How to wash merino wool socks

Kiwispondence; How to wash merino wool socks

Q: Who is the biggest killer of socks in our Merino Wool loving customer base?

A: People that have other people commercially wash their socks

We have lots of customers that are; Miners, Forestry, and outdoor worker groups, that wash the whole kit en-masse. This often involves hot water and hot dryers and a “she’ll be right mate” attitude!  (I can see the horror in your eyes now!)

Natural fibre socks shrink in heat. Those student sons of yours, in the flat down Dunedin way, they wait till there are no clean ones and BOOM! The flatmates turn to wash a load for him and then bang it all in the dryer! You are now looking for new uses for shrunken socks.

Some of our Team was asked “how do you wash/dry your favourite merino wool socks?”

Phil Grant owner NZNC

Washing Technique: “Cold wash cycle, cold washing powder in the right hole, regular wash, rinse, spin, then on the clothesline to dry.”

Favourite allrounder merino sock: Adventurer - likes the cushion sole and it's not too bulky for most footwear).

Julie Hedley owner NZNC

Washing Technique: “With everything else on a cold wash”

Favourite all rounder merino sock: Women’s Daisy sock - because she is always happy when she wears these!

Dani White Soxpert NZNC

Washing Technique: “With everything else on a cold wash”

Favourite all rounder sock: Classic Women’s Easy Care fits most footwear she has and is affordable

Kyle Grant Student, Hamburg Germany

Washing Technique: “In the machine on a wool cycle, then onto my clothes rack in the flat”

Favourite all rounder merino sock: Classic Merino Dress - he doesn't like thick socks

The theme appearing here is Cold or cooler water, regular cycles in the washing machine with cold base powder and a natural air drying process.

Here are a couple of "Hacks" on sock durability

• Wash them inside out every now and then (once a month maybe) the terry loops in the cushioning love to be relieved of the felted lint they produce to put the cushioning back in the sock.

• Sew a coloured identifier thread through yours near the top of the toe. This can be done if there are some the same in the flat or household and you like, your socks to remain your socks, Or, if there is a subtle size difference between family members and the coloured thread states the size in the wash. We have gumboot sock wearing and Work boot wearing families that often have issues on sock ownership!

• Hide your socks from teenage sons!

Good luck with those socks. Look after them and they will look after you - and if you don’t shrink them in the first place, you won’t need to find alternative uses for a once super useful item!

Sock it to me if you have any questions or comments. phil@nznaturalclothing.co.nz