How to Choose the Right Detergent for Wool
Did you know our Merino wool clothing & underwear is Easy Care & Machine Washable? Merino wool has come a long way from the old traditional jumpers that were bulky and shrank if washed in the washing machine. With new technology, machinery and processing techniques our specially designed easy care Micron Knit Merino fabric can be washed with your normal laundry in the washing machine with the right detergent.
Although our Merino is easy care, you need to choose a wool safe detergent for the longevity of your Merino Country clothing and underwear. Some laundry detergents contain enzymes that target the dirt & stains in fabric and will also break down the wool fibres causing thinning and holes!
We recommend using a pH neutral detergent that does NOT contain bleach, brightners, whiteners or stain removers (these cause holes do NOT use it).
To extend the life of your beautiful Australian Merino clothing and underwear we have put together a guide to help you choose the right detergent.
What to Avoid - products that say things like "tough on stains" "super white" etc - they'll often have the below wording and are to be avoided
- Optical Brighteners
- Enzymes
- Bleach, either chlorine or oxygen based
- Heavy Duty Detergents
- Softeners
- Stain Removers
- "Bio” detergents containing enzymes
If necessary please contact us for further information.
More Tips on caring for your Merino Wool Products - WOOLCARE
What we Recommend
Merino Wool naturally doesn't need to be washed after every wear. To get more wears out of your garment between washes, just hang them up and air them out. When it is time to wash your favorite Merinos here are a few recommendations but not limited to these brands:
- Use Wool Safe Detergent
- Use Mild or Neutral Detergent that doesn't contain brighteners, bleaches, "bio" enzymes or stain removers
- Look for the Woolmark logo 
Earth Choice Wool and Sensitive
Aware Sensitive Laundry Liquid
To see more recommendations by Woolmark and for international brands - click here.
What to Avoid - products that say things like "tough on stains" "super white" etc - they'll often have the below wording and are to be avoided
- Optical Brighteners
- Enzymes
- Bleach, either chlorine or oxygen based
- Heavy Duty Detergents
- Softeners
- Stain Removers
- "Bio” detergents containing enzymes
If necessary please contact us for further information.
More Tips on caring for your Merino Wool Products - WOOLCARE
I’ve been told to use a ratio of 3:1 hair conditioner and white vinegar for my wool things in the wash – can you confirm if this is safe? I have used just hair conditioner in the past for handwashing wool, but only for singlets, as I have some sensory issues and it leaves them nice and soft.
Thank you Hans. I hadn’t noticed it isn’t safe anymore!!! They need to change the name of it!!!
Hi. Can I use a regular bar of soap to handwash merino whilst travelling ? Or can you recommend particular wool friendly soap bars ? Thanks !
I have a baby sweater that was given to my daughter. She is now 44 years old. It is in perfect condition as we lived in the tropics and there were very few opportunities to wear it. I would like to wash it freshen it with a wash or soak to pass on to the next generation. I kept it in blue tissue paper. It is not dirty by any stretch, but it has that ‘old smell’.
Hi Ali,
Try Bosisto’s Sensitive laundry powder – is really good!