How to Wash and Care for Possum Merino and Merino Wool
Possum merino and merino wool are naturally low-maintenance. They resist odour, shed dirt easily and need washing far less often than cotton or synthetics. A little care keeps them soft and in shape for many winters.
1. Wash less, air more
After wearing, hang your knitwear somewhere airy overnight. Merino is naturally odour-resistant, so many pieces only need washing every few wears. Spot-clean small marks with cool water.
2. How to hand wash possum merino
- Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water (under 30°C) and a small amount of pH-neutral wool wash.
- Turn the garment inside out and submerge it. Press gently; do not rub, wring or twist.
- Soak for about 10 minutes, then rinse in water of the same temperature.
- Press out water against the side of the basin, then roll the garment in a towel to absorb the rest.
3. Machine washing
If your machine has a wool or hand-wash cycle, use it with cold water, wool wash and a low spin. Wash knitwear inside out, ideally in a mesh laundry bag, and never with zips or velcro that could snag.
4. Drying
- Dry flat in the shade on a towel or drying rack, reshaping while damp.
- Never tumble dry. Heat and tumbling together felt and shrink wool.
- Keep out of direct sun and away from heaters, which can yellow and weaken fibres.
5. Storing knitwear
Fold, don't hang. Hanging stretches shoulders over time. Store clean and dry, folded in a drawer or breathable bag, with cedar or lavender to deter moths during summer.
6. Dealing with pilling
Possum fibre is smooth, so possum merino pills less than most knits, but light pilling can appear where garments rub. Remove pills gently with a knitwear comb or fabric shaver once the garment is dry. It usually settles after the first few wears.
7. Travelling with merino
Merino and possum merino recover well from creasing. Roll rather than fold in your luggage, then hang in a steamy bathroom to relax any creases. A Travel Wrap or Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket on long-haul flights.
Quick care checklist
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Cold water and wool wash | Hot water and regular detergent |
| Dry flat in the shade | Tumble dryers and radiators |
| Fold to store | Hanging knitwear long-term |
| Air between wears | Washing after every wear |
Frequently asked questions
Can I put possum merino in the washing machine?
Yes, on a cold wool or hand-wash cycle with wool wash and a low spin. Never tumble dry.
How often should I wash merino?
Only when it needs it. Airing between wears is usually enough for several wears.