday Stains
Milk dribbles, food spills and unexpected nappy leaks are all part of life with little ones.
Treat marks as soon as possible by gently blotting the area with cool water and a small amount of wool-safe detergent. Avoid hot water, vigorous scrubbing and harsh stain removers.
For stubborn stains, repeat the gentle treatment rather than using bleach or homemade cleaning solutions. If you are unsure how to treat a particular mark, our customer care team will be happy to advise.
How Often to Wash Merino
Merino does not always need washing after every light wear. If the garment is not visibly dirty, airing it somewhere with good airflow may be enough to freshen it up.
Babywear should, of course, be washed when soiled by milk, food, dribble or nappy leaks. Washing only when needed can reduce wear on the fibres and help the garment stay looking its best for longer.
Pilling and Bobbling
Small balls of fibre may occasionally appear on the surface of merino clothing. This is known as pilling or bobbling and is usually caused by friction during washing or wear.
To help minimise pilling:
- Wash garments inside out where appropriate
- Choose a gentle wool cycle
- Wash with similarly soft fabrics
- Fasten Velcro, zips and poppers
- Avoid overloading the washing machine
- Keep merino away from rough fabrics
Some initial pilling can be normal. If you notice excessive or unexpected bobbling, please contact our team for advice.
Storing Merino Clothing
Before storing merino for another season or saving it for a younger sibling, wash the garment according to its care label and allow it to dry completely.
Fold it neatly and store it in a clean, cool and dry place. For longer-term storage, take suitable precautions to protect the garment from clothes moths and check it occasionally.
A Few Things to Remember
Merino wool can shrink when exposed to too much heat or agitation, so always use the recommended temperature and washing cycle.
Machine washing is suitable, while flat drying is generally the gentlest way to help it retain its shape. If you are ever unsure, the instructions on the individual garment should always come first.
