We've teamed up with Always Wear Red to share with you our five top tips on how to care for Merino Wool.
For starters, let's talk about Merino wool: it comes from Merino sheep - especially used for luxury apparel and technical sportswear - and it absorbs odour caused by bacteria: this means that you can wear Merino wool clothing for longer without having to worry about smelling (our Eco Washes do the trick too...)
The fabric also has a natural loft that traps heat between the fibres and makes it warmer than a synthetic of the same weight.
This special fabric really needs some TLC to help make it last...and we'll show you how. Keep scrolling to find out the best way to keep your favourite knits as good as new.
1. Brush It Off
Avoid washing your item more than necessary by brushing off dirt and depilling regularly (you'd be amazed at what dirt comes off if you leave it to dry and then brush it off). If the garment is knitwear then use our Cashmere Comb in Red Cedarwood. If it's a merino wool suit or coat then our Clothes Brush will do the trick to remove the dirt, and then the comb to depill afterwards. Brush in the same direction at all times, applying gentle pressure to avoid damaging fibres (even if you find specific patches of dirt that require a little more attention).
2. Our Favourite Tip: Steam It!
Lightly steam clean suits and jackets made of Merino wool to refresh, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and remove odour (steam will remove 96% of bacteria). The steam will cause the fibres and fabric to swell providing a fuller and more colourful look.
3. It Also Comes Down To How You Store It...
It's important to store your item correctly so we recommend folding and storing flat any knitwear, to avoid stretching, but hanging tailored Merino wool items in a wardrobe. To deter moths, place our Fragrance Bag with the item.
4. If You Really Need to Wash It...
Avoid dry cleaning Merino wool knitwear and hand wash your garment with our Eco Wash for Cashmere and Wool instead.
1. Fill a basin with cool water and add 2-3 caps of our Cashmere and Wool Wash.
2. Turn the garment inside out, gently submerge it and agitate the water with your hands to distribute the soap and water. It is normal for a little dye to be released. Soak for up to 30 minutes.
3. Rinse with fresh water until the garment is free from soap and then gently press between your hands or against the sink.
4. Absorb excess water with a towel and leave to dry flat on a towel.
If there are any light stains, you can also spot clean with our Eco Wash for Cashmere and Wool to remove (it does not need to be rinsed out).
Safe to say your loved knits will last longer. If you're unsure about doing this at home, check out our guide on What Can and can't be Washed at Home (this will save you time, money and our planet).
If you are looking for some extra TLC for your clothes, just check out our Laundry & Cleaning services and our team will be happy to take good care of them.
