How to wash Merino wool.
We love Merino wool for its natural odor-resisting and moisture-managing abilities. Whether we’re running, biking, hiking trails, hunting, and skiing or snowboarding, Smartwool socks, base layers, and apparel help us keep us comfy and dry all day long. And with the right care, you can keep your Merino wool gear in good shape wash after wash.
Turn your socks and clothing inside out.
Machine wash on gentle cycle in warm or cool water.
Use mild soap. Never wash with bleach or fabric softener.
Lay your wool clothes flat to dry and retain its shape. If you prefer the dryer, tumble dry on low.
Review your labels.
Always check your garment tags for best results. Some of our products should be hand-washed or air-dried to preserve the Merino wool technology built in; be sure to check the label for specific care instructions.
Learn more about Merino wool.
Learn MoreLess stink. Less washing.
Did you know Merino wool can be worn multiple times before going in the wash? Turns out, you can help lower your footprint by wearing Merino wool again and again… and again. Odor-causing bacteria is absorbed by Merino wool fibers—keeping them from reproducing or growing on the surface of Merino fibers. This helps your socks, shirts, and bottoms stink less.
Less stink = less washing.
And by washing less, you’re reducing your environmental impact. Laundry requires a substantial amount of water and energy.
Do's and Don'ts Care Tips
Caring for your Merino wool garments is essential to maintain their next-level performance. Follow this checklist of do’s and don’ts on your next wash day.
- Do's
- Don'ts
- Hand wash in cool or lukewarm water with mild detergent. If machine-washing, use a gentle cycle.
- Machine wash in hot water with bleach or fabric softeners
- Turn socks and garments inside out and separate by color
- Overload the washing machine
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry flat
- Wring out or twist the socks, or toss in the dryer
- Reshape socks while drying to prevent stretching
- Never dry clean Merino wool socks or apparel
- Store clean and dry to prevent mildew and odors
- Avoid drying in direct sunlight to protect fibers
- Do's
- Hand wash in cool or lukewarm water with mild detergent. If machine-washing, use a gentle cycle.
- Turn socks and garments inside out and separate by color
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry flat
- Reshape socks while drying to prevent stretching
- Store clean and dry to prevent mildew and odors
- Don'ts
- Machine wash in hot water with bleach or fabric softeners
- Overload the washing machine
- Wring out or twist the socks, or toss in the dryer
- Never dry clean Merino wool socks or apparel
- Avoid drying in direct sunlight to protect fibers
Merino wool Care FAQ
Every product is different. Many Smartwool® products are made of 100% Merino wool, while some are blended with other materials built for performance. For specific content information, check out the product’s label.
Turn your Smartwool Merino wool socks and garments inside out. Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent. Next, submerge your laundry in the soapy water and gently move them around to loosen dirt and impurities. Let everything soak for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse in clean lukewarm water until all detergent is removed, and the water runs clear. Lay socks and clothing flat on a soft towel and reshape them to air dry, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Avoid wringing or twisting your garments.
Technically, yes. But you'll want to always air-dry your Merino wool socks and apparel to keep your gear in good shape. The dryer could damage the natural performance fibers of Merino wool, or shrink your clothing and socks.
Items made of 100% wool can be ironed on a low setting. It’s best to turn the item inside out. Apparel made from a blend of wool and synthetic fibers shouldn’t be ironed. We recommend steaming them to get out any wrinkles—you can even put those garments on a hanger in the bathroom while you shower. Always check the care instructions on each garment.
Sometimes. Be sure to check the tag on the individual item. Most wool clothes can be dry-cleaned, but keep in mind that dry cleaning reduces the lifespan of any garment.
If you do get a hole or aren’t completely satisfied with your Smartwool® socks in the first two years, we offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee; see link for details.
You can also send us your unwanted socks (clean pairs only, please!) and we’ll recycle them to turn them into a fresh new pair. Learn more about our sustainability efforts with the Second Cut Project.
Merino wool is a naturally durable fiber, making it less likely to pill compared to other wools. Because Merino fibers are so technical, pilling can potentially occur with improper washing and drying. That’s why we recommend gentle washing and air drying for all Smartwool® socks, apparel, and gear.
As often as you like! But we like to say the less often, the better. Merino wool is a durable, odor-resistant and moisture-wicking performance fabric that can be worn dozens of times before going in the wash. Not only do you get more adventures out of your Smartwool® gear, but you also have a lower environmental impact by washing and drying way, way less.
Some of our jackets and vests contain a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that works great to help keep you dry. An accumulation of dirt and oil over time may reduce the effectiveness of DWR, making it less water-repellent. But occasional washing will help keep your DWR working efficiently. Repeated washing can eventually wash off the DWR treatment and it may need to be reapplied after a certain number of wears and washes.
No, it's best to avoid using fabric softener when washing Merino wool as it can leave a residue on the fibers and affect their natural properties, such as moisture-wicking and odor resistance.
Store Merino wool clothing in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and damage. It's also a good idea to fold garments neatly rather than hanging them to maintain their shape.
No, bleach should never be used on Merino wool as it can damage the fibers and cause them to weaken and break down. Instead, opt for gentle, wool-safe detergents when laundering Merino wool items.
If your Merino wool garment shrinks in the wash, you may be able to gently stretch it back into shape while it's damp. Lay the garment flat on a clean towel, gently reshape it to its original dimensions, and allow it to air dry completely.
For minor stains, spot cleaning with a mild detergent and cold water is usually sufficient. For tougher stains, you can try soaking the garment in a mixture of cold water and gentle detergent before laundering as usual. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain, as this can damage the fibers.
