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How to Wash Merino Socks in Six Steps: Inside Out, Cold Water, Care Label First

Wash merino socks inside out with cold water and mild detergent, always respecting the item label. Darn Tough, Woolmark and Smartwool differ on drying instructions.

4 min read2026-10-26

Official Darn Tough merino wool sock-washing video

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What you need How to Style tip Sources

↗OriginalWoolmark's original merino-sock washing adviceWoolmark · Original publisher→

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What you need

Actual sock care label
Wool/delicate washing machine setting
Mild wool-safe detergent
Shaded drying rack

How to

1. Read the material and care label. Machine washing and drying permissions differ by manufacturer and product.
2. Turn machine-washable socks inside out to wash the surface against your feet and reduce friction on the outside.
3. Select cold water and a wool or delicate cycle, without overloading. Woolmark recommends a cold delicate cycle when no wool cycle is available.
4. Add a small amount of mild wool-safe detergent. Skip bleach and softener. Hand-wash-only socks must follow their specific label.
5. Rinse without wringing and air dry away from direct sun. Low tumble drying is acceptable only when the sock label explicitly permits it.
6. When fully dry, inspect the toe and heel for wear and store in a ventilated drawer. Never store damp socks.

One more tip

Darn Tough allows low tumble heat for its socks; Smartwool favors air drying. Never assume all brands allow the same dryer setting.

Sources and media

Darn Tough Vermont official sock-washing video
Darn Tough How to Wash Merino Wool Socks
Woolmark Washing Merino Wool Socks
Smartwool Merino Wool Washing and Care

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How to Wash Merino Socks in Six Steps: Inside Out, Cold Water, Care Label First | PLAYAI STYLE