Merino wool can be machine-washed safely using a wool or delicate cycle with cold water and a gentle spin, provided the garment is made from machine-washable merino. Aklanda's Australian-made merino wool clothing is manufactured using the highest-grade machine-washable superfine merino, meaning no dry cleaning, no hand washing, and no anxiety about laundry day.
Most people are afraid of washing merino wool. They should not be, but that fear is understandable, because most wool care advice online was written for cheap, non-treated wool that genuinely will shrink, feel, and fall apart if you look at it wrong.
Aklanda wool jumpers are different. Here's exactly how to care for them.
Can You Machine Wash Merino Wool?
Yes, if it's the right merino.
Not all merino wool is created equal. Lower-grade wool or untreated merino will shrink and be felt in a machine. But machine-washable wool jumpers made from high-grade treated superfine merino, like every garment in Aklanda's range, are specifically engineered for machine washing.
The key is in how the fibre is processed. Aklanda uses only the highest-grade machine-washable Australian superfine merino, which means the fibre scales that cause shrinkage and felting have been treated to prevent them from locking together in water.
The result? A merino wool jumper you can actually live in, not just display.
What’s the Right Way to Machine Wash Merino Wool?
Follow these steps and your Aklanda merino will come out exactly as it went in.
-
Use the wool or delicate cycle - Never use a normal or heavy cycle.
- Cold water only - Warm or hot water causes irreversible shrinkage.
- Gentle spin - High spin speeds damage the fibre structure over time.
- Wool-specific detergent - A pH-neutral detergent designed for wool. Avoid anything with enzymes or bleach.
- Wash inside out - It reduces pilling on the outer surface, especially for patterned wool sweaters and 3D knitwear.
- Do not tumble dry - The heat will shrink even machine-washable merino.
Six steps. That's it.
Shop Aklanda's Australian Merino Wool Knitwear
Drying Merino Wool the Right Way
Drying is where most people tend to go wrong, not washing. After the cycle finishes,
- Remove immediately - Don't leave wet merino sitting in the drum.
- Lay flat to dry - Lay on a clean towel or drying rack, in its natural shape.
- Dry in shade - Direct sunlight fades colour and weakens fibre over time.
- Never hang merino wool to dry - The weight of wet wool will stretch the shoulders and distort the shape permanently.
Most Aklanda merino garments dry completely within a few hours, laid flat indoors.
What About Hand Washing?
Hand washing is perfectly fine, and sometimes preferable for more delicate pieces like merino scarves, beanies, and lightweight accessories from Aklanda's sustainable, ethical wool clothing range.
- Use cool water and a small amount of wool detergent.
- Gently squeeze; never wring, twist, or rub.
- Rinse thoroughly until no detergent is left.
- Press excess water out by rolling the garment in a clean towel.
- Lay flat to dry.
How Often Should You Wash Merino Wool?
Less often than you think. Merino wool is naturally odour-resistant and moisture-wicking, which means that it stays fresh far longer than cotton or synthetic fabrics. For Australian-made merino wool clothing worn as a mid-layer or in cool conditions, washing after every 3 to 5 wears is perfectly adequate.
Between washes, air the garment out overnight rather than putting it straight back in the wardrobe. This is not laziness; it is all about how you make a quality merino jumper last for years, not just seasons.
Storing Merino Wool Between Seasons
- Fold, never hang - Hanging stretches the shoulders over time.
- Store clean - Never store wool that has been worn, but not washed. Body oils typically attract moths.
- Use a breathable cotton storage bag - Never use plastic; it traps the moisture.
- Add a moth deterrent - Preferably a cedar block or lavender sachet as a natural moth deterrent.
A Special Note on Aklanda's Merino
Every garment across Aklanda's range, from classic crew necks to fully fashioned patterned wool sweaters, is made in Melbourne from 100% Australian superfine merino wool sourced from ethical farms in SA and NSW.
The machine-washable standard is not an afterthought. It is a deliberate choice, because sustainable ethical wool clothing should be easy to own - not stressful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Merino Wool Care
Can I put my Aklanda wool jumper in the dryer?
No. Tumble drying is the fastest way to shrink and damage even the highest-grade machine-washable wool jumper. The heat causes the merino fibres to contract and feel together permanently. Always lay Aklanda merino flat to dry in the shade after washing it, takes a few hours, and your garment will come out in perfect shape every time.
What detergent should I use to wash merino wool?
Use a pH-neutral detergent specifically formulated for wool or delicate fabrics. Avoid anything containing enzymes, bleach, or fabric softener - enzymes break down the protein structure of merino fibre over time, reducing softness and shortening the life of your Australian-made merino wool clothing. Brands like Eucalan, Woolite, or similar wool-specific detergents are ideal.
My merino wool jumper has piled up after washing. What did I do wrong?
Pilling on merino wool is normal, particularly in areas of friction like under the arms and across the chest. It is not a sign of poor quality; it is a characteristic of natural protein fibre. To minimise pilling on patterned wool sweaters and knitwear, wash inside out on the wool cycle and use a fabric shaver to remove any pills that do form. It takes two minutes and restores the garment to new.
How do I get a smell out of merino wool without washing it?
Airing is almost always enough. Merino wool's natural fibre structure resists odour absorption far better than cotton or synthetic fabrics, which is why sustainable, ethical wool clothing is considered a superior choice for frequent wearers. Hang the garment outside in fresh air for a few hours, away from direct sunlight. For stronger odours, a light mist of diluted white vinegar followed by airing out will neutralise most smells without a full wash cycle.
You may also want to Explore the Women's Collection
