Tips for the care of Merino sheep wool

Oct 24, 2022

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Wool is one of the oldest textile materials in the world. This type of fiber can be obtained from many different animals, such as goats, llamas, alpacas, sheep, etc. The most famous is sheep’s wool, and although there are over 200 different breeds of sheep today, the “Queen of fibers” is Merino sheep’s wool.

What is Merino wool like?

The Merino wool is famous for its use in different types of garments, and can be found both in technical mountain clothing and in “second skin” garments, as well as in sports and formal wear, due to its versatility and the variety of properties it has. Therefore, it is common to find it in different types of clothing such as jackets, suits, sweaters, pants, T-shirts, socks, ties, leggings, shoes, etc. The fibers of this type of wool are finer and of better quality. They are between 12 and 23 microns in diameter, do not itch and feel soft and comfortable.

By mixing this type of wool with other materials, it is possible to create very good quality fabrics with different characteristics. For example, it can be blended with synthetic fibers such as polyester and acrylic to make it less expensive.

Properties of Merino wool

Merino wool is one of the best fabrics for outdoor activities, as we can see from its properties:

  • Warmth: This type of wool stays warm in icy places because it responds to your body temperature and is an extremely warm material to protect you from the cold.
  • Heat regulator: It is a delicate material that adapts to body temperature, keeps you cool and can also help you maintain your body temperature when it is low due to air pockets.
  • Odor resistance: It has absorbent properties that eliminate sweat from your body. Keratin, which is a protein that makes up the fiber, breaks down odor-causing bacteria. One advantage is that the fiber space is kept dry, which prevents bacterial growth.
  • Elasticity: It returns to its original shape if stretched or wrinkled, the advantage of this is that it lasts a long time and retains its shape without wrinkles.
  • Lightweight: Allows mobility of this type of wool unlike other fabrics.
  • Durable: Merino wool is extremely durable, making it an excellent fiber for outerwear such as jackets or socks.
  • Fire resistant: It does not catch fire if we get too close to a fire, it is also non-combustible, which means that it will protect you against fire and will not stick to your skin if it catches fire by accident.
  • UV Protection: It has better protection properties than other fabrics, protecting you from the sun’s harmful rays.
  • Sustainable: It is renewable, sustainable and biodegradable. It means that it is good for the environment, because it supplies nutrients as it decomposes in a soil, and this fertilizes the soil.
  • Natural: Since it comes from sheep, it is a natural product. are fed on grass and water .

The % of Merino wool indicated on the label must be taken into account when purchasing these products. Although there are garments with Merino wool that are blended with other materials, the best option is 100% Merino wool. They are usually more expensive than synthetics and hybrids, but for their quality, environmental friendliness and long-term benefits, it is worth it.

Merino wool care

This type of wool is very easy to care for and wash, but it is always advisable to read the care instructions provided by the manufacturer:

  • Washing: Merino wool should be washed in a normal cycle between 30ºC and 40ºC with powder or liquid detergent. You do not need wool detergent because this type of detergent is for conventional wool and can damage your Merino wool. No bleach or fabric softener may be used. It is recommended to wash lighter colors separately from darker colors. Zippers should always be closed and printed products should be turned inside out. Machine washing is better than hand washing because hand washing can accumulate residues and cause the garment to produce odors.
  • Drying: It is best to air dry, as the product may shrink in the dryer due to the heat. It is advisable to air dry in a flat position.
  • Prevent the formation of balls: It is advisable to wash the product with a thicker fabric such as jeans to prevent the formation of balls. The fabric will improve as shorter fibers are removed before they are compressed.

In short, Merino wool is the best textile for products of constant use and to obtain this type of wool you would need quality cattle such as those registered in the Herd Book of the Merino Breed.

We are the National Association of Merino Cattle Breeders and we take care of the breed specimens distributed throughout the National geography.