Merino wool is soft, warm and breathable — and, cared for properly, it lasts for years. The wrong wash is the most common reason wool shrinks or felts. Here's a clear guide: what to do before first wear, how to wash it, and whether merino really shrinks.
Do you need to wash merino wool before first wear?
You don't have to wash new merino before wearing it, but a light airing or steam freshens it up well. If you'd rather wash it, do it gently on a wool cycle — this lets the garment settle into shape and stay soft. Wash baby merino sets and clothes once before use if the skin is sensitive.
How to wash merino wool
- Temperature: 30 °C max, ideally lukewarm or cold water.
- Cycle: the machine's wool programme, or hand wash.
- Detergent: a wool detergent — not regular laundry detergent, which contains enzymes that can damage the fibre.
- No fabric softener, no bleach.
- Loading: turn the garment inside out and wash with similar colours.
To hand wash, soak the garment in lukewarm water with wool detergent, press gently — don't rub or wring — and rinse lightly.
Does merino wool shrink in the wash?
Merino only shrinks when it's mishandled: hot water, heavy agitation and warm drying make the fibre felt and shrink. With lukewarm water, a wool cycle and flat drying, merino does not shrink. Avoid hot washes and the tumble dryer, and the garment keeps its size and shape.
Drying and storage
- Dry flat, not hanging — wet wool stretches under its own weight.
- No tumble dryer, no radiator.
- Store folded, not on a hanger. For the off-season, store clean and sealed, away from moths and light.
FAQ
Can merino wool go in the washing machine? Yes — on a wool cycle at 30 °C max, with wool detergent.
How often should merino be washed? Less often than you'd think — wool is naturally self-freshening. Air it between wears and wash only when needed.
Does merino shrink on the first wash? No, as long as you use lukewarm water, a wool cycle and flat drying.
Explore our merino baby sets — 100% mulesing-free merino wool, OEKO-TEX certified.
