How to Wash Merino Wool Socks

If you love the soft, breathable comfort of Merino wool socks, then you already know they’re one of the best upgrades you can make for your feet. Naturally odor-resistant and incredibly temperature-regulating, they stay fresh longer than traditional fibers. And just like any premium material, they thrive when cared for the right way.

A gentle washing routine can protect the delicate fibers, keep the socks feeling luxuriously soft, and extend their lifespan. In this guide, you’ll learn how to wash socks with wool step by step, so you can keep your favorite pairs performing their best.

Why Proper Care Matters

Knowing when you need to wash Merino wool isn’t complicated. A little extra care helps this high-performance fiber stay supportive, resilient, and ready for every adventure.

Protecting Delicate Wool Fibers

Merino wool is naturally fine and elastic, which is why it feels soft and not scratchy. But that same softness means the fibers can weaken if exposed to harsh detergents or high heat in the washer. When those fibers overstretch or break down, you’ll notice the cushioning flattening, the fit changing, and the comfort fading. Thoughtful washing keeps the structure of lightweight wool socks for every occasion.

Maintaining Natural Odor Resistance

One of Merino’s biggest superpowers is its natural antimicrobial ability. It helps prevent odor even after long days on the trail or in your running shoes. But overwashing or using aggressive detergents can strip away the lanolin that gives Merino this benefit. If you want your socks to stay fresh longer between washes, gentle care is essential.

How to Wash Merino Wool Socks (Step-by-Step)

There’s no need to wonder “what is merino wool” or how to wash it. This simple routine keeps your Merino in top shape.

1. Turn Socks Inside Out

Turning your socks inside out exposes the areas where sweat, oils, and odor-causing bacteria collect. It helps the wash cycle lift away buildup while protecting the outer fibers from unnecessary friction.

2. Use Cold Water + Wool-Safe Detergent

Cold water prevents shrinkage and keeps the wool’s natural elasticity intact. Choose a gentle detergent specifically formulated for wool, or at least one that’s mild and free of enzymes. Skip bleach and fabric softeners entirely as both can damage the fibers and reduce breathability during wool wash.

3. Choose Gentle Cycle or Hand-Wash

A delicate machine cycle mimics the softness of hand-washing, reducing aggressive agitation that can stretch, fray, or felt the wool. If you’re hand-washing, soak the socks in cool (not lukewarm) water with mild detergent, gently squeeze (don’t wring), and rinse thoroughly.

4. Air Dry Only

Heat is Merino wool’s kryptonite. Dryers can shrink socks, stiffen fibers, and shorten their lifespan. Lay your socks flat on a towel or drying rack to help them maintain their shape. Patience pays off here—air drying preserves that cloud-soft feel.

Common Washing Mistakes to Avoid

Even the best socks with wool can suffer from a few common mistakes. Here’s what to avoid:

• Hot water or heat drying – High temperatures cause wool fibers to contract, leading to irreversible shrinkage and stiffness. Even a single hot wash can impact fit and comfort.

• Excess detergent – Too much detergent can leave residue that affects moisture-wicking performance, making socks feel less breathable.

• Washing with rough garments – Zippers, hooks, and heavy garments can cause pilling or abrasion. Wash your Merino wool socks with other soft items to avoid friction damage.

How Material Type Affects Care

Understanding why Merino wool needs delicate care can help you appreciate how it stands apart from other materials and why it’s worth the effort.

Merino Wool

Soft, breathable, naturally odor-resistant, and temperature-regulating. It’s a fiber designed for performance and comfort. But because of its fine structure, it needs a gentle machine or hand washing and low heat.

Synthetic Fibers

Durable, easy-care, and quick-drying. Synthetic socks—like those in Wrightsock’s recycled-fiber lineup—offer great longevity and moisture management. They’re less sensitive to temperature but don’t provide the same natural odor control as Merino.

Cotton

Cotton absorbs moisture and can shrink easily. In the wool vs. cotton socks debate, Merino stands out for its superior breathability, durability, and comfort. Cotton remains low-maintenance but lacks wool’s performance benefits.

Tips to Extend Sock Lifespan

Once you know how to wash wool socks, a few daily habits can make them last even longer:

• Wash only when needed – Unlike other fabrics, Merino stays fresher for longer. You don’t need to toss it in the washing machine after every wear. In fact, less laundry time preserves lanolin and extends longevity, showing how merino wool supports fashion sustainability.

• Rotate pairs – Wearing the same pair day after day compresses the cushioning faster. Rotating gives each pair time to bounce back.

• Store socks gently – Fold, don’t stretch. Stuffing socks into shoes or balling them tightly can weaken elasticity over time.

Wash Your Wrightsock Merino Wool Socks with Care

Learning how to wash wool socks doesn’t have to feel intimidating. With a simple, gentle routine, your socks stay softer, fresher, and more resilient. Proper care protects the fibers you rely on for comfort, whether you’re hiking a new trail, running your daily miles, or relaxing at home.

When you treat your Merino well, it pays you back in long-lasting performance and all-day comfort. Ready to upgrade your sock drawer? Explore our Made-in-the-USA collection of men’s and women's socks and find the perfect pair for every adventure.

Sources

1. PubMed Central. “Antibacterial Properties of Non-Modified Wool, Determined and Discussed in Relation to ISO 20645:2004 Standard.” https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8950207/.

2. Sage Journals. “Analyzing the thermal and hygral behavior of wool and its impact on fabric dimensional stability for wool processing and garment manufacturing.” https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0040517520910501.

3. Britannica. “Wool.” https://www.britannica.com/topic/wool.