How to Wash and Care for Merino Sleepwear

Quick answer

Wash merino sleepwear in cool water with a gentle wool detergent, then lay it flat to dry. Avoid heat, agitation, and fabric softeners to keep the fibers soft and odor-resistant.

Step-by-step merino sleepwear care

1. Check the care label: Before washing, always read the care label on your merino sleepwear. It will specify the maximum water temperature and any special instructions. Most merino items can be machine washed on a gentle cycle, but some may require hand washing. Never ignore the care label—it's the most reliable guide for your specific garment.
2. Turn inside out and zip up: Turn your merino pajamas inside out before washing. This protects the outer surface from friction and pilling. If your sleepwear has a zipper, close it to prevent snagging. Turning inside out reduces wear and keeps the fabric looking new.
3. Use cool water and a gentle detergent: Wash in cool water (below 30°C / 86°F) using a pH-neutral wool detergent. Avoid regular detergents with enzymes or bleach, which can break down the wool fibers. Do not use fabric softener—it coats the fibers and reduces breathability. Fabric softener is a common mistake; skip it to maintain merino's natural performance.
4. Choose the gentle cycle: If machine washing, select the wool or gentle cycle with a low spin speed. The agitation of a normal cycle can cause shrinking and felting. For hand washing, gently squeeze the garment in cool water without scrubbing. A low spin speed is key to preventing stretching and misshaping.
5. Rinse thoroughly: Ensure all detergent is rinsed out completely. Residual soap can attract dirt and cause irritation. If hand washing, rinse in cool water until the water runs clear. Leftover detergent can make merino feel stiff and less breathable.
6. Dry flat, never tumble dry: Lay the garment flat on a clean towel, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Avoid hanging, as the weight of wet wool can stretch the fabric. Never use a tumble dryer—heat will shrink and felt merino. Flat drying preserves the fit and softness of your merino sleepwear.
7. Store folded, not hung: Once dry, fold your merino sleepwear and store it in a drawer. Hanging can cause shoulder bumps and stretching over time. Keep it away from direct sunlight and moths. Folding keeps the shape and protects the fibers from unnecessary stress.

Products mentioned

• Women's Merino 150 Lodge Shorts: The Women's Merino 150 Lodge Shorts are made from 100% merino wool fibers, offering breathable softness and natural odor resistance. These shorts are ideal for warm sleepers who want lightweight coverage that stays fresh between washes.

  

• Women's Merino 150 Lodge Pants: The Women's Merino 150 Lodge Pants provide the same breathable softness and natural odor resistance in a full-length style. These pants offer extra warmth and coverage for cooler nights, and they respond well to the same gentle care routine.