Merino wool is an excellent fibre for producing clothes, as it not only offers breathability, but has natural stretch and recovery, great drape and outstanding wear performance. Despite being a resilient fibre, a little bit of TLC will ensure your wool clothes will last for a very long time.
Don't be afraid when it comes time to wash your Merino wool clothes. On the sheep’s back, wool grows through the toughest feats Mother Nature can throw at them, and despite being luxuriously soft next to your own skin, Merino wool is still a tough, resilient fibre. If it can survive wind, snow and rain, there’s no reason why it can’t survive a washing machine either.
Your wool pants generally won't need to be washed after every use as it is stain and odour resistant. Try lightly brushing your wool suit trousers and hanging them up in a steamy bathroom to give them a quick refresh. This trick will also remove any creases.
However, when it is time to wash your woollens, always check your wool pants’ care claim on the sew-in label.
How to machine wash wool pants
- Turn your wool pants inside out.
- Wool pants with a Woolmark Machine Washable label can be washed on the wool setting (usually gentle action at 40°C). If your washing machine does not have a wool cycle, then it is recommended to use the cold water wash or wash cycle for delicates.
- Use a Woolmark-certified wool detergent, or a mild, gentle detergent.
- Flat dry your wool pants, out of direct sunlight after washing.
How to hand wash wool pants
- Turn your wool pants inside out
- If your garment states Hand Wash Only, then hand wash in clean, lukewarm water, approximately 30°C, using a mild and gentle detergent.
- Soak for a period of 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly firstly in lukewarm water, then finally in cold water.
Remember, if in doubt, hand wash is the best option. It is also recommended to used a Woolmark-approved detergent where possible.
Find Woolmark-approved products in your country.
MORE CARE TIPS
Wool care
What is pilling?
Pilling (sometimes referred to as bobbling) is the formation of fuzzy balls on the surface of wool clothing, and often results in an unsightly or worn out appearance.
Wool care
Caring for wool
Irrespective of which method you use to wash wool clothes, it is recommended that garments are turned inside out before washing wool. This will prolong the item’s ‘as new’ look and feel.
Wool care
How to wash wool
Washing wool is easy. Wool is naturally stain resistant, odour resistant and also crease resistant, so actually requires less washing. This means that caring for wool is both easy and gentle on the planet. But when it is time to wash wool clothes, you can either wash them in a washing machine, or hand wash with ease.
Wool care
Removing stains from wool
We all have accidents, and sometimes, this involves spilling wine or coffee or butter on your favourite item of clothing. So how do you get rid of stains from clothes? Follow our step-by-step guide to remove stains from your favourite wool clothing.
Wool care
Cleaning wool shoes
Washing your wool shoes has never been easier. Follow this simple guide to wash your wool shoes to keep them looking and smelling clean.
Wool care
How to wash and dry wool blankets
Wool blankets are among the most durable and desirable of all bedding. They're soft and warm, and are very difficult to stain or damage. Wool blankets are also very easy to care for and you don’t need to wash them often, in fact, it’s best to wash them sparingly and some guidelines recommend washing wool blankets once every three months.
Wool care
How to repair wool
The art of repairing clothes may have declined with the rise of fast fashion, but here at The Woolmark Company we believe you should love your clothes for a lifetime. Not only will repairing your clothes allow you to get more use out of your favourite wool socks and sweaters, it also means less waste in landfill. Follow these simple steps to repair your wool garments.
Wool care
Tumble drying wool
Good news! Certain wool garments can safely be dried in a tumble dryer without the item shrinking. Woolmark-approved garments that have a care claim that states ‘tumble dry’ can be tumble dried on a low heat setting or a setting for wool or delicates. It is advised to use a tumble dryer that has been approved by The Woolmark Company.
Wool care
How do I dry wool?
Drying your favourite wool sweater - or any other wool garment - is easy. Follow these simple steps and your clothes will look, feel and smell as good as new in no time.
Wool care
How to iron wool
Despite being crease resistant, some Merino wool garments may require a light iron, but only if the garment’s care claim advises so. Whether your Merino wool garment requires ironing after washing and drying will depend on the number of creases present and the overall appearance of the garment.
Wool care
How to wash a wool sweater
You’ve bought it, bagged it, and worn it: now it’s time to wash your favourite wool sweater, but you think you don't know how. Never fear, washing wool has never been as easy if you follow our go-to guide to washing wool.
Wool care
Washing Merino wool socks
Unlike other fibres, wool is odour resistant, so you wool socks will smell better than socks made from other fibres, meaning you can wear them multiple times before you start to get odd looks from people.
Wool care
How to dry a wool sweater
Drying your Merino wool sweater is just as important as washing it. A certain level of care must be taken when drying wool clothes, to ensure they retain their as-new look and feel.
After washing your wool sweater, it is recommended the sweater is carefully dried flat, unless your sweater’s care claim states it can be tumble dried.
Wool care
Best detergent to use when washing wool
What is the best wool wash detergent to use when washing your wool clothes? Follow the Woolmark guide to the best wool detergents to use to care for your wool clothes so that they last a lifetime.
Wool care
Can you dry clean Merino wool?
If the care claims on your Merino wool garment states the item can be dry cleaned, it is safe to take it to a professional dry cleaner.
Wool care
How to store wool clothes
The daily struggle of finding something to wear hidden amongst a year’s worth of garments is an unnecessary battle. But with a little forethought and some planning, your wardrobe can be transformed from garment jungle to serene oasis where everything has its place.
Wool care
Washing instruction symbols explained
Ever wonder what those washing tag symbols and instructions actually mean? Woolmark.com has created a video and guide so you can wash and dry your clothes safely.