To get the most out of your investment, you want to make sure your wool base layers are properly cared for and maintained so they’ll last as long as possible. But how exactly do you clean and launder smart wool base layers? This post will show you the best way to care for your smart wool base layers so you can be sure they’ll stay looking great and perform well no matter what kind of activities you take them on.
Remove dirt by hand
You can remove dirt from your merino wool base layers with a damp cloth and soap. This will help you keep dirt out of the fibers, which will help maintain the natural insulating properties of the wool. After washing, you should use a fabric softener if you have one on hand; this will soften and fluff up your wool garment, making it look new. If you don’t have fabric softener available, then give it a good shake and hang it dry.
Wash in cold water
Washing your merino wool base layers is necessary to keep the fabric clean. To wash your base layers, fill a sink with cold water and add one tablespoon of Eucalan wool wash or liquid soap. This will help remove all the dirt. Before you place your merino wool base layer into the water, gently squeeze out any excess water, so it doesn’t cause any damage when washing.
Once submerged in water, gently agitate the piece until there are no more suds on the surface, and then rinse thoroughly under cold running water. It is important not to wring out your smart wool garment as this will compress the fabric and can cause permanent creases, which will result in less stretchiness and durability of the fabric.
Machine dry at low temperatures
Smart wool base layers are an excellent choice for staying comfortable while skiing. They’re made from a moisture-wicking material that moves moisture away from your skin, keeping you warm and dry. But to keep them performing at their best, you need to care for them properly. Dry them on low heat after use, and make sure not to use fabric softener, as this will affect the fabric’s wicking properties.
Dry flat
Smart wool base layers are a great way to stay warm and comfortable during cold winter. However, if you take the time to care for them properly, your smart wool base layers will last longer and keep you warmer! To care for your smart wool base layers, you must wash them regularly. This will remove dirt and oils on the fabric after use. For most people, it’s best if they’re washed every 3-4 weeks.
Store on hangers, not in drawers
When you wear your wool base layer, it will naturally create heat and moisture. This is because wool is a natural insulator that traps heat and moisture in the fibers. To prevent your garment from shrinking or matting, it’s important to store them on hangers, not in drawers. Hang them so they can air out between wears and not get caught on anything while hanging.
Avoid contact with fabric softener and detergent
- Avoid contact with fabric softener and detergent. Fabric softener coats the wool fibers, making them feel softer and less breathable. Detergents will remove the lanolin oils from the wool fibers and make them feel rougher.
- Hang base layers inside out on a clothesline or drying rack when possible. The sun can help dry the sweat and smell better than machine drying.
- Store base layers in a drawer or closet away from light in a cool, dark place where they won’t get crushed or caught on anything else while not in use, so they stay fluffy and last longer.
Does Smartwool shrink?
Smartwool garments will shrink when they’re washed and dried. To combat this, we recommend soaking your garment in cold water and then hand washing it. If you don’t want to take the time to do a cold soak, you can use hot water instead. After you’ve washed your garment, hang it up to dry or tumble-dry on the lowest heat setting. We recommend air drying your garment instead of drying it in the dryer because this will help keep the fabric from shrinking too much or wearing out prematurely.
How do you clean base layers?
For base layers, we recommend machine-washing with our Wool Wash. It’s specially formulated to clean and refresh your garments while preserving natural wool fibers. To wash your garment, fill the machine’s water tank with warm water, add one cup of Wool Wash detergent, and put the base layer in the washing machine. Run a regular cycle with cold or warm water, depending on the temperature you’d like your garment washed. Add any other clothes you would like cleaned, and run an additional rinse cycle if desired.
For those who do not have access to a washing machine, hand washing is an option! Fill a sink or bathtub with lukewarm water and add one cup of our Wool Wash detergent.
Does Merino wool need to be washed?
Most of the time, you won’t need to wash your wool garments. Washing will cause natural oils from your skin and sweat to be removed from the garment, leading to over-drying and shrinkage. Wash your Merino wool base layers only when they get visibly dirty or if you notice a change in their performance (i.e., they’re not as warm or they’re feeling slightly itchy). If you decide that washing is necessary, read the care instructions before doing so!
Final Words
Smart wool base layers are some of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. Whether skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or just out and about, they’ll keep you warm and looking good. But with any garment that has different functions and may be worn for long periods during the day, it’s important to know how to care for them properly!
