Caring for Merino Wool Knits: Washing, Drying & Storage

As a knitter, you put hours of love and dedication into crafting beautiful pieces from Merino wool—whether it’s a delicate lace shawl, a cosy sweater, or a warm pair of mittens. But after all that effort, improper care can quickly ruin your hard work. Shrinkage, felting, and pilling can all be avoided with the right maintenance techniques, ensuring your hand-knit creations stay beautiful and functional for years to come.

Merino wool, prized for its warmth, breathability, and elasticity, is a dream to knit with. Its natural fibres wick moisture, resist odours, and regulate temperature, making it perfect for wearable projects. However, because of its delicate structure, it requires special attention when washing, drying, and storing.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of caring for Merino wool so your hand-knit items remain soft, durable, and as lovely as the day you cast off your last stitch.

Preventative Care: Maintaining the Longevity of Your Hand-Knits

Before even thinking about washing your Merino wool knits, it’s best to focus on preventative care. Since frequent washing can lead to wear, using simple maintenance habits will keep your items fresh for longer.

1. Avoid unnecessary washing by airing out garments after each use.
2. Keep your hands clean while knitting to prevent oils from transferring onto the wool.
3. Use a project bag to protect your knitting from dirt and snags while in progress.
4. Rotate wear to prevent excessive stretching or pilling in high-use areas.
5. Use a fabric shaver or wool comb to gently remove any pilling.
6. Be mindful of jewellery when wearing Merino wool, as rings and bracelets can cause snags.
7. Layer strategically by wearing a cotton or silk undershirt beneath wool sweaters to reduce body oil absorption.

Taking care of your knits starts before they’re even finished—proper handling during and after knitting can significantly extend their life.

How to Wash Your Hand-Knit Merino Wool Items

Hand-Washing is Best
When it comes to caring for Merino wool, the gentler, the better. Hand-washing is the preferred method to prevent fibre damage.

• Fill a clean basin with cold water and add a small amount of a wool-safe detergent, like Eucalan or Soak.
• Submerge your knitwear gently and let it soak for 10–15 minutes—avoid scrubbing or excessive agitation.
• Swish lightly if needed, but avoid twisting or wringing the fabric.
• Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all detergent is removed.

Can You Machine-Wash Hand-Knit Merino?
If you must use a machine, proceed with caution:

• Always use a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate stitches.
• Select the wool or delicate cycle with cold water and minimal spin.
• Never mix your hand-knits with heavy fabrics like denim, which can cause abrasion and pilling.

Machine washing is best reserved for superwash Merino, as untreated wool is more prone to felting.

Drying Your Hand-Knit Merino Wool Items the Right Way

Never Wring or Hang
Waterlogged wool is fragile, and wringing out your knits can distort their shape. Instead:

• Gently press out excess water with your hands.
• Lay the item flat on a clean, dry towel, roll it up, and press lightly to absorb moisture.

Blocking and Reshaping
To maintain the shape of your knitwear, proper drying is essential:

• Lay the item on a blocking mat or clean towel in its intended shape.
• Use rustproof pins or blocking wires for lace or garments that need reshaping.
• Flip occasionally to ensure even drying.
• Avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can fade and weaken fibres.

Proper blocking helps your hand-knit pieces keep their shape and structure over time.

Dealing with Stains and Odours
For small stains:

• Dab with cold water and a wool-safe detergent.
• Avoid rubbing, which can damage fibres.

For odours:

• Sprinkle baking soda lightly and let sit before brushing off.
• Use a gentle steam refresh to lift unwanted smells.

Proper Storage to Keep Your Hand-Knits in Top Condition

Fold, Don’t Hang
To avoid stretching, always fold your wool knits instead of hanging them. Store them in a cool, dry place like a drawer or shelf.

Protect Against Moths
Wool is a favourite feast for moths, so take steps to protect your precious knits:

• Use natural moth repellents such as lavender sachets or cedar blocks.
• Store knits in breathable cotton bags rather than plastic.
• Ensure items are completely clean before storing, as body oils and food residue attract pests.
• Regularly air out stored knits to prevent musty odours.

Consider Professional Cleaning for Delicate Pieces
If your knitwear has stubborn stains or odours, professional wool cleaning is an option. Just be sure they use gentle, wool-safe methods to protect your stitches.

Troubleshooting Common Merino Wool Issues

• Shrinking: If your Merino wool has accidentally shrunk, soak it in lukewarm water with a tablespoon of hair conditioner, then gently stretch it back to size.
• Felting: Avoid excessive agitation, heat, and harsh detergents. If felting occurs, there is no true way to reverse it, but you can gently stretch fibres while damp to regain some softness.
• Pilling: Regularly use a fabric shaver or wool comb to remove pilling, but avoid over-shaving as it weakens fibres.
• Misshapen knits: Re-block the item with gentle stretching and pinning to restore its original dimensions.

 
Final Thoughts: Love Your Hand-Knits, and They’ll Last

Caring for Merino wool is just as important as the time you spent knitting it. With gentle washing, careful drying, and proper storage, your handmade garments and accessories can last for years—perhaps even generations.

Remember, a little preventative care goes a long way. Treat stains promptly, air out your knits between wears, and invest in wool-friendly detergents to keep your projects looking fresh. With these tips, you can confidently enjoy your Merino wool creations, knowing they’ll stay soft, warm, and beautiful season after season.

Happy knitting, and happy wearing!