Merino wool is made to be worn, not worn out. Naturally odour resistant, a little fresh air is often all it needs between wears. And when it does need washing, it’s machine washable and easy to care for, helping the pieces you love stay with you for longer.

STEP 1

Care starts with the label.

Taking care of your merino is simple. Check the label and follow the symbols before washing to help protect the fibres and keep your merino performing for longer.

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STEP 1

Care starts with the label.

Taking care of your merino is simple. Check the label and follow the symbols before washing to help protect the fibres and keep your merino performing for longer.

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Care symbols, explained

Wash gently in cold water.
Wash gently in cold water.
Use a gentle cold wash.
Use a gentle cold wash.
Wash in warm water.
Wash in warm water.
Use a gentle warm wash.
Use a gentle warm wash.
Skip the bleach.
Skip the bleach.
Avoid tumble drying. Air dry instead.
Avoid tumble drying. Air dry instead.
Hang to dry in the shade.
Hang to dry in the shade.
Lay flat to dry in the shade.
Lay flat to dry in the shade.
Reshape gently, then dry flat.
Reshape gently, then dry flat.
Iron on a cool setting.
Iron on a cool setting.
Iron on a warm setting.
Iron on a warm setting.
Leave it unironed.
Leave it unironed.
Avoid dry cleaning.
Avoid dry cleaning.
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STEP 2

Get your merino ready.

Before washing, close zips, buttons and hooks, then turn your merino inside out to help protect the fibres from snagging, stretching and pilling. Wash with similar colours to help keep everything looking its best.

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STEP 3

Wash it right.

Choose a gentle 30°C machine wash with a low spin of around 500rpm, using a mild or wool detergent. Skip fabric softener and bleach to help protect the fibres.

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STEP 3

Wash it right.

Choose a gentle 30°C machine wash with a low spin of around 500rpm, using a mild or wool detergent. Skip fabric softener and bleach to help protect the fibres.

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STEP 4

Let it dry naturally.

Remove your merino from the machine as soon as the cycle ends, then air dry it away from direct sunlight. Skip the dryer and avoid pegs to help prevent creases and marks.

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STEP 5

Between wears.

Once completely dry, fold your merino rather than hanging it to help keep it at its best between wears. Merino is naturally wrinkle resistant, but if ironing is needed, check the care label first and always avoid high heat.

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STEP 5

Between wears.

Once completely dry, fold your merino rather than hanging it to help keep it at its best between wears. Merino is naturally wrinkle resistant, but if ironing is needed, check the care label first and always avoid high heat.

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FAQs about merino wool care.

Can I use fabric softener?

We recommend avoiding fabric softener, as it can coat the fibres and affect merino’s natural breathability and moisture management. Use a mild or wool detergent instead.

Can I dry clean my merino?

Some icebreaker merino garments can be dry cleaned. Check the care label first to see what’s recommended.

Can I iron my merino?

Merino naturally resists wrinkles, so you may not need to iron it at all. If you do, check the care label first and avoid high heat.

Can I tumble dry my icebreaker merino wool clothing?

Most icebreaker merino is best air dried in the shade. Some items, including select socks, can be tumble dried, so check the care label first and use the lowest heat setting if permitted.

What happens if I accidentally wash merino wool in hot water?

Hot water can cause merino to shrink or lose its shape. If this happens, gently reshape it while damp and air dry flat. Some shrinkage may be permanent, so always follow the care label when washing.

How can I keep my merino garments from smelling between washes?

Merino is naturally odour resistant, so a little fresh air is often all it needs. Hang it in a well-ventilated space between wears to help keep it feeling fresh.

Can I store merino wool in vacuum-sealed bags?

We recommend using a breathable cotton or canvas bag rather than vacuum-sealed storage to help keep your merino protected between wears.

Can I hang my merino?

We recommend folding your merino where possible to help maintain its shape. If a structured piece needs to be hung, use a wide, padded hanger.

What detergent should I use for my merino?

Use a mild or wool detergent to help protect the fibres. Avoid bleach, fabric softener and harsh detergents.

How often should I wash my merino?

Only when it needs it. Airing your merino between wears can often help keep it fresh, but if odours remain or it’s visibly dirty, it’s time for a wash.

How can I protect my merino from moths?

If moths are a concern, use a natural repellent such as cedar wood and make sure your merino is clean and completely dry before putting it away.

How can I remove the care label safely?

Many icebreaker garments feature removable care labels. If yours does, hold the fabric steady just above the stitching and gently tear the label away along the seam, one layer at a time. Remove any remaining pieces with your fingertips.

Can't find what you are looking for? Please contact us here to get assistance from our Customer Care team.

Need to repair your merino?

Follow our simple step-by-step guides to help give your favourite pieces more life.