Blog
The Best Way to Wash SmartWool Socks & Clothing
March 26, 2023
-
By
Sophia Grant
SmartWool is an apparel company that is known for their wool clothing. Based in Colorado, the brand sells a variety of items for men, women, and children. In addition to that, they also offer accessories such as beanies, neck gaiters, gloves, and blankets.
Fabrics Used by SmartWool
Merino Wool
Merino wool is a special type of wool that comes from Merino sheep. Famed for their incredibly soft wool, these animals are recognized by their curly horns and wrinkly skins.
Many people love Merino wool due to its softness, which makes it ideal for all types of clothing. It’s also more resilient than regular yarn and stretches easier due to its natural curl or “fiber crimp.”
Polyester
Polyester is one of the most common types of technical fiber used in athletic clothing. It’s super durable and is resistant to shrinking, wrinkles, and abrasions. It’s also much cheaper than other types of materials. By nature, the fiber is also moisture-wicking, which makes it fantastic for activewear.
Elastane
Elastane is a type of stretchy material that’s often incorporated in sportswear. Also known as spandex or Lycra, it offers great comfort and freedom of movement.
It’s also known for its stretch and ability to recover, which makes it suitable for workout clothing.
Nylon
Nylon is similar to polyester in that it’s highly durable. It’s also super lightweight and doesn’t wrinkle like other materials.
More often than not, it’s combined with other fibers such as polyester, cotton, or spandex.
How to Wash SmartWool Socks
Now that we know more about the materials, let’s take a look at how you wash SmartWool Products. Let’s begin with one of their best sellers—socks.
Putting SmartWool Socks in the Washing Machine
Their SmartWool socks are machine washable as long as you take the proper steps.
Step 1: Put the Socks In the Washer
Turn the socks inside out to prevent piling and place them in a laundry bag before loading them in the washer.
Step 2: Add ACTIVE Detergent
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to the drum and wash the SmartWool socks with cold water on a gentle cycle. While their wool is resistant to shrinking, there’s still a chance that it can happen so you want to avoid using hot water.
Step 3: Let Them Air Dry
After washing, lay the socks flat on a clean surface and allow them to air dry (wool can become distorted if hung up on a clothesline). Avoid putting wool garments in the dryer in general as the heat can damage the fibers.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Laundry bag
Do not use bleach – it will destroy the Merino wool fibers.
ACTIVE Detergent
Removes sweat and oils to keep your Smartwool socks clean and fresh.
Washing SmartWool Socks by Hand
You can also hand wash Merino wool socks – you just need some detergent and a sink.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Towel
Step 1:
Fill a sink with cool water and add half a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to create a soapy solution.
Step 2:
Put your wool socks in the sink and lightly press down to ensure they are fully submerged. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes.
Step 3:
Gently massage the fabric with your fingers, then rinse off the detergent with clean water.
Step 4:
Gently squeeze out the excess water and lay them flat on a clean towel.
Allow them to air dry. Do not use the dryer.
The Best Ways to Clean SmartWool Underwear
These types of Merino wool clothing are considered ‘delicates’ and should be washed separately from other items.
Machine Washing Merino Wool Underwear
Their SmartWool underwear is machine washable and can be washed with other delicate items.
Supplies:
- Lingerie bag
- Pillow case (optional)
- ACTIVE Detergent
Step 1:
Place the underwear in a mesh lingerie bag – it will act as a barrier and prevent the elastic from stretching.
If you don’t have a laundry bag, you can improvise with a pillow case – just use an elastic to tie off one of the ends.
Step 2:
Add one scoop of ACTIVE Detergent powder to the drum and load the underwear into the washing machine.
Step 3:
Choose a delicate wash setting and run the cycle with cold water. Avoid using hot water as that can cause the wool to shrink.
Step 4:
Wait for the cycle to finish before taking out the undergarments. Lay them flat or hang them up to dry.
Avoid using the dryer for SmartWool underwear – it will damage and shrink the wool fibers.
Hand Washing SmartWool Underwear
We recommend washing your SmartWool underwear if you want them to last as it’s the gentlest on the wool fibers.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Towel
- Clothesline
Step 1:
Fill a sink with cool water and add a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent to create a soapy solution.
Step 2:
Put the undergarments in the sink and let them sit in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 3:
Gently massage the fabric with your hands, then rinse with water. Continue until the water comes out clear.
Step 4:
Lay the underwear flat on a clean towel and press down lightly to remove the excess water.
Then, hang them up on a clothesline to air dry.
Washing Instructions for SmartWool Hats, Gloves and Scarves
SmartWool accessories such as hats and scarves should be washed by hand.
Supplies:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Drying rack
Step 1:
Fill a large tub with cold water and mix in a scoop of ACTIVE Detergent. Agitate it with your hands to create a soapy solution.
Step 2:
Submerge your hat, gloves, or scarf fully in the water and let them soak for about 15 minutes.
Step 3:
Rinse the items under cold running water to remove any remaining detergent.
Step 4:
Gently squeeze out the excess water, then hang them up to dry.
For scarves, it’s best to lay them flat on a clean surface. Avoid putting them in the dryer.
Best Laundry Detergent for SmartWool
ACTIVE Detergent is the best choice for Merino wool gear, including those by SmartWool.
It’s specially formulated for activewear and contains plant enzymes that will dissolve dirt, sweat, and oils that are trapped within the wool fibers. It’s also all-natural and doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals, meaning it won’t cause skin irritation or pollute the waterways.
Merino Wool Care – FAQ
Will Merino wool shrink in the dryer?
Yes, Merino wool clothes can shrink if exposed to heat. Given that, it’s best to air dry your wool garments.
Should you wash Merino wool garments with warm or cool water?
It’s best to use cool water. Warm water can cause the wool to shrink or wear out prematurely.
Can you wash Merino wool clothes with other items?
It’s best to wash them separately. However, you can wash them with other Merino wool items if they’re of similar colors.
Should I machine wash or hand wash my Merino wool items?
Hand washing is the best option as it’s the gentlest on the wool fibers. However, you can also use the washing machine if you take the proper precautions, such as using a mesh laundry bag.
SAVE
15% off
Your Next ACTIVE
Purchase on Amazon
Limited Time Offer
Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
Similar posts
Comments (3)
I have a Smartwool sweater. Can I wash it in an auto washing machine? Do I use warm/cold settings? FYI, I am Nick Russell’s Dad !!
You did not say in this article on how to wash Smartwool sweater. Can I put it in the washing machine? Or does it need to be dry cleaned?
Wash winter gloves made of acrylic wool. You can hand-wash Acrylic wool with mild detergent, too. And the method is similar to washing Merino wools; as long as you do not use hot water, you are fine.To machine-wash the pair, you should put it into a cloth bag to prevent the washing cycle from sagging the glove textiles. Besides, please set the delicate and gentle cycle with a short spin. You can dry the piece with an absorbent towel, too.