How to Care for Merino Wool

Merino wool requires some extra attention when washing and drying, but caring for it does not need to be complicated. The important part is knowing when a garment actually needs washing and how to treat the wool fibres when it does.

One of the practical advantages of merino is how well it responds to airing. Wool fibres naturally help manage moisture and odour, and giving a worn garment time in fresh air allows moisture to evaporate and many odours to dissipate. Hang a merino baselayer outside after a day of use, and it can often feel remarkably fresh again the following morning.

Washing is still important when dirt, body oils and persistent odours begin to accumulate. But it does not need to be the first response after every use.

Merino wool does not need washing as often because its fibres naturally help manage moisture and resist odour. Giving a worn garment time to air allows moisture to evaporate and many odours from normal use to dissipate.

This is particularly useful on multi-day hikes, cabin-to-cabin trips and extended travel, where the same baselayer may be worn repeatedly. Airing it overnight can often make it comfortable to wear again the following day without washing.

Airing does not remove dirt, body oils or other residues. These still accumulate over time, which is why merino eventually needs washing even when it continues to smell relatively fresh.

There is no fixed schedule for washing merino wool. How often a garment needs washing depends on how it has been used and whether airing is still enough to make it feel fresh.

Look for signs that the garment actually needs cleaning:

• Dirt has visibly accumulated.
• Body oils have built up around areas such as the collar, cuffs or waistband.
• Odour remains after the garment has been properly aired.
• The fabric no longer feels fresh or comfortable against the skin.

A merino baselayer worn for several active days will naturally need washing sooner than a midlayer used occasionally in cooler conditions. Let the condition and use of the garment determine when it needs cleaning rather than washing it automatically after a certain number of wears.

Merino wool benefits from gentle washing, but the process is straightforward. For Norrøna merino wool clothing, we recommend machine washing on a gentle cycle at 30°C with a wool-specific washing liquid, followed by air drying.

Always check the care label first, as individual garments may have specific requirements.

• Empty all pockets.
• Close zippers and fasten any closures.
• Prepare a small amount of wool-specific washing liquid.
• Do not use bleach.

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle at 30°C.
• Use a wool-specific washing liquid.
• Do not use more detergent than needed.
• Do not use bleach or fabric softener.

Heat and tumble drying can affect wool fibres and the shape of the garment. For Norrøna merino wool clothing, we recommend air drying.

• Air dry the garment.
• Do not tumble dry.
• Reshape the garment while damp if needed.
• Allow it to dry completely before storing.

If ironing is necessary, use a maximum temperature of 110°C. Do not dry clean.

Merino wool can remain comfortable and functional for many years when it is cared for properly. Airing between uses helps reduce unnecessary washing, while washing when needed prevents dirt and body oils from accumulating in the fibres.

Air dry the garment and store it completely dry. When storing merino for longer periods, make sure the garment is clean and protected from moths and other insects that can damage wool fibres.

Small holes and areas of wear are worth repairing early. A minor hole in a merino baselayer can often be repaired easily, while continued use may allow it to grow and become more difficult to fix.

Good care is not about keeping merino looking new. It is about keeping a useful garment in use for as long as possible.

Most merino care mistakes come from either washing the garment more than necessary or treating wool like a synthetic fabric.

• Washing after every use. A merino garment that is not dirty and still feels fresh may only need airing before it is worn again.
• Using the wrong detergent. Use a wool-specific washing liquid and avoid products that are not suitable for wool fibres.
• Using fabric softener. Merino does not need fabric softener, and it can interfere with the natural properties of the fibres.
• Washing at too high a temperature. Excessive heat can cause shrinkage or affect the shape of the garment. Wash Norrøna merino wool clothing on a gentle cycle at 30°C.
• Tumble drying the garment. For Norrøna merino wool clothing, we recommend air drying. Allow the garment to dry completely before storing it.
• Storing merino while damp or dirty. Allow garments to dry completely before storage, and clean them before longer periods of storage.
• Ignoring small holes. Small areas of damage can grow with continued use. Repairing them early can significantly extend the useful life of the garment.

Merino wool does not need to be washed after every use. Airing allows moisture to evaporate and many odours from normal use to dissipate, while washing becomes necessary when dirt, body oils or persistent odours begin to accumulate.

Wash Norrøna merino wool clothing on a gentle cycle at 30°C with a wool-specific washing liquid. Air dry the garment and do not tumble dry.

Air when possible. Wash when needed.