Merino Wool Care Guide
Merino Wool
Merino wool is a type of wool yarn taken from the Merino breed of sheep. Through-out time, the Merino sheep has been celebrated for the quality of its fleece and carefully bred to achieve the fine and soft wool yarn it provides today.
For this reason, merino feels soft against the skin. Like other wools, it is also breathable and its fibres will wick moisture away from the body and help regulate body temperature. Allowing the wearer to feel comfortable in both cool or warm weathers. Perfect for babies.
G.H.Hurt & Son uses some of the finest merino wool yarn available from around the world. Mostly, from an Italian yarn spinner and supplier - like us, with over 100+ years of experience - using wool from ethically farmed sheep. All our merino wool can be traced back to one of several merino sheep farms, in Australia, which is considered one of the best sources of merino wool yarns available.
Wool is an environmentally friendly material. The merino wool’s natural fibre will biodegrade, releasing their natural nutrient back into the earth. However, G.H.Hurt & Son endeavour to make knitted pieces of real quality that will last a life time. So, caring for your knitted piece will ensure they last, keeping their shape and soft feel for years ahead.
How to Wash and Dry Merino Wool Shawls & Scarves
Due to the nature of our traditionally hand-finished pieces, knitted in fine quality yarns, please wash by hand only, in cool water not exceeding 30 degrees (Celsius) in temperature.
- Always wash your G.H.Hurt & Son merino wool knitwear by hand.
- Fill a sink or large bowl with cool water, (not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius).
- Feel free to add a splash of specialist wool detergent.
- Place your piece into the water and submerge the whole piece.
- Gently rinse in the water before removing.
- To dry, gentle squeeze out any excess water.
- Then dry flat on a bath towel, away from direct sunlight.
Our merino wool knitwear can also be dry cleaned as an alternative, if stains cannot be removed by washing.
Please do not : use a washing machine or tumble dryer, as the machine action may “felt” fine yarns ; or hang on a line, as it may become “stretched” ; or in direct sunlight, as this may cause patchy fading ; or near heat, as this may cause “shrinking”.
Scalloped edges will naturally relax after washing. This is normal and does not deter from the quality of the product. For a perfect finish, simply pin out the scalloped edges, cover with a cloth and press with a cool iron.
How to Store a Merino Wool Shawl or Scarf
Make sure they are clean and dry when you put them away too, as moisture can encourage moths. For longer term storage, use a sealed container and consider using natural moth repellents such as cedar, rosemary or lavender, (as many prefer these to traditional mothballs).
For long-term storage, keep out of direct sunlight, as extended exposure to the Sun’s UV can fade your beautiful knitwear. Also, it’s a good idea not to store your woollen pieces in modern plastic packaging for a long period of time, some types of poly’ bag may discolour your items.
The G.H.Hurt & Son luxury gift box is the perfect way to achieve this. This sturdy box was also designed with storage in mind. Containing acid free tissue, to pack your shawl or scarf, your knitwear can be stored in the box, neatly folded, clean and dry, away from sun light and pesky insects.