There's a reason we love Australian Merino Wool at Maxted.
It's beautifully soft, naturally breathable, regulates your body temperature and, unlike many synthetic fibres, it doesn't need washing after every wear. In fact, washing it too often is one of the quickest ways to shorten its lifespan.
Read more about why we choose Australian Merino.
And, looking after your Merino knitwear is surprisingly simple. Here's everything you need to know.
First Things First: You Probably Don't Need to Wash It
One of Merino wool's greatest superpowers is that it's odour-resistant. The fibres naturally repel dirt and absorb moisture vapour before it becomes sweat, meaning your knit can often simply be aired between wears rather than washed.
If your jumper has only been worn for a day or two, simply:
- Fold it neatly overnight.
- Hang it outside in the fresh air for an hour or two (not in direct sunlight).
- Brush off any surface dust or fluff.
You'll be surprised how refreshed it feels. We often wash our Merino knitwear only every 5 to 10 wears, unless it's been stained.
Always Read the Care Label
Not every Merino garment is constructed in exactly the same way. Some are machine washable. Others should only be hand washed. Always check the care label inside your garment first, as it will tell you the safest way to care for that particular piece.
Hand Washing Australian Merino
If in doubt, hand washing is always the gentlest option. We've also put together a short video showing exactly how we do it at Maxted.
Step 1
Fill a basin with cool to lukewarm water (around 30°C). Never use hot water.
Step 2
Add a small amount of wool detergent, choosing one designed specifically for wool or delicate fibres. Avoid biological detergents or products containing bleach.
Step 3
Turn your knit inside out and gently place it into the water. Allow it to soak for around 10 minutes. There's no need for vigorous scrubbing or rubbing.
Step 4
Rinse thoroughly using cool water until all detergent has disappeared.
Can You Machine Wash Merino?
Yes, if the care label says you can. Use:
- Wool or Delicate cycle
- Cold or 30°C wash
- Low spin speed
- Wool detergent
- A mesh laundry bag for extra protection (optional but helpful)
Fast spins and unnecessary agitation are what cause wool fibres to felt or lose their shape, so choosing the gentlest cycle is key.
Never Wring Your Knitwear
This is where many beautiful jumpers come unstuck. Instead:
- Gently press excess water out.
- Roll your knit inside a clean towel.
- Press firmly to absorb moisture.
No twisting. No wringing. No stretching.
Dry It Flat
Wet wool is heavier than dry wool. If you hang your knit while it's wet, gravity will slowly stretch it out of shape. Instead, lay it flat on a towel or drying rack, gently reshape it while damp, and allow it to dry naturally away from direct sunlight or heaters.
Please Don't Use the Dryer
Unless your care label specifically says tumble drying is safe, avoid it. High heat causes wool fibres to contract, which is what leads to shrinking.
How to Store Merino Wool
Once dry:
- Fold your knit instead of hanging it.
- Store it in a drawer or shelf.
- During warmer months, ensure it's clean before storing and consider cedar blocks or lavender sachets to help deter moths.
Hangers can slowly stretch shoulders over time, particularly with heavier knits.
What About Pilling?
A little pilling is completely normal. It happens when loose surface fibres rub together during wear, and it doesn't mean your knit is poor quality. Simply use a fabric comb or knitwear shaver to gently remove any pills, and your jumper will look beautifully refreshed again.
Quick Reference: Merino Care at a Glance
| Task | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Hand wash in cool to lukewarm water with wool detergent | Hot water, biological detergents, bleach |
| Machine washing | Wool or Delicate cycle at 30°C, low spin, if care label permits | Fast spin cycles, regular detergent |
| Removing water | Press gently, roll in a towel | Wringing, twisting, stretching |
| Drying | Lay flat, reshape while damp, dry naturally | Hanging while wet, direct sunlight, heaters, tumble dryer |
| Storing | Fold and store in a drawer or on a shelf | Hanging on a hanger long-term |
| Pilling | Use a fabric comb or knitwear shaver | Pulling or cutting pills by hand |
| Between wears | Air outside, fold overnight, brush off surface fluff | Washing after every wear |
Why We Love Australian Merino Wool
At Maxted, we source our 100% Australian Merino Wool from Hamilton, Victoria. It's one of the world's finest natural fibres:
- Naturally breathable
- Temperature regulating
- Odour resistant
- Renewable and biodegradable
- Wonderfully soft against the skin
With just a little care, a beautiful Merino knit can remain part of your wardrobe for many years, which is exactly how we believe knitwear should be.
Read more about why we choose Australian Merino.
Looking After Your Knit Means Looking After the Planet
One of the most sustainable things you can do is simply care for your clothing well. By washing your Merino less often, drying it naturally and storing it correctly, you'll enjoy your knitwear for season after season. And that's exactly what Maxted was designed for.
We've also written a more detailed guide on how to wash your knitwear if you'd like to go further, including tips for cotton blends and other yarn types.
Ready to invest in a piece worth caring for?
