Have you ever wondered how to wash icebreaker merino wool without damaging it? It’s important to find this out before you do so, or you may risk damaging the fabric – and icebreaker merino wool tends to be expensive.
You should wash icebreaker merino wool in a washing machine on a normal or a cool wash, using standard laundry detergent or powder. Make sure you dry the wool by hanging it up, not putting it in your tumble dryer.
Materials Needed
- Washing machine
- Detergent
- Space to hang dry
What to Avoid When Washing Icebreaker Merino Wool
- Fabric softener
- Bleach
- Tumble drying
- High heat
Icebreaker Merino Wool Cleaning Instructions
Step 1 – Put The Wool Items in the Washing Machine
First of all, read the care label on your item and double-check that it doesn’t say dry clean only. Most merino wool items can be washed like normal clothing, but it is still important to check.
Once you’ve made sure you can wash the wool, start by putting your merino wool item into your washing machine. Make sure you separate any light fabrics from any dark fabrics to prevent the dye from running and ruining the lighter fabrics.
Do not overfill the machine, and avoid adding anything that might be harsh or rough, as this might snag your merino wool as the machine agitates.
Step 2 – Add the Laundry Liquid
Next, add the laundry liquid or powder to your machine as you normally would – but do not add any softener or bleach, as this will ruin your merino wool.
Softener coats the strands of fabric and will stop your merino from being as effective in terms of its insulation. Bleach will destroy the color and may also weaken the fibers and ruin their texture. Use either normal laundry liquid or powder only.
Step 3 – Set The Machine
Set your machine to a warm or cool setting, and then start it off. Allow it to complete the full cycle, and then it’s time to get the washing out!
Step 4 – Hang up the Wool to Dry
As soon as the machine has finished, take the washing out and hang it up to dry. Make sure that no stress is being put on any part of the garment by hanging it flat over a rail or another surface. Don’t hang it up by any loops within the clothing, as it may stretch out of shape while it is drying.
You shouldn’t put it too close to anything hot, such as a radiator or open fire, while it is drying. Allow it to dry in a warm spot, but not a hot one.
Don’t put your wool into a tumble dryer, as the heat may ruin the wool. Icebreaker merino wool socks can be tumble dried on low heat if they are turned inside out first, but in general, it’s better not to put merino garments in the dryer.
Once your merino garments are fully dry, they can be folded and put away. Don’t put them away if they are still damp, because the water may turn them moldy.
How Often Should It Be Washed?
Thankfully, Merino Wool materials are very durable and sustainable, so most of the time they won’t have to be washed after every use. They have odor-resistant benefits that should work well to reduce the amount of wear you put on your clothes by cleaning them too often.
Should Icebreaker Merino Wool Be Dry Cleaned?
Some icebreaker merino wool can be dry cleaned, but this will say so on the label. Always refer to the care label where possible, because this will tell you how to handle that particular garment. It does vary from product to product, so use the label as your overall guide, and if in doubt, contact the manufacturer directly.
Should You Iron Icebreaker Merino Wool?
You will rarely find that you need to iron icebreaker merino wool because it should spring back into shape after washing in most cases. However, if you do need to iron it, you should check the care instructions before doing so.
In general, if you want to iron icebreaker merino wool, you need to turn it inside out first, and then set your iron to cool or to a wool-suitable mode. Put another layer between the wool and the iron (such as a pillowcase or cotton t-shirt) to protect it and reduce any risk of burning.
Test a small area first, and then gently iron the garment.
Conclusion
You can wash your merino wool as you would other normal clothing, but make sure you don’t put it on a hot wash and separate the dark colors from the light colors first. Dry the merino wool in a warm room, but do not place it near direct heat, as most merino wool shouldn’t be dried hot!
