About How Often to Wash Merino Wool Socks, Who can forget the comfort of the usual cotton or even the feel of other fabrics on our feet?
While these are the usual socks we use daily, merino wool socks now take the cake better than cotton socks.
Merino wool socks are perfect for all seasons, so knowing how often to wash Merino wool socks is important.
Below is detailed know-how on everything you need to know about washing Merino wool socks.
How Often to Wash Merino Wool Socks?
Merino wool socks are good for people who love outdoor adventures, such as hiking.
Like our other clothes, wool socks should be washed after each use to ensure they are always neat, clean, and smells good.
This is important after a long day of work, physical activity, or a very hot day.
Since merino wool can remove moisture and trap odors, not washing them after a hectic day may lead to bacterial growth, and you don’t want that!
If you hardly wear the socks or wear them for a short time, you can wash them after 2 or 3 wear times, or if they start to smell (don’t leave them for too long, though!).
But, for hygiene reasons and to ensure your Merino wool socks are in good shape, washing them after each use is best.
(Stinky sock!)
How to Wash Merino Wool Socks?
You have two options here; the faithful washing machine or the sink. Even a large pot will do!
Below, we have set out a detailed guide for both.
Machine Washing
- Fill your washing machine with cold water and add a cup of white vinegar.
- Put your Merino wool socks in a mesh laundry bag and secure the string to ensure it’s closed. Pop it into the machine.
- Set your machine’s temperature to warm and put it on a gentle cycle for 3 minutes. Then rinse on the warm setting.
(washing machine)
Hand Washing
- Add white vinegar to fill up your sink or pot with lukewarm water. Put your socks in the sink to soak for half an hour. You can put them in the mesh bag first if you want.
- After half an hour, take out the socks and gently squeeze the water. Lay them flat on a clean towel.
How Do I Dry My Merino Wool Socks: Dry Summary
While it may seem easy, never put your Merino wool socks into the dryer.
This is a total no-no, as you may risk the socks shrinking or having other damage.
Two good ways to dry your socks; line drying or towel drying.
Line Dry
Hang your Merino wool socks on a chair, clothesline, railing, or an available friend (just kidding!).
You can also use a hanger, which will not stretch your socks.
Merino wool is super breathable and has moisture-wicking abilities so that it will dry quickly.
(socks on a line)
Towel Dry
You can also lay your wool socks on a clean, dry towel.
Every hour or so, gently flip the socks over so they dry all over.
While towel drying may take longer, you are at peace knowing that the usual shape and fit of the socks are maintained.
Other Tips for Merino Wool Socks
Storage
You can store your Merino wool socks as you would your other socks by folding them carefully and putting them into the cupboard.
Don’t keep it in a closet with a lot of moisture or moths, as you will find unwanted holes in your socks!
You can add cedarwood with your socks to shoo the moths away.
While wool socks trap all the bad smells, you can still risk your socks catching nasty smells if you don’t air the socks properly after use or washing.
(clean socks)
Packing
Merino wool is a staple in every bag for travelers, as it absorbs sweat and moisture with no smells.
This makes it perfect to travel with, plus it’s super easy to wash in the sink.
You can fold it and add it to your other necessities in your bag.
How Do I Prevent Piling?
Piling is those small lint balls that gather on clothes, usually after washing.
Piling is sometimes more present on wool garments, such as socks.
You must never pull them out, as you may damage your socks!
You can put your socks in the freezer.
The cold temperature of the freezer helps the natural fibers of your wool socks stick together, which makes them stronger and prevents piling.
Put your wool socks in a bag and the freezer for 2 days.
When you want to wash them, allow them to get warm, then wash them.
Conclusion
The number of times you wash your Merino wool socks depends on how much you wear them and what you do on that day.
If Merino wool socks are your favorite thing ever, it’s probably best for you (and everyone else) to wash them after each use.