You’ve just got your new merino wool socks, and you wore them for your trekking, expedition, or just normal daily use, but after a few wear cycles, it’s time to wash it. Unfortunately, as our public education fails us so often, no one has probably taught you how to properly care for fabrics like merino. In this detailed guide, we will share how to wash merino wool socks. 

How To Wash Merino Wool Socks: A Detailed Guide

Learn how to wash wool socks

Kosha's collection of technical socks are special merino wool socks with body-mapped meshing, arch support, skin-friendly ribs, and toe-heel cushioning.

Do not panic! Washing merino wool socks is easier than you think, just follow our simple guide!

As you might be aware merino wool is super soft and can keep you extremely warm. Well, not only that, but merino wool is also odour-resistant! This means your socks won’t smell bad after you wear them while taking a walk or even trekking! Therefore, you can wear them multiple times before washing them. 

No, it isn’t a lie, it’s true! You can go on adventures, walks, expeditions, and much more without the need to worry that your socks might get musty. 

On the contrary, they will most likely not smell at all! This also means you don’t need to take many pairs of socks on your trip. If you are going on an 8-day trip, 2 pairs would be enough! Lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wash!

After the socks have served you well for about 7 to 8 days, we recommend you give them a wash. “But how am I supposed to do that without damaging their properties?” you ask. To make them as good as new, follow these steps as outlined below.

Step to wash Merino Wool socks: Machine washed and hand washing

1. Before washing your socks, turn them inside out. This is especially important for socks that have to cushion, which is created by terry loops. A lot of debris and dirt can get caught in those loops.
2. If you’re using a washing machine follow these steps:

• Turn machine washable socks inside out.
• Set the washing machine to a wool setting. If your washing machine does not have wool.
• cycle, then it is recommended to use the cold water wash or wash cycle for delicates.
• Use a Woolmark-approved wool detergent, or a mild, gentle detergent.

• Turn the sock inside out.
• Add Ezee Gentle Wash liquid in the lukewarm water (approximately 30°C).
• Soak the socks in the water for 10 minutes.
• Rinse the socks with more lukewarm water.
• Again rinse them with cold water. 
• And the last step is to let them dry naturally. (for them to dry early, after rinsing the socks, keep them in the small towel for some time).

A quick note about hand washing your sock - machine washing is usually preferable - on a gentle cycle. But if you’re out on expedition or trekking and handwashing is your only option then soak the socks first without any liquid or detergent mixed in the water and then wash them with care. Luke warm water is preferred. 

You can store merino socks as you usually would any other socks: either fold it or keep it in your closet as it is. Don’t keep it in any area that is prone to moths, though, as their larvae will snack on the natural wool fibers, and you’ll end up with a bunch of unwanted holes. 

If you have no other choice, store your garments with natural moth repellents like cedarwood. Do not roll your socks and keep them in the closet, just a normal fold will be perfect, or else you can hang them in the closet. 

In between wash cycles, you’ll want to store your merino socks in an area that’s well ventilated to get reliable airflow through the material. While it may be odor-resistant, there are still plenty of other nasty contaminants that need airing out of the fabric. Here are some basic tips for cleaning 

• Don’t squeeze the socks after washing them by hand.
• Don’t twist them.
• Don't stretch them, while removing the water from them.
• If you’re drying the socks in the machine, select the gentle setting with a low temperature. 
• Do not use bleach chlorine or oxygen-based detergents or liquids. Just check the detergent, if it’s bleach-free or not (we suggest you use Ezee Gentle Wash liquid). 
• If you’re using the detergent choose mild detergent with neutral PH
• Always follow the washing instructions of your chosen laundry detergent.
• If it’s written on it and you don’t have time then you can always get them dry cleaned. 
• Don’t iron the socks.

Useful tips to keep in mind when washing Merino Wool socks

Socks made of merino wool are comfortable, durable, and long-lasting. It’s also antimicrobial, which means that you don’t have to wash your merino wool socks as often as you would wash your other socks. Washing socks less often increases their lifespan. These are some of the tips to keep in mind while washing merino wool socks:

Technical merino socks: Tips on washing wool socks

1. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners as the chemical compositions can damage the innate properties of the fabric.
2. Avoid boiling hot water and harsh dryer cycles as this may stretch or shrink your socks.
3. If using the washing machine, don’t forget to use the gentle spin option. Preferably use the washing machine if it has a woolen option.
4. In the absence of machines, hand washes with Ezee or Genteel or any mild liquid detergent at room temperature to lukewarm water. Do not wring it too aggressively.
5. If powdered detergents are used, it is always best to pre-dissolve the detergent prior to adding to the wash. This helps to prevent concentrated specks of detergent from coming into contact with the socks, which may cause holes.
6. Final rinse softeners or conditioners can be used, but care should be taken to keep the amount down to a minimum. An excessive amount of softener can lead to the formation of pills during subsequent washes - this is because softeners tend to act as a lubricant and enable fibres to move out onto the surface of the socks more easily. 
7. We recommend air drying your socks while on hikes or on travels if washing with water is not an option. Merino Wool, being inherently moisture-wicking and odour resistant, can feel fresh longer with some sun or air.
8. Do not tumble dry / wring dry / squeeze while damp too much. These can result in shrinkage or losing its shape.

What makes Kosha’s Technical Socks different from any other Merino Wool Socks?

No more fatigue: Reinforced cushioned toe, arch, and heel for greater comfort. No more fear: Arch support provided to avoid slippage. No more blisters: Soft rib that doesn’t hurt the skin. No more bad smell: Enhanced breathability due to body-mapped meshing and innate moisture-wicking properties.

Surely by now, you are wondering why we call them “Technical socks” if they are just fabricated from merino wool!

Well, Kosha’s Technical socks are made of 90% Merino Wool and 10% Elastane. These fibers ensure extreme comfort. Kosha provides Merino Wool Technical Socks for Men and Women. 

Merino wool technical socks are naturally odour resistant, so require less washing, saving you time and money on water and energy bills. Merino wool fibres have a natural protective outer layer that helps prevent stains from being absorbed.  Also, the Merino wool fibre is like a coiled spring that returns to its natural shape after being bent. This gives Merino wool garments a natural resistance to wrinkles.

Our technical socks can be worn between 0°C to 15°C and with layers, they can be worn in temperatures from 10°C to -20°C, keeping your feet warm without overheating due to their temperature regulating properties. In addition, this fine fabric is known for its softness and flexibility, due to the Elastane blended with Merino Wool. So you can say goodbye to those itchy socks!  

Additionally, they won’t be too loose and go out of shape. On the contrary, they are exceptionally durable! 

Our technical socks can be used daily or during expeditions. Kosha also sells regular Merino Wool Liner socks for boys and girls, we don’t want anyone to be cold. 

Get yourself and your loved ones matching socks at Kosha!

We believe in eco-conscious technical clothing for explorers of all shapes and sizes. Shop premium winter layers and travel wear at an affordable price at Kosha

Congratulations, you now have the know-how to care for your merino wool technical socks properly. Okay, it may not be that exciting, but at least you’ve learned the basics, so you don’t screw up the next time you wash them.

Remember always to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, avoid the heat, and stay away from harsh chemicals. With merino wool, you’ll wash your socks less, help the environment, and you can use all that extra time away from the laundry room to care for yourself, not your clothes.

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This post was compiled & written by Team Kosha members: Suha Hamadi, Namrata Ganguly & Pallavi Kokane.