Merino Care 1
The Merino
Care Guide
Preserve performance, softness, and longevity through sustainable care. Because Merino is a living biological fibre — it deserves to be treated as one.
5–10×
30°C
Years
Contrary to popular belief, Merino wool is remarkably easy to clean. Its natural lanolin content means it resists odour and bacteria, requiring far fewer washes than synthetic fabrics. The key is avoiding heat and harsh chemicals — both of which degrade the protein structure of the fibre.
Always use a cold or cool gentle machine cycle (30°C/86°F or lower). High temperatures trigger the wool's scales to interlock permanently — a process called "felting" — resulting in irreversible shrinkage and a stiff, matted texture.
Bleach destroys the amino acid bonds in wool fibres permanently. Fabric softeners are equally damaging — they coat each fibre in a waxy film that destroys Merino's natural moisture management and breathability. Use only a pH-neutral, wool-safe liquid detergent.
Always turn your garment inside out before placing it in the machine. This dramatically reduces surface fibre abrasion from the drum and from contact with other items, preventing pilling and protecting the outer finish of your garment.
Never wash Merino with denim, towels, or garments with open zippers or velcro. The friction from coarser fabrics causes micro-tears in the fine 19.5-micron fibres, accelerating pilling and weakening the knit structure over time.
Merino wool is a protein fibre made of keratin — the same material as human hair. Its natural crimp creates microscopic air pockets that regulate temperature and wick moisture. Harsh chemicals and heat break these keratin bonds, permanently altering the fibre's biological architecture. Cold water and gentle detergent preserve them.
One of Merino's most extraordinary properties is its ability to self-refresh. Its natural lanolin actively neutralises odour-causing bacteria, meaning your garment recovers its freshness simply from being aired. This reduces your total wash cycles — saving water, energy, and fibre life.
After washing, gently reshape your garment and lay it flat on a clean dry towel in a shaded, well-ventilated space. Flat drying prevents the weight of moisture from stretching the fibres and distorting the tailored silhouette. Direct sunlight can cause colour fade and fibre degradation.
The tumble dryer is the single greatest threat to Merino longevity. Heat combined with mechanical agitation causes rapid, permanent felting and shrinkage — often reducing a garment by one or more sizes in a single cycle. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Avoid hanging wet garments — especially heavier knits. The weight of the water pulls on the fibres, causing vertical stretching and shoulder distortion that is very difficult to reverse. Always dry flat.
Between wears, simply hang your garment near an open window or in a well-ventilated space for an hour. Fresh air neutralises odours and revitalises the wool's natural bounce. Most Merino garments need washing only every 5–10 wears — dramatically less than cotton or synthetic alternatives.
Washing less isn't laziness — it's science-backed sustainability. Every skipped wash cycle saves approximately 50 litres of water and extends the fibre's lifespan. Over a three-year period, a Merino owner who airs between wears reduces their garment's water footprint by up to 70% compared to synthetic alternatives washed after every wear.
For minor spills and localized marks, spot washing is always preferable to a full machine cycle. It uses less water, causes less fibre stress, and prevents the small issue from becoming a permanent one. The cardinal rule: always blot, never rub.
Blot immediately with cold water. Apply one drop of pH-neutral wool detergent and blot gently. For set stains, a diluted solution of cold water and white vinegar (1:3 ratio) is highly effective and wool-safe.
Apply a small amount of diluted rubbing alcohol to the stain using a clean cloth. Blot from the outside edge inward to prevent spreading. Follow with cold water and blot dry. Do not over-saturate.
Cold water only — never warm or hot for protein stains. Heat permanently sets protein into the fibre. Blot with cold water and a tiny amount of pH-neutral detergent. Rinse in cold water and air dry flat.
Blot immediately — do not rub. Apply cold sparkling water to lift the stain. Follow with diluted white vinegar solution if needed. Act quickly; tannin stains set fast on protein fibres.
Use a small amount of micellar water or cold water on a clean cloth. Blot gently. Avoid alcohol-based removers unless diluted. Perfume and deodorant residue can yellow fibres over time — blot before wearing, not after.
Always blot. Never rub. Rubbing agitates the fine fibres, causing localized pilling and potentially spreading the stain further. Work from the outer edge of the stain inward. Patience yields better results than force.
The final phase of garment care is often overlooked. Improper storage is responsible for shape distortion, moth damage, and fibre degradation that cannot be reversed. Treat your KlōTHiNG pieces as the precision-engineered artifacts they are.
Store all Merino knitwear and garments folded flat, never on hangers. Hanging places sustained vertical stress on the shoulder fibres, creating permanent "shoulder bumps" and stretching the garment's length over time. Folded storage preserves the original silhouette.
Before putting garments away for the season, ensure they are 100% clean and completely dry. Residual skin oils, perfume, or invisible food particles are the primary attractant for moth larvae. Even a trace amount of organic matter can result in significant damage during storage.
Use cedar balls, cedar blocks, or lavender sachets to naturally deter moths — not chemical mothballs. Chemical repellents leave residues that can damage fibres and are environmentally harmful. Cedar's natural oils are effective, fragrant, and completely wool-safe.
Store seasonal pieces in breathable cotton or linen bags — never in sealed plastic bags or airtight containers. Merino is a living fibre and requires airflow to maintain its structure. Plastic traps moisture, creating conditions for mildew and fibre degradation.
Circular
Fashion
in Practice
By following these care protocols, you are actively participating in circular fashion. A well-maintained Merino garment operates across a dramatically lower environmental footprint than a poorly cared-for synthetic alternative.
Merino wool that is properly cared for biodegrades naturally at end of life, returning nutrients to the soil rather than contributing to microplastic pollution. It retains premium resale or heirloom value — a characteristic impossible to replicate in synthetic garments.
"Every wash you skip, every season you extend, every garment you preserve — this is the KlōTHiNG philosophy made real."
70%
~50L
5–10×
100%
The Sanctuary
is always open.
Need specific care advice for a garment? Our team knows every product we carry.
contact@klothing.co.nz