How to Wash and Care for Merino Wool Clothes
Your Ridge Merino gear is naturally odor resistant and needs less washing, saving you time and money on water and energy bills. When laundry time comes, follow the instructions on the garment's care label. Check out our tips for caring for wool clothing below.
Note that a few of our items are dry clean only, but most can be machine washed.
Wash on Cold or Warm
Machine wash on cold or warm (40° C).
Turn garments inside out and wash with like colors on Gentle, Delicate or Wool setting. Do not use hot water! Only use warm or cold water.
Use mild or wool-specific detergent.
Lay Flat or Line Dry in Shade
Line drying helps Merino wool clothing last longer, and it reduces your environmental impact. Ultra fine Merino garments can be damaged by zippers or heavy trims on other items in the dryer, and heat can damage or shrink wool.
If you do tumble dry, use the lowest temperature and dry your Ridge gear separately or with similar garments to avoid unwanted wear and tear. Expect some shrinkage if tumble dried.
Ironing
Iron on "Wool" setting (or max 150° C). Do not iron on prints or labels.
Dry Cleaning
Professional dry cleaning is totally fine if that's the way you roll.
No Fabric Softener
Don't use fabric softener on wool.
No Bleach
Never use bleach on wool.
What detergents are best?
A neutral, mild wool detergent will help Merino wool clothing last longer. Mild or natural detergents have a relatively neutral pH level. The most important thing is to avoid using heavy duty detergents, "bio" detergents containing enzymes, or any detergents containing bleach. Learn more.
Stain Removal
Get stain removal details from Woolmark.
Our Removable Labels
Ridge Merino products are designed to be comfortable against your skin, so all tags in the garments are removable – simply tear them out if you don’t want them. If you remove them, note the care instructions.
Lightweight Fabric Care
Lighter wool fabrics may take a little longer to shed their creases. Remove wrinkles by ironing with a damp cloth or steam iron on a warm iron/dot 2 setting.
Our fabrics are certified by The Woolmark Company and their Apparel Care Program. For more detailed care info, check out their care guide.