How to Care for Your Swoollies Socks

Merino wool is a bit of a miracle fiber! Here's why your Swoollies are so wonderful:

• Naturally odor-resistant: You can wear them multiple times between washes without any whiff
• Moisture-wicking: Keeps your feet dry and comfortable all day long
• Temperature-regulating: Warm in winter, cool in summer – it's magic!
• Antimicrobial: Naturally resists bacteria, so they stay fresher longer
• Soft and gentle: No itchiness, just pure comfort

Because of these amazing properties, your Swoollies actually need less washing than regular cotton socks. That's better for them, better for you, and better for the planet!

Wash Less Often

Thanks to Merino wool's natural superpowers, you don't need to wash your Swoollies after every wear. Give them a little air between wears, and they'll stay fresh and lovely. This also helps them last longer – win-win!

Hand Washing (The Gentlest Option)

If you have a few minutes, hand washing is the kindest way to care for your Swoollies:

1. Fill a basin with cold water (30°C or below)
2. Add a small amount of wool-specific detergent
3. Gently swish your socks in the water – no rubbing or twisting!
4. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes
5. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all soap is gone
6. Gently squeeze out excess water (don't wring!)
7. Lay flat to dry

Machine Washing (Perfectly Fine!)

We know you're busy, so machine washing is absolutely fine. Just follow these simple steps:

• Turn inside out: This protects the outer fibers and keeps them looking beautiful
• Use a delicate or wool cycle: Gentle is the name of the game
• Cold water only: 30°C or below – hot water will shrink and damage the fibers
• Wool detergent: Use a mild, wool-specific detergent. Regular detergent can be too harsh
• No bleach or fabric softener: These will damage the natural fibers
• Wash similar colors together: Keep darks with darks and lights with lights to prevent color bleeding
• Use a mesh laundry bag: This gives extra protection in the machine

Top tip: Avoid washing your Swoollies with items that have zippers, velcro, or rough textures – these can snag the delicate wool fibers.

Air Dry Flat – Always!

This is the golden rule for Merino wool:

• Never use a tumble dryer: The heat will shrink your socks and damage the fibers. Just don't do it!
• Lay them flat: After washing, gently reshape your socks and lay them flat on a clean, dry towel or drying rack
• Avoid hanging: Hanging wet socks can stretch them out of shape. Keep them flat!
• Keep away from direct heat: No radiators, direct sunlight, or heaters. These can fade colors and damage the wool
• Be patient: Let them air dry naturally. It might take a bit longer, but your Swoollies will thank you!

Drying time: Depending on humidity, your socks should be dry within 12-24 hours. Make sure they're completely dry before storing them.

Avoid Rough Surfaces

Merino wool is wonderfully soft, but it can be delicate. To keep your Swoollies in tip-top shape:

• Don't wear them barefoot on rough surfaces like concrete, gravel, or unfinished wood
• Pop on slippers or shoes when walking around outside
• If you're just nipping out quickly, grab some shoes rather than wearing your socks alone

Keep Those Toenails Trimmed

This might sound silly, but it's important! Long or sharp toenails can snag and tear the delicate wool fibers. A quick trim now and then will help your Swoollies last much longer.

Watch Out for Pets

If you have furry friends with sharp claws, keep your Swoollies safely tucked away. Cats especially might mistake them for a scratching post, and dogs might think they're a new toy. We love our pets, but let's keep them away from our precious socks!

The Right Way to Store Wool Socks

Unlike regular cotton socks, Merino wool socks prefer to be stored flat rather than rolled or folded tightly. Here's how to keep them happy:

• Make sure they're completely dry: Never store damp socks – this can lead to mildew or odors
• Store them flat or gently folded: Avoid tight rolling or balling them up, which can stretch the fibers
• Keep them in a cool, dry place: A drawer or shelf away from direct sunlight is perfect
• Don't overstuff your drawer: Give them a bit of breathing room to maintain their shape
• Separate by color: Keep darks and lights separate to prevent any color transfer
• Use drawer dividers: This helps keep pairs together and makes finding the right socks easier
• Protect from moths: Merino wool can attract moths, so consider using cedar balls or lavender sachets in your drawer (they smell lovely too!)
• For long-term storage: If you're putting them away for a season, store them in a breathable cotton bag or sealed container with moth protection

Pro tip: Rotate your socks regularly so you're not wearing the same pairs over and over. This gives each pair time to rest and recover between wears, helping them last longer.

Help! My socks shrank in the wash!

If your socks accidentally went through hot water or the dryer, you might be able to gently stretch them back. While they're still damp, carefully stretch them back to shape and lay flat to dry. For stubborn shrinkage, you can use a hairdryer on a low, cool setting while gently stretching – but be very gentle!

How do I prevent pilling?

Some light pilling is natural with wool, but you can minimize it by washing inside out, avoiding rough surfaces, and using a gentle wash cycle. If you do get pills, gently remove them with a fabric shaver or sweater comb.

My socks feel a bit stiff after washing. Is that normal?

This can happen if there's detergent residue. Make sure you're rinsing thoroughly and using only a small amount of wool detergent. Once they're completely dry and you wear them, they should soften up again.

How often should I really wash them?

It depends on how active you are, but generally you can wear Merino wool socks 2-3 times (or even more!) before washing. Just air them out between wears. If they start to smell or feel dirty, it's time for a wash. Trust your nose!

Caring for your Swoollies is really quite simple: wash them gently in cold water when needed, dry them flat, and store them with a bit of love. Treat them kindly, and they'll keep your feet cosy and happy for years to come.

Remember: A little care goes a long way. Your Swoollies are made from natural, beautiful Merino wool – they're worth looking after! 💙