If you’re considering purchasing merino wool ski socks, you should know that they aren’t the same as your regular hiking socks. They are generally heavier and bulkier because they’re made with extra cushioning to help protect your feet from hard surfaces. The good news is that these socks can stand up to washing without losing their shape or becoming misshapen—but if you don’t wash them correctly, you might ruin them! Here are five ways to wash merino wool ski socks that have worked well for me.
Machine Washing
Wool is a natural fiber, so it’s important not to use any soap with harsh chemicals or detergents that could strip the fibers of their natural oils. For machine washing, fill your machine with cold water and add a small amount of Woolite or other natural soap. Use the gentle cycle and then rinse them in cold water. If you have particularly smelly wool items, add a small amount of baking soda before washing them for an added odor-fighting boost.
Hand Washing
Washing your wool hiking socks by hand is the easiest way. Soak them in lukewarm water and a mild detergent for 20 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush. Rinse well and lay out flat on a towel to dry.
Drying Methods
Hiking socks are often made from a blend of nylon and acrylic, which means they can be machine-washed in cold water. Drying them will depend on the type of sock you have. If your sock is made from a blend of nylon and acrylic, it’s best to air dry them as tumble drying may cause shrinkage. For other hiking socks, you can either air or machine-dry them.
Preventing Pilling and Sock Slippage
One of the most common problems with 100% merino wool ski socks is piling on the heel and toes.
- This can be reduced by following these steps:
- Hand washing in lukewarm water with a gentle soap bar, such as Woolite.
- Rinse in cool water, then squeeze out excess moisture.
- Roll up the sock and gently stretch it lengthwise until it’s about two inches wide.
- Lay the sock flat on a towel and cover it with another towel so that you are stretching it widthwise at this point. – Gently massage the sock until most excess moisture is removed from it while maintaining its shape.
- Air dry flat or hang to dry (a clothesline works well).
Storing Socks
It’s important to store your socks properly so they last longer. This means putting them in a drawer or hanging them up on hangers, not on the floor or in a pile! You’ll want to remove any excess dirt and debris from the soles of your shoes before placing them in your sock drawer. The best way to do this is by taking off each shoe and holding it upside-down while shaking out the dirt. If you need help getting all that stuff out of there, try using a vacuum cleaner attachment (without the hose).
How often should you wash Merino wool socks?
Merino wool is a natural fiber with high-performance properties. It’s also soft and warm, which makes it a perfect material for ski socks. However, this doesn’t mean you can throw them in the washing machine with your regular load of laundry. To keep your Merino wool ski socks looking and feeling great for longer periods, you’ll want to take extra care when washing them. The frequency at which you wash your Merino wool golf shoes will depend on what activities they’re exposed to. For example, if you wear them every day or get sweaty after just one use, it’s probably best to wash them every day or two at most.
Can Merino wool be washed and dried?
Merino wool can be washed, but it cannot be dried in a dryer. Wool needs to be handled with care because it’s delicate and expensive, and you don’t want to ruin your investment. You’ll need to handwash your garments if they’re made of Merino wool. Fill up the sink with cold water and add soap.
Swish the garment around in the soapy water for about a minute before you let it soak for another five minutes or so. Drain the sink and fill it with cold water only, then gently squeeze out some excess water from your garment before running it under cool tap water for a few seconds.
Conclusion
The best way to clean Merino wool is by washing it with non-detergent soap and water. Soak the item in cool or lukewarm water and add enough soap to create a soapy lather. Gently rub the suds into the fabric using your fingers. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water until all of the soap is removed from the material. Squeeze out excess water and allow the item to dry flat on a towel before storing it away from other items, which could cause odor contamination.
