MACHINE WASH AND DRY
TOTAL EASY CARE
Total Easy Care Merino garments are all machine-washable, and are suitable for tumble drying. Even after frequent laundering they retain an ‘as new’ appearance. They won’t shrink, lose their shape, fade or color-bleed. They remain soft and comfortable for the life of the garment.
Fabric Care and Laundering
Total Easy Care (TEC) Merino apparel is designed for today’s busy lifestyle.
TEC is a textile innovation used by Minus33 that was developed by the Woolmark Company.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR MINUS33 MERINO WOOL
TURN INSIDE OUT
Turn your garment inside out before washing. This helps prevent pilling from abrasion in the machine or against other clothing.
Machine Wash Cold
Machine Wash Cold. Use a gentle or a wool-specific detergent.
Tumble Dry Low
Tumble Dry Low (Clothing and Socks) or Lie Flat to Dry (Some Hats and Gloves).
Do Not Use Bleach
Do NOT use bleach of any kind. Bleach will destroy wool.
Do Not Use Fabric Softener
Our wool is already super soft. Fabric softener coats the wool in chemicals that inhibit wool's natural wicking and thermal properties.
Detergents
Be sure to check that your detergent is free of any bleaches or fabric softeners. We are fond of Nikwax Wool Wash.
Wash Sparingly
Wool does not need to be washed after every single wear. Anti-microbial properties help keep it odor free.
Store Your Wool
For long-term storage, store your Minus33 in an airtight, plastic container to help keep moths and beetles from laying their eggs in it.
Ironing
We don’t recommend ironing often unless necessary. If you do, use a low or wool setting for 100% merino wool products.
OTHER CARE TIPS
It’s good practice to always check the care label for each individual garment you own before washing.
HAND WASHING
We recommend machine washing and drying your merino wool when possible, as instructed on the care label. However, there may be times you don’t have access to a machine washer or dryer. Here are some tips for when you need to hand wash:
- If washing in a sink, be gentle and do not scrub the fabric. Soak the garment and gently swish the soap around.
- Do NOT wring out the garments. To speed up drying time, place the garment between two towels, then roll it up to gently squeeze out excess moisture.
- Lie flat to dry, don’t hang on a hanger because it can distort the fabric.
- We recommend washing your wool thoroughly after returning from a long trip or hike, in order to remove all sweat, salts, dirt, crumbs, etc. from the fabric and to minimize any chance of insect damage.
IRONING
Each fiber is effectively a coil spring that returns to its natural shape after being bent, giving Merino Wool garments a natural resistance to wrinkles. We don’t recommend ironing often unless necessary. If you do, use a low or wool setting for 100% merino wool products. Another gentle way to easily eliminate any wrinkles is to hang your garment in the bathroom while you take a hot shower, which will allow the steam to naturally remove them.
STAINS
Merino Wool fiber has a natural protective layer which prevents most stains from being absorbed. And, since it is static-resistant, it picks up less dust and lint from the air. It’s best to treat any possibility of a stain as soon as possible so it doesn’t have a chance to absorb into the fabric.
If you do find a stain has set in, do NOT use Oxyclean, Bleach, or even Color-Safe Bleach. If you wouldn’t put it in your own hair, then it’s probably not the best choice for your wool. You can use the following to help spot-treat stains:
- Mixture of warm water and rubbing alcohol
- White Vinegar
- Mild dish soap, undiluted laundry detergent such as Nikwax Wool Wash, or shampoo mixed with water
- If you use a stain remover, be sure to check if it is safe for natural fibers such as wool or cotton. Woolite and Shout make some stain removers that will work. If you aren’t sure, contact us and we can help you figure out if it is safe to use.
STORAGE INFORMATION
LOVE YOUR WOOL
WASH. DRY. STORE.
For best results against insect damage, wash and dry your wool completely, then immediately put it away for long-term storage.
Download our quick reference care sheet and quick tips for storage.
LONG TERM STORAGE (SEASONAL)
For long term storage, be sure to store your Minus33 in an airtight container, such as a Ziploc bag or plastic storage bin when not in use. This will keep moths, insects, and critters from eating your wool! Be sure to clean your Minus33 before storing. You can also purchase certain moth deterrents or traps to aid in moth prevention. Moths do not like cedar, so you can also store your Minus33 in a cedar chest, or with cedar blocks to aid in prevention. Additionally, some wool-specific detergents will contain moth repelling ingredients.
We encourage our customers to be aware of the possibility of moth damage, as it is more common than most think! Even if you don’t see the moths, the damage is usually caused by moth larva, not full-grown moths. They can be very small and hard to see with the naked eye. There are many resources on the web with more information regarding moths. Be aware that moths are not the only threat to your wool! There are some beetles that will cause damage as well. Mice can also pose a threat, so be sure to choose your storage location carefully.