Wear with love, handle with care by hand-washing

Fine wools make a fabulous hand-knit garment with its luxurious and super soft feel. Like any fine textile, taking special care of your piece is very important so that it stays looking new.

Washing by hand is always recommended. This can be done by filling a basin that will be able to accommodate your piece comfortably with cold water and a mild and gentle soap. Submerge your garment in the water and let it soak for just three to five minutes, followed by rinsing in warm water. Without twisting or wringing the garment, squeeze as much water as you can from it. A great way to absorb excess liquid is to roll the item in a thick, absorbent towel. You can then squeeze or wring the towel with a gentle touch. Once you unwrap it, you can lay it flat in order to dry lying on a new, dry towel. Please note, darker colors (particularly reds) tend to run, however the impact and color dilution of your piece should be minimal.

Never put a fine wool garment into the dryer unless you plan to give it as a gift for a new baby afterward.

Dry clean

If you are not comfortable with your ability to care for your merino wool clothing, you can always send it to the dry cleaners. Most merino wool apparel can be safely cleaned by a dry cleaner, but you must be careful as frequent exposure to the harsh chemicals can damage the fabric and make the wool harsh, which sort of defeats the purpose of wearing merino wool clothing.

If all else fails...

Ask your mother.