Washing wool baselayers?

[Irulan]

One thing to keep in mind about Smartwool is that it has been processed so that it doesn't require the same care as traditional, untreated wool. They have a proprietary process that affects the fibers, eliminating shrinking or itching. Essentially it's wash and wear: washer, then dryer. You don't have to worry about the whole agitation and temperature aspects of laundering. I have Smartwool,socks that I've been washing and drying for years, and merino base layers that I have been tossing in the wash with like colors and regular laundry detergent, for years. I line dry all my base layers just because things last longer if they don't spend a lot of time in the dryer. I wear my base for skiing. Some times it gets washed in the washer and dried in the dryer twice a week from Dec through March. I would never do this with non Smartwool items.


http://www.smartwool.com/care

The "why Smartwool" page has some photos of how the proprietary process changes the fiber so it doesn't shrink
http://www.smartwool.com/discover/#m.../why-smartwool



For "classic" (not Smartwool) wool items, yes, I'd handle with care. The whole idea with not washing classic wool items until they really smell is based on the fact that gentle hand washing and air drying flat to prevent shrinkage I s a pain. Sweat is hard on fibers (salt) so it's preferable to keep things clean.

Last hint: baby shampoo is just as gentle and maybe more, and cheaper than other products specially marketed for washing wools and delicates.

Irulan