How to Choose the Right Detergent for Wool
Did you know our Merino wool clothing & underwear is Easy Care & Machine Washable? Merino wool has come a long way from the old traditional jumpers that were bulky and shrank if washed in the washing machine. With new technology, machinery and processing techniques our specially designed easy care Micron Knit Merino fabric can be washed with your normal laundry in the washing machine with the right detergent.
Although our Merino is easy care, you need to choose a wool safe detergent for the longevity of your Merino Country clothing and underwear. Some laundry detergents contain enzymes that target the dirt & stains in fabric and will also break down the wool fibres causing thinning and holes!
We recommend using a pH neutral detergent that does NOT contain bleach, brightners, whiteners or stain removers (these cause holes do NOT use it).
To extend the life of your beautiful Australian Merino clothing and underwear we have put together a guide to help you choose the right detergent.
What to Avoid - products that say things like "tough on stains" "super white" etc - they'll often have the below wording and are to be avoided
- Optical Brighteners
- Enzymes
- Bleach, either chlorine or oxygen based
- Heavy Duty Detergents
- Softeners
- Stain Removers
- "Bio” detergents containing enzymes
If necessary please contact us for further information.
More Tips on caring for your Merino Wool Products - WOOLCARE
What we Recommend
Merino Wool naturally doesn't need to be washed after every wear. To get more wears out of your garment between washes, just hang them up and air them out. When it is time to wash your favorite Merinos here are a few recommendations but not limited to these brands:
- Use Wool Safe Detergent
- Use Mild or Neutral Detergent that doesn't contain brighteners, bleaches, "bio" enzymes or stain removers
- Look for the Woolmark logo 
Earth Choice Wool and Sensitive
Aware Sensitive Laundry Liquid
To see more recommendations by Woolmark and for international brands - click here.
What to Avoid - products that say things like "tough on stains" "super white" etc - they'll often have the below wording and are to be avoided
- Optical Brighteners
- Enzymes
- Bleach, either chlorine or oxygen based
- Heavy Duty Detergents
- Softeners
- Stain Removers
- "Bio” detergents containing enzymes
If necessary please contact us for further information.
More Tips on caring for your Merino Wool Products - WOOLCARE
13 comments
Definitely recommend all Bosisto’s products. Have been using them for years and will swear by them. Have used the washing powder for ages but have now been using the liquid which I find much better. Had a child that was sensitive to detergents etc & got onto these products. Wash all my woollens & precious items either by hand or machine & haven’t had a problem. Try also putting the items that can be machine washed in laundry bags.
Rhyll McEntee
I’ve been told to use a ratio of 3:1 hair conditioner and white vinegar for my wool things in the wash – can you confirm if this is safe? I have used just hair conditioner in the past for handwashing wool, but only for singlets, as I have some sensory issues and it leaves them nice and soft.
Cherry
Thank you Hans. I hadn’t noticed it isn’t safe anymore!!! They need to change the name of it!!!
Nick
Hi. Can I use a regular bar of soap to handwash merino whilst travelling ? Or can you recommend particular wool friendly soap bars ? Thanks !
Cathy
I have a baby sweater that was given to my daughter. She is now 44 years old. It is in perfect condition as we lived in the tropics and there were very few opportunities to wear it. I would like to wash it freshen it with a wash or soak to pass on to the next generation. I kept it in blue tissue paper. It is not dirty by any stretch, but it has that ‘old smell’.
kaye
Hi Ali,
Try Bosisto’s Sensitive laundry powder – is really good!
Merino Country
Hi Ali, Try Bosisto’s detergent powder – it’s really good. Cheers
Merino Country
Agree totally with previous comment. I always buy Australian made as much as possible and have found the Australian Eucalyptus Company laundry powder excellent for all my washing needs. Delicate cycle wise to use with delicates of course!!
Love that their products are healthy with no nasties – and made in country Victoria.
Chantelle Ayers
Hi I noticed all the detergents recommended are liquids. Are there any suitable powder detergents you can recommend? Thanks
Ali
Despite the name, Woolite products are no longer safe for wool, caution do NOT use Wollite products on wool.
Hans
Thank you Merino Country for including this information. Excellent.
Craig
Thank you Merino Country for including this information. Excellent.
Craig
Im in Victoria and I wash all my woollen garments and normal wash in Eucalyptus Powder from Australian Eucalyptus Powder. Its made here in Victoria and has the Most Amazing Eucalyptus smell. I have had issues with any Woollen Garments or any of my everyday clothes I wash in this Product. Well worth checking out all their other products as well.
Keryl
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