How to Wash Smartwool Socks

Knowing how to wash Smartwool socks the right way is essential if you want to protect your investment and enjoy long-lasting comfort.

These premium merino wool socks are designed for performance, warmth, and odor resistance, but improper care can shrink, stretch, or damage their delicate fibers.

Whether you’re a hiker, athlete, or everyday wearer, learning the correct washing and drying methods will help maintain their shape, softness, and functionality.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best practices for cleaning Smartwool socks, including handwashing, machine washing, drying tips, and answers to common questions about caring for merino wool.

Step 1: Preparing Your Smartwool Socks for Washing

Before washing:

• Turn them inside out – This protects the outer fibers and ensures sweat, dirt, and skin oils are removed from inside.
• Check for stains – Spot-treat any visible stains with a wool-safe detergent before washing.
• Sort them separately – Avoid washing with items that have zippers or Velcro to prevent snagging.

Step 2: How to Machine Wash Smartwool Socks

Smartwool socks are machine washable, but there are a few rules to follow.

Machine Washing Instructions:

1. Use cold or lukewarm water
   Set your machine to a gentle or wool cycle with cold (preferred) or warm water. Avoid hot water as it can shrink the socks.
2. Use a gentle detergent
   Choose a wool-safe or mild detergent without bleach or fabric softeners. Harsh chemicals can weaken wool fibers.
3. Put socks in a mesh laundry bag
   This helps protect them from friction and tangling with other clothes.
4. Avoid bleach and fabric softeners
   These can destroy the natural lanolin in wool and shorten your socks’ lifespan.
5. Wash with similar fabrics
   Wash Smartwool socks with other soft garments. Avoid jeans, towels, or items with zippers.

Step 3: How to Hand Wash Smartwool Socks (Best Method)

If you want to give your socks the gentlest treatment possible, handwashing is ideal.

Hand Washing Instructions:

1. Fill a basin or sink with cool water
   Add a few drops of wool-safe or gentle detergent.
2. Submerge and soak
   Place your Smartwool socks in the water and gently swirl them around. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes.
3. Gently rub if needed
   If they’re particularly dirty, rub them lightly between your hands. Avoid wringing or scrubbing harshly.
4. Rinse thoroughly
   Drain the basin and refill with clean, cool water. Rinse until all soap is gone.
5. Press out excess water
   Press (don’t twist or wring) the socks against the side of the sink to remove water.

Step 4: How to Dry Smartwool Socks Properly

Drying is where most people make a mistake with wool socks. Heat can ruin them.

Best Drying Practices:

• Lay flat to dry
  Place your socks on a clean towel in their natural shape. Air drying is the safest method.
• Avoid direct sunlight or heaters
  These can cause uneven shrinking or damage.
• Do not tumble dry
  Smartwool socks are technically dryer-safe on low, but repeated use can wear them out faster. Air drying is recommended for longevity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To keep your Smartwool socks in top condition, avoid these pitfalls:

Mistake	Why It’s Bad
Using hot water	Causes shrinkage and damage to wool fibers
Machine drying on high heat	Leads to loss of shape and elasticity
Using bleach or softeners	Breaks down natural wool oils and weakens fabric
Wringing socks	Stretches and distorts shape
Washing with rough clothes	Can cause pilling, snags, and early wear

Smartwool’s Official Washing Instructions

According to Smartwool, the care label often recommends:

• Machine wash on gentle cycle in cold or warm water
• Use mild detergent
• Tumble dry on low or air dry
• Avoid bleach and fabric softener

However, for best longevity, many users opt for air drying and handwashing when possible.

How Often Should You Wash Smartwool Socks?

Because merino wool naturally resists odor and bacteria, you don’t need to wash Smartwool socks after every wear. For everyday use, you can wear them 2–3 times between washes—unless they’re visibly dirty or smelly.

Extra Tips to Keep Smartwool Socks in Great Shape

• Rotate pairs: Don’t wear the same pair every day. Let them rest to retain shape.
• Trim toenails: Prevent holes from forming.
• Store clean and dry: Keep them in a drawer away from moisture to avoid mildew or moths.

Why Smartwool Socks Need Special Care

Smartwool socks are made from merino wool, a natural fiber that’s softer and more delicate than traditional wool. While Smartwool does blend in synthetic fibers for durability and stretch, the wool content still requires attention.

Improper washing (like using hot water or high heat drying) can cause:

• Shrinkage
• Loss of elasticity
• Fabric thinning
• Pilling
• Odor retention

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I dry Smartwool socks in the dryer?

Yes, but only on low heat. Still, air drying is better to avoid wear and shrinkage.

Will Smartwool socks shrink in the wash?

Only if washed in hot water or dried with high heat. Follow proper care steps to avoid shrinkage.

Is it okay to use regular detergent?

It’s best to use a wool-safe or mild detergent. Avoid strong chemicals, bleach, or fabric softener.

How long do Smartwool socks last?

With proper care, they can last 2-4 years or more, depending on usage.

Can I iron Smartwool socks?

No need to iron them. If they wrinkle, it will smooth out while wearing.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to wash Smartwool socks properly isn’t complicated, but it does require a bit of attention. By using cool water, gentle detergents, and air drying, you’ll preserve their softness, shape, and performance for many seasons. Whether you’re wearing them for hiking, running, or lounging, your feet will thank you.