Hello everyone, I’ve been hiking for a few years now and am starting to upgrade my equipment. I’ve recently added some fleece mid-layers and a merino wool base layer to my gear. I want to make sure I take care of them properly to extend their lifespan. Does anyone have tips on how to best wash and maintain these materials? Thanks in advance for your help!
I usually wash my merino wool items in the washing machine on a low temperature setting and then line dry them, as I don’t have a dryer. Hand washing is safer to prevent shrinkage and felting, which happens due to heat, wetness, and friction rather than just water. You can use mild detergent for delicates that doesn’t need rinsing, soak your clothes in a tub, press out the water with a towel, and line dry.
I always hand wash and then line dry.
I wash my wool on a delicate setting and either hang or lay them flat to dry. It’s simple and effective.
Fife said:
I wash my wool on a delicate setting and either hang or lay them flat to dry. It’s simple and effective.
Thanks for the tip! Do you use any special kind of detergent for that?
@Nash
I skip the detergent altogether. It’s unconventional, but it works for me.
@Nash
I don’t use a specific detergent, but a delicate or wool-specific detergent is a good choice. I also wash items inside out, especially merino socks, and only wash them when they really need it.
I use Woolite for my wool items on a delicate cycle, then hang or lay flat to dry. For fleece, I use regular detergent on a delicate setting and also hang to dry.
I wash my merino wool shirts in a regular wash on a cool setting, without fabric softener, and then hang them to dry. They usually last about 4-5 years this way before needing to be replaced.
I use a laundry bag to protect my wool items in the wash. It’s simple and effective, especially when washed on a cold cycle with a gentle detergent.