Airing beats washing
One of the biggest advantages of merino wool is that it does not hold on to smells the way other materials do. Instead of washing often, simply air your things. Hang your accessories outside for a while and they are ready to wear again. That is usually quite enough to freshen up a favourite beanie, scarf or jumper.
Washing: less is more
If you do decide to wash, use lukewarm water. It is best to soak the wool for about 10 minutes in lukewarm water with a mild detergent, then rinse it in lukewarm water (around 30°C). Avoid sudden temperature changes – they can damage the fine fibres.
Be gentle
Merino wool does not like rough handling. Do not rub or scrub it, as that can damage the material. After washing, gently press out the excess water – do not wring the garment, just squeeze it lightly to get the moisture out.
Careful with the washing machine
If you trust your machine and know it handles wool well, you can use a wool programme. It is worth adding more water to the drum to reduce the risk of the fabric creasing. At BerryBoat we still recommend hand washing, since not every machine copes equally well with delicate fibres.
Dry flat
Once washed, drying properly is what matters. Merino wool has thin, delicate fibres that lose their shape easily. We advise against drying on uneven surfaces such as radiators, and against tumble dryers. Lay the garment flat so it does not end up with pressure marks.
To sum up
Proper care is the key to merino clothing lasting long and looking good. Remember: air rather than wash, use lukewarm water, handle it gently and dry it flat. With these simple rules your BerryBoat merino pieces will look like new for a long time.