How to wash your Icebreaker Merino Clothing
Outside Sports was one of the very first stores to sell Icebreaker when it first stated in 1995, and we’ve been with them ever since. And as the Icebreaker experts we’re often asked if it’s OK to wash Icebreaker merino wool clothing in a washing machine?
Icebreaker Merino is Machine Washable
The answer is yes. Unlike clothes made from ordinary wool you can wash Icebreaker merino clothing in a washing machine – you just have to know how to do it the right way. That’s great news because adds a lot more practicality to your Icebreaker wardrobe, especially when you’re regularly out there adventuring in all weathers on muddy and dusty trails using your New Zealand merino clothing as nature intended.
More good news is that Icebreaker merino clothing can take care of itself. Merino fibres absorb and release moisture to help manage odours so they don’t get smelly like items made from cotton and synthetics. That means you don’t need to wash your Icebreaker clothes until they are visibly dirty. Which is one of the reasons why Icebreaker is so popular among hikers, runners, and bike packers – you can wear it for days on end and you’ll still be nice to be near.
Your Icebreaker Washing Guide
As always the first step is reading the specific care instructions shown on every Icebreaker merino garment’s label. And make sure anyone who might be washing your Icebreaker for you reads the label and follows its instructions.
Washing Merino Wool Garments
Use a front-loading washing machine if you can. They are much gentler on clothes than top loader agitator machines.
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Select cold or warm water – a lukewarm 30 degrees is ideal - and a gentle wash cycle.
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Use your regular washing powder or liquid.
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Don’t use hot water as high heat can shrink merino wool.
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Don't use fabric softeners or bleach.
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Like you would normally, separate lights and darks, and wash similar colours together.
If you’re considering drycleaning make sure to check the washing instructions on the garment’s care label. Some Icebreaker merino garments can be drycleaned, but for others it's not recommended.
Drying Merino Wool Garments
Air dry your Icebreaker garments in the shade on a clothesline or rack and give them plenty of time to air out fully. That way you’ll get the most out of merino’s natural odour resistance.
Don’t put your merino garments in the tumble dryer as it will shrink!
Ironing isn’t necessary. You won’t need to iron your Icebreaker merino, because it bounces back into shape without creases once its fully dry.
Storing Your Icebreaker Merino Garments
To prevent odours, stains and build-up of dirt don’t put your Icebreaker away if its dirty.
To help your merino garments keep their shape, store them folded rather than hung.
Icebreaker Merino is Perfect for Your Next Adventure
Merino wool really is nature’s wonder fibre. It’s warm, light, feels amazing to wear, regulates odours, it’s sustainable – and washable! What more could you want in clothes for your next adventure? Icebreaker merino clothing is available at every Outside Sports store in Queenstown, Arrowtown, Queentown Airport, Te Anau, Wanaka, and Tekapo.