Have you discovered merino wool and love it?
You're right, you're wearing an exceptional fibre. Thanks to its extreme fineness and scale-like structure, it is thermoregulating, breathable, odour-resistant and crease-resistant.
As a result, it cannot be maintained in exactly the same way as cotton or polyester fibres. Here you'll find all the advice you need to preserve its quality and performance over time.
Even if our exclusive merino wools are deliberately less fragile than normal, a minimum of delicacy is necessary... Here we go!
tip no. 1: take advantage of the anti-bacterial properties of merino wool!
The first thing to remember is that merino wool (like Tencel®) is naturally anti-bacterial. It doesn't retain odours - particularly from perspiration.
So it doesn't need to be washed as often as the other materials in your wardrobe. (coton, polyester, nylon).
It's up to you to find the one that's right for you.
Do the test. Simply air out your Biella shirt, your Amsterdam jumper, or your poloshirt on a hanger on a balcony or near an open window for a few hours and it (they) will become fresh again.
tip no. 2: opt for dry cleaning
To increase the life of the garment,we recommend dry cleaning.
The machine is nevertheless possible on certain specific pieces (all except trousers Gaston) , if not on a regular basis. How is it done?
How often should I wash ?
So there's no need to wash after each use (and it saves water for the planet!).
For knitwear (pull Amsterdamor polo Arguin), washing needs to be more regular. Firstly to remove stubborn stains. But also to prevent moths, which are attracted by stains (proteins). And some of them can't be seen with the naked eye.
tip no. 3: maximum 30°, wool programme
Temperature-wise, it's very simple. Use the ‘wool wash at 30 degrees’ programme on your washing machine.
However, here are six IMPORTANT rules to follow:
- Set the drum speed to 500 or 600 rpm MAXIMUM. Otherwise, the fibres will break and your clothes will inevitably look crumpled when they come out of the machine.
- fill the drum to ONLY 30% or 50%. Wool needs space
- use detergent recommended for wool and avoid fabric softener (unless it is specifically for wool)
- do not mix wool with other materials. Cotton or polyester items can withstand higher temperatures and more violent spinning.
- don't mix your jumper or poloshirt with jeans or women's underwear. Buttons, zips, stays and bra fasteners represent a major risk of holes and unravelling.
- Wash trousers inside out.
Hand washing is not recommended. Scrubbing will break the fibres, which are fragile because they are so fine.
Dry cleaning is still recommended.
tip no. 4: how do you remove stains?
No need to worry! There are solutions for all of them. As long as you tackle them quickly, before they become entrenched.
The rule will be to proceed gently Without rubbing the wool vigorously or using an aggressive sponge. And absolutely avoid basic stain removers (such as ammonia or bleach), which will dissolve the wool.
Marseille soap will work on as many stains as possible. Use a bath to help the soap penetrate the wool. Pour a few drops of liquid soap into a warm bath. Then dip the stain into the water and rub gently. You can add a few drops of soap to the stain. Leave for 30 minutes. Then rinse.
On a greasy stain (oil, butter), absorb the excess as quickly as possible with talcum powder or flour. Leave on for 45 minutes before putting back in the washing machine.
To remove a wine stain, use a clean cloth soaked in 70° alcohol (or white vinegar). Leave for 10 minutes and rinse.
tip no. 5: dry on a hanger or lay flat
Never use the tumble dryer mode on your machine.
Shirts and poloshirts can be dried on a hanger. The hanger should be straight and the legs should be wide so as not to ‘mark’.
This is the best way to smooth out the wrinkles and maintain the fit. Don't hesitate to close the buttons to accentuate the overall look of the garment.
Knitwear (jumpers and polo shirts in merino wool and Tencel®) should be worn flat so that the garment doesn't stretch out or hang on a hanger.
Obviously, you should avoid hanging them with clothes pegs, which will leave marks and distort the piece.
tip 6: steam ironing
Steam ironers are ideal because they won't damage wool
If you are using an iron, set it to the wool/polyamide programme (soleplate temperature 110°). If your iron does not have this setting, do not iron too hot.
Ideally on the inside of the garment for dark colours and knits.
Frequently asked questions
Does wool shrink in the wash?
A la base, la laine a une structure bouclée. Après lavage, la laine a tendance à retrouver son état d’origine. Vous ressentirez peut-être cela comme un rétrécissement (encore plus perceptible sur un jersey, tissu tricoté en rond).
Our partner Reda has therefore taken maximum care in the spinning and weaving to ensure optimum stability. They will only move within a tolerance of +/- 3%, which remains normal. The shirts, on the other hand, are woven.
The poloshirt Ferret, en laine vierge, rétrécira légèrement au premier lavage. Et sera complètement stable ensuite. C’est pour cela que nous vous conseillons de prendre une à deux taille au dessus de votre taille habituelle.
Does the wool pilling occur?
Our wools are of the highest quality. You shouldn't experience this kind of inconvenience. Pilling is only the result of mechanical action. For example, heavy rubbing with a rucksack, seatbelt, wall or desk.
To avoid reaching this point, eliminate the repetitive rubbing. You may be able to remove pilling by shaving your jumper with an anti-pilling razor.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us via chat or at contact@wolbeparis.com!