Wool socks should be washed properly to ensure that they remain in excellent condition for an extended period. You can easily wash merino wool socks using a washing machine without causing damage by following the proper method. Hand washing is required for all other types of wool socks.
Merino wool socks are easy to wash. Wash them in cold water on the gentle cycle with a bar of unscented liquid soap. Pre-drying tablets can keep odor away as they dry between washes, or if you don’t plan to hang yours outside when it snows—don’t fill too much space, or you may have a flip-over disaster.
Socks made of merino wool are a wise investment. In addition to being comfy and long-lasting, these socks will keep your feet toasty on chilly winter days. However, if you are not cautious, they may become quite dirty very soon. This post includes our instructions on washing merino wool socks to ensure that they continue to look and feel wonderful for many years to come. Let’s get this party started!
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Is It Possible to Wash 100 Percent Merino Wool Socks?
Merino wool is very washable and can tolerate being washed in a washing machine. Flip the item inside out and store it in a net washing bag to be washed later.
Select the woolens or delicates cycle on your washing machine, and ensure the water temp is cool and the spin speed is low before you start washing. Wet woolens should never be hung up.
Step-by-Step Guide to Wash Merino Wool Socks:
Please make use of a single pair of merino wool socks and follow these simple instructions to put them on your feet.
Step 1: Turn Your Socks Inside Out
Before washing your socks, flip them inside out to prevent bacterial growth. This is especially significant for socks that include cushioning, provided by the terry loops on the bottom. A great deal of trash and grime can become entangled in the loops.
Step 2: Wash in Cold or Warm Water
High heat can damage fabric fibers and cause colors to fade, so you should avoid using hot water whenever possible. Wash in warm or cold water on a gentle cycle in a washing machine. The knit or wool cycle on your machine can be used in this situation.
Consider using a laundry bag to reduce the likelihood of losing a pair of socks. The bag also helps to prevent your socks from snagging on or rubbing against other objects in the wash that might be harsh.
Step 3: Use the Right Detergent
When washing your socks, use a soap with a neutral pH rather than one that contains acids or alkalis, as these might damage the fibers of your socks. Take into consideration utilizing a biodegradable soap. Ensure not to use bleach or fabric softener while washing your clothes.
- Add a tiny quantity of detergent and gently shake the bag to combine the ingredients.
- Wait 15 minutes before shaking the bag once more.
- The water should be dumped at least 200 yards away from any water source.
- Fill the bag with new water and shake it once more to remove any remaining soap.
- Remove the water from the tank. Repeat the process as required until the soap is completely gone from the socks.
Step 4: Air Dry your Socks
In addition to being environmentally friendly, line drying your socks will allow you to take some interesting photographs of your socks all lined up to dry. Putting your socks in the dryer will expedite the process more efficiently. Make sure to blow dry on a low setting to avoid the socks becoming too hot and becoming too brittle.
Step 5: Fold your Socks
Choosing to fold your socks is an excellent way to go the additional mile with your sock care regimen. Storing socks by wrapping the top of one over the top of the other causes them to be stretched needlessly, leading them to become deformed or lose their stretch more quickly. Keeping them flat or folded allows the fibers to relax naturally in storage.
How to Pre-Treat Wool Socks that are Extra-Smelly?
Sweat and body odor may cause wool socks to smell quite bad. If yours are stinky, you might want to soak them in a mix of water and vinegar for a bit before washing them again.
Things you Need:
- A large bucket or a sink will suffice.
- Water (approximately one gallon).
- Vinegar (two cups).
Follow these Instructions:
- Fill the big container or sink halfway with water. (Please note that you must block the sink’s drain to keep the water in.)
- Pour the vinegar into a big container or the sink to catch the drips.
- Soak the stinky socks in the vinegar and water solution for a few minutes.
- Allow for a half-hour of soaking time.
- Eliminate the vinegar and water solution
- Under cold running water, completely rinse the product.
- Continue with the washing of the socks.
Washing Merino Wool Socks: Some Helpful Hints
Comfy, robust, and long-lasting socks produced of merino wool are ideal for everyday wear. It also has antibacterial properties, so you won’t want to wash your merino wool socks as frequently as you would your other socks due to this.
Socks that are washed less frequently have a longer lifespan. Tips for washing merino wool socks include the following, which you should bear in mind when doing so:
- Avoid using bleach and fabric softeners since the chemical compositions of these products can destroy the fabric’s inherent characteristics.
- Avoid using boiling water or hard dryer cycles on your socks, as this may cause them to stretch or shrink.
- Don’t forget to utilize the soft spin option to wash your clothes in the machine. If your washing machine has a woolen setting, it is preferable to utilize it.
- Handwashing with mild liquid soap at room temperature to lukewarm water is recommended without a washing machine. Don’t wring it too hard, or you’ll break it.
- When using powdered detergents, it is usually advisable to pre-dissolve the detergent in warm water before adding it to the wash cycle. Using this method, you may avoid concentrated bits of detergent from getting into touch with your socks, resulting in holes.
- Rinsing softeners or conditioners could be used, but caution should ensure that the quantity used is kept to a bare minimum. Excessive use of softener might result in the creation of pills during successive washings – this is because softeners tend to function as a lubricant, allowing fibers to slide out over the surface of the socks more easily when softeners are used.
- If you are hiking or traveling and cannot wash your socks, I recommend air dry them. Because Merino Wool is naturally moisture-wicking and odor-resistant, it may keep its freshness for a longer period when exposed to sunlight or fresh air.
- It is not recommended to tumble dry, wring dry, or squeeze too much when moist. These can cause shrinking or cause the item to lose its form.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it true that merino wool shrinks when washed?
Merino is a strong and long-lasting fiber that will not shrink when washed. Use a standard warm or cold machine wash cycle with a regular powder or liquid detergent to clean your clothes.
How many days can you go without washing your merino wool socks?
That is dependent on how long you wear them per usage, the activity, the environment, and your degree of comfort with re-wearing garments, among other variables. I’ve found that cleaning them after two to three full days of wear strikes a decent mix between convenience and hygiene.
Is it okay to put merino wool socks in the dryer?
Tumble drying your socks at a warm or low temperature is usually fine for most people. Even though your socks can be dried, you may want to try air drying them instead of using a dryer.
Wrapping it Up:
Merino wool socks are one of the finest purchases you will ever make, and they will last you a lifetime. Their warmth and breathability are unmatched, and they last for years.
To keep your Merino wool socks in the greatest condition, follow the care instructions provided in this article.
