Merino wool which is obtained from Merino sheep considered to be one of the finest and quality fibers on the planet. It’s super at keeping you toasty in cold and cool in scorching heat, antimicrobial, odor-resistant, stain-resistant, also looks and feels premium. But about its endurance, does merino wool shrink?
Merino wool does not normally shrink. However, exposing it to high temperatures might cause the wool to shrink. It specifically happens when you use a tumble dryer to dry the material. The right call is to avoid exposing the merino wool products to high temperatures to prevent shrinkage.
Does Merino Wool Shrink?
Since merino wool is odor-resistant, it doesn’t need much washing like other fabrics. However, when you wash them, the garments can shrink in the process. You will get to know the details from this section.
After A Wash
Some merino wool garments such as sweaters, socks do shrink after washing, if you use cold water and mild detergents. However, if you use warm water, almost all of the merino wool products will shrink. In the case of cold water, shrinkage tends to be slight, but warm water does a significant amount of contraction.
Some merino wool garments are pre-shrunk and no change in size takes place after washing, but some can change a bit after machine-washing. The best course of action is to follow the instructions on the care label or contact the company. If you don’t have access to any of these, you better go for dry washing.
In Dryer
Most of the usual merino wool garments shrink considerably after being put in the dryer. Some sweaters can feel up to 5 inches tighter just after one tumble drying! So, the best thing to do is to never put your merino wool product in the dryer.
Even drying by hanging is not a good idea for merino wool garments because it will also lead to a change in size. For the perfect result, just lay the merino wool flat on a clean surface and evaporation will do the rest.
Washable Merino Wool
Many merino wool products in the market claim to be washable. These garments are also called ‘pre-shrunk’ or ‘pre-washing’ products and the chemical process they went through in production ensures that they won’t shrink at all!
Some of these washable merino wools don’t even get shrink after tumble drying. This type of information is usually given in the care label. Also, the merino wool products that are blended with other types of fabrics, such as polyester, do not shrink but still provide you the benefits of merino wool.
How to Unshrink the Merino Wool
By any chance, if your merino wool items get shrunk, whether after washing or tumble drying, don’t get frustrated. Because you can also unshrink back the merino wool clothing! All you need to do is to follow the instruction we are about to give.
At first, fill a big bowl with lukewarm water that is enough to soak the clothing item completely. Then pour a generous amount of wool-specific conditioner or hair conditioner into the water. Keep stirring the water so that the conditioner gets dissolved. Then soak and leave the cloth inside the water for at least 20 minutes.
You can turn the items several times to allow the conditioner to penetrate every part. Once soaked perfectly, get the cloth out of the water and squeeze out the excess water, lay it on a towel or blanket, and carefully stretch the item to its original size. Stretch before the cloth dries out and then wash it and let it air dry.
Why Use Merino Wool
You already know that merino wool shrinks, but why do they still choose this material despite the risk of shrinkage? It is because the final products made by this wool are high-quality and premium products.
In the case of fibers, merino wool fibers are more delicate than any other type of wool. Because of this, this wool feels lightweight, super soft, and comfortable to the skin. Although the fibers of this wool are finer, the interlocking fiber structure is naturally sturdy that can withstand most activities.
You don’t even have to worry about unwanted smells or bacteria because merino wool contains natural lanolin that has antibacterial properties and can mitigate long-lasting odor. Also, the wool products are breathable, help to get rid of trapped moisture and if they get wet somehow, they dry out pretty fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is merino wool good for summer?
It may sound odd, but merino wool is suited and comfortable to wear even in summer. Since this wool is lightweight and draws out moisture from your skin and evaporate, the merino cloths can keep you comfortable in the summer heat.
- What are the good sides of Merino wool?
Merino wool performs great in different conditions. Garments made from this wool are breathable, antimicrobial, flameproof, biodegradable, anti-wrinkle, anti-static, stain-resistant, odor-resistant, and also very durable.
- How often should I wash merino wool?
Usually, brands recommend washing your new merino wool garments within wearing 3 times once you buy it to get rid of short fibers that can cause pilling. After that, you can wash that product every couple of months along with any coarse fabric, such as denim to flush out those short fibers again.
Final Verdict
Although you have already known why and how does merino wool shrinks and how to unshrink them, you should take care of this wool product in other ways. Avoid bleach and fabric softener on this wool clothing at all costs. Also, try not to iron the merino wool cloths, but if you do, use an extremely low temperature.
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