Merino doesn’t need complicated care — but it does need gentle handling. Most merino casualties aren’t fabric failures; they’re laundry failures. Here’s what’s actually worked for us after years of daily wear, pregnancy, postpartum, kids, and real life.
Detergents I trust for merino
The goal is simple: gentle, unscented, no enzyme overload, no “performance” additives. If a detergent is designed to strip odors, brighten whites, or “deep clean” — it’s not merino-friendly.
- Molly’s Suds Laundry Detergent (unscented) – a solid, accessible option that’s worked well for everyday merino and base layers.
- Branch Basics – good for those who already use it as a household system; works fine on merino.
- Truly Free – another decent low-tox option if it’s already in your rotation.
- Plain unscented liquid Castile soap – surprisingly effective for hand-washing or small loads.
I no longer use Dr. Bronner’s for laundry. It’s not a performance issue — it’s an ethos one. Merino care doesn’t need soap evangelism.
How I actually wash merino
- Turn pieces inside out
- Use a gentle or delicate cycle
- Wash cold
- Use wash bags for bras, leggings, underwear, and thinner knits
Avoid oxygen boosters, stain fighters, fabric softeners, and anything labeled “sport” or “odor control.” They’re rough on wool fibers and organic dyes.
Drying: boring, but important
- Hang dry or lay flat whenever possible
- If needed, a very short low-heat fluff (about 5 minutes) is fine — then remove immediately
Heat is what ruins merino. Not water. Not washing. Heat.
What not to overthink
- You don’t need to wash merino after every wear
- You don’t need special wool-only detergents if your regular detergent is truly gentle
- You don’t need to baby it — just don’t punish it
Merino is incredibly forgiving when treated calmly. Which, frankly, is the theme of clean living done well.
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