Before you wash.
Before washing your Woolf apparel there are some things you should know about your Merino wool.
You can actually wear Merino wool for multiple days without needing to wash it. That’s because odor-causing bacteria can’t reproduce or grow on Merino wool fibers, so stink won’t stick to it. In fact, most times you’ll just need to air out your Woolf Merino after use and they’ll be as good as new by morning.
All that adds up to a longer life for your Merino wool, doing the outdoor things you love. And because every load of laundry uses up to 40 gallons of water, you’ll also be reducing your environmental impact by washing less often.
Washing your Woolf gear:
Turn your Woolf Merino garments inside out.
Help prevent fiber shedding by using a washing bag if possible.
Use a detergent made for wool, no bleach, and no fabric softener.
Other detergents often contain enzymes that can damage the wool fibers. Bleach will destroy Merino wool fibers and fabric softener coats those fibers limiting their ability to naturally manage moisture and regulate body temperature
Machine-wash on gentle cycle (30°C) in cold water.
Important - Avoid hot water as heat shrinks Merino wool. Cold water is more gentle and uses less energy.
Air dry Woolf Merino to extend the life of your gear and reduce your environmental impact.
Dry your Merino wool by laying it flat - away from the sun. Don’t hang wet wool as it will distort its shape and never tumble dry or dry clean.
Storing your Woolf Merino.
Here are a few important tips to help store your Merino for the off season, (If you have an off-season?) to keep it living a long and healthy life.
Keep it clean
Make sure your Merino is clean because moths are attracted food and body smells in the wool fibers.
Keep it flat
Store flat - Not balled or rolled up, as it will distort the shape.
Keep it tight
Use Vacuum-packed bags or boxes to keep your Woolf protected. If stored for more than a year, air them out for a while before re-packing for storage.
Keep it fresh
Get some cedar to keep out moths and other creatures that could harm or eat your clothes.
Why is my Merino pilling?
Pilling is a sign of high quality wool. The more loosely spun a yarn, the more luxurious and soft it tends to be, allowing fibers more opportunity for friction and in turn, pilling. Woolf’s 100% Merino wool fabric is made from thin threads of wool fibers. When first worn, some of these finer wool fibers will come loose. After a few wears, pilling will happen less over time as the loose fibers make their way to the surface. This is a completely natural process.
What makes this happen?
Pilling tends to concentrate in areas of high friction, like the armpits, sides, and around the wrists. The more the clothing rubs against other surfaces the more it will pill.
How to reduce pilling.
Always follow washing and care instructions above - Turn clothes inside out before washing, use a gentler setting on your washing machine, use a wool detergent, and do not use fabric softener. By taking preventative measures, you’ll reduce the pilling on your garments and keep them looking fresh for as long as possible.