How often should you wash wool or Merino garments?

After every four to six wears under typical conditions, or when visibly soiled. Merino is naturally odour-resistant — the antibacterial properties of the fiber mean a garment worn for a full day will air clean overnight. Athletes report wearing Merino base layers for multiple days of activity without odour issues.

Will wool shrink in the wash?

Only if exposed to heat or agitation above its threshold. Cold water and a gentle cycle are safe for Merino and fine wool. The shrinkage mechanism is felting — fiber scales interlock under heat and friction. This process is irreversible. Cold and gentle prevents it entirely.

Can you put wool in the dryer?

Air dry is always preferred. If using a tumble dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove while still slightly damp. Flat dry to finish. High heat in a tumble dryer will shrink wool specimens significantly.

How do you remove odour from wool without washing?

Hang the specimen in fresh air, ideally outside in low humidity. Wool releases volatile compounds (the source of odour) readily when aired. Steam from a handheld steamer held at distance also refreshes the fiber without wetting it. Both methods extend the time between full washes significantly.

[ WOOL ]

Care forwool.

What is this?: Merino and fine wool specimens are self-regulating and largely self-cleaning between wears. Wash less than you think.
Who is it for?: Anyone maintaining a wool specimen from the SOME DOSE catalogue or elsewhere.
What does it cost?: Reading time: approximately three minutes. No specialist equipment required for most steps.
How does it work?: Follow the steps in order. Consult the FAQ for edge cases. Check the material notes for context on why the fiber behaves as it does.

[ BRIEF ]

Background.

Merino wool — the primary substrate of SOME DOSE Softwear — thermoregulates, resists odour, and manages moisture at the fiber level. These are not marketing properties. They are measurable structural behaviors of the crimp and scale configuration of Merino fibers.

The consequence is that these specimens require significantly less washing than conventional garments. Most performance issues attributed to wear are solved by airing.

[ PROTOCOL ]

The steps.

01
Air between wears
Hang the specimen in a well-ventilated space for 30–60 minutes after each wear. Merino releases odour and moisture naturally when aired. Washing should be the exception, not the default.
02
Check the care label
SOME DOSE specimens are rated for gentle machine wash or hand wash. Confirm before proceeding. When in doubt, hand wash.
03
Wash cold on gentle cycle or by hand
Machine: use the wool or delicate cycle at 30°C or below with a wool-safe detergent. Hand: submerge in cold water, agitate gently for two minutes, rinse in water of equal temperature.
04
Remove without wringing
Gently squeeze excess water. Do not wring, twist, or apply lateral force to the wet fabric. The fiber is at its most vulnerable when wet.
05
Flat dry
Reshape and dry flat on a clean surface away from direct heat. High-pile or knitted specimens should always dry horizontally. Fine-knit layers may hang if well-supported from the full width.
06
Store folded
Store folded, not on a hanger. Knitted wool will deform under its own weight over time if hung. Cedar or lavender sachets deter moths without chemical treatment.

[ DO NOT ]

Contraindications.

Do not wash in hot water — causes irreversible shrinkage and felting.
Do not tumble dry on high heat — same outcome as hot wash.
Do not spin at high speed — mechanical agitation while wet causes felting.
Do not hang heavy knits to dry — gravity distorts the structure.
Do not use biological detergent — protein-targeting enzymes attack wool fibers.
Do not iron directly — always use a pressing cloth or steam at a distance.

[ MATERIAL NOTES ]

Why it behaves this way.

SOME DOSE specimens use Merino wool — a fine-staple breed producing fibers under 20 microns in diameter. Below 20 microns, the fiber does not register as irritating against skin receptors. Coarser wool breeds (above 25 microns) cause the itch response. The softness of Merino is a structural property, not a finishing treatment.

[ FREQUENTLY ASKED ]

Common questions.

How often should you wash wool or Merino garments?: After every four to six wears under typical conditions, or when visibly soiled. Merino is naturally odour-resistant — the antibacterial properties of the fiber mean a garment worn for a full day will air clean overnight. Athletes report wearing Merino base layers for multiple days of activity without odour issues.
Will wool shrink in the wash?: Only if exposed to heat or agitation above its threshold. Cold water and a gentle cycle are safe for Merino and fine wool. The shrinkage mechanism is felting — fiber scales interlock under heat and friction. This process is irreversible. Cold and gentle prevents it entirely.
Can you put wool in the dryer?: Air dry is always preferred. If using a tumble dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove while still slightly damp. Flat dry to finish. High heat in a tumble dryer will shrink wool specimens significantly.
How do you remove odour from wool without washing?: Hang the specimen in fresh air, ideally outside in low humidity. Wool releases volatile compounds (the source of odour) readily when aired. Steam from a handheld steamer held at distance also refreshes the fiber without wetting it. Both methods extend the time between full washes significantly.

← ALL CARE PROTOCOLS DISPENSARY →

Last updated: April 2026