Never use fabric softeners or products with bleach in them on wool. In a pinch, you can use a mild soap with a neutral pH, like a clear, fragrance-free dishwashing fluid for sensitive skin.
The water should be between 30 and 40 degrees C (about 85-100 degrees F). If you have a really large Merino wool product, consider washing it in your bathtub or using a “soak” setting on your washing machine so that you have a big enough basin.
Don’t let your wool soak for more than a handful of minutes since doing so can warp the fibers.
Make sure that your rinse water is the same temperature as the water in which you soaked your Merino wool.
Do not twist or wring your Merino wool to drain the water.
To be completely safe, consider washing your Merino wool by itself. Keeping it separate from other laundry will preserve it and your other garments for longer.
Note: if you cannot control the speed and/or temperature of your washing machine, stick to washing your Merino wool by hand.
Never change temperatures for your rinse cycle. To avoid shrinkage and felting, you need to keep the temperature of your entire wash cycle constant. Either do all warm water or all cold water, never a mix of the two. Never use hot water since high temperatures can seriously shrink your wool.
You can use a flat drying rack for this. Some racks have a mesh surface that’s especially designed for garments that need to lay flat. You can also simply lay your garment on top of a dry towel on a flat surface, like a floor or bed. You don’t want to hang Merino wool on a hanger, line, or hook because the weight of the wet fibers can lead to sagging and stretched knits.
Don’t move the iron back and forth over the wool. Instead, lower the iron onto the fabric, press for a few seconds, and then lift it directly up. Repeat this process until you have the wrinkles out. If you have a delicate knit, cover the fabric with a clean, dampened dish towel before pressing it. This will protect the fibers.
Avoid rubbing the stained area with your cloth since this will only encourage the stain to set into the fabric. For particularly stubborn stains, treat them with wool-specific soap. Dab a small amount of your mild wool detergent onto the affected area. Let it soak for a few minutes, and then rinse it with cold water. [9] X Research source
