How to Wash & Care for Merino Wool
Merino wool is a long-term investment, and looked after properly a good baselayer will last years of hard use. The good news: it's easier to care for than most people expect, and you'll wash it far less often than a synthetic. Here's how to keep Icebreaker merino performing.
How often to wash merino
Less than you think. Merino naturally resists the bacteria that cause odour, so a baselayer or tee can go several wears, often a full multi-day trip between washes. Airing a garment overnight resets it surprisingly well. Washing less isn't laziness; it's the whole point of the fibre, and it extends the garment's life.
Washing: the safe routine
Machine wash cold or warm (up to 30°C is a safe default) on a gentle cycle with a normal, mild detergent. Turn garments inside out to protect the surface. Wash with similar colours. That's it,no special wool cycle strictly required for most Icebreaker pieces, though it won't hurt.
What to avoid
Two things wreck merino faster than anything else: fabric softener, which coats the fibres and kills their breathability and wicking, and bleach, which damages the wool outright. Skip both. Very hot water and aggressive agitation can also cause shrinkage, so keep the temperature down and the cycle gentle. We sell (and use ourselves!) the Grangers Merino Wash, which is a specific detergent designed to gently clean merino products without hot water or tumble drying.
Drying: keep it off the heat
Lay flat or line dry. Avoid the tumble dryer unless the care label specifically allows it. Heat is what shrinks and felts wool. Laid flat, merino dries quickly and holds its shape better than it would hung wet on a hanger, which can stretch the shoulders.
Does merino shrink?
It can, but only if you mistreat it! Hot washes, tumble drying, or both. Stick to cold/warm gentle washes and flat or line drying and shrinkage is a non-issue. Note that merino runs slim to begin with, so a snug fit out of the box is the cut, not shrinkage.
Dealing with snags and pilling
Pure merino is soft, which also means it's more prone to abrasion than synthetic blends. Some pilling on high-wear areas is normal and can be removed gently with a fabric comb or de-piller. Wash inside out and avoid rough Velcro and pack straps rubbing directly on the fabric where you can.
The short version
Wash cold or warm on gentle, no softener, no bleach, no tumble dryer, dry flat. Wash it less often than you'd think. Do that and your merino keeps its softness, its warmth and its odour resistance for years. Browse the range in the Icebreaker baselayers collection, or read the merino weights guide if you're deciding which layer to buy next.
