How to Care for Your KallieBaby Merino Wool Pieces

A little extra care goes a long way.

Merino wool is a beautiful natural fibre - soft, breathable, temperature-regulating and wonderfully comfortable against delicate baby skin. And one of the things we love most about it is that it doesn’t need to be washed as often as many other fabrics.

Every KallieBaby piece is made from 100% RWS-certified merino wool and designed to be worn, loved and, with the right care, passed on.

Caring for merino is simpler than you might think. Here is our guide to keeping your little one’s favourite pieces soft and beautiful for as long as possible.

1. Wash less, air more

One of merino wool’s natural advantages is that it is odour and stain resistant, which means it usually doesn’t need to be washed after every wear.

If there are no visible stains, simply allow the garment to air between wears. Often, that is all it needs to feel fresh again.

Less washing is not only gentler on the wool fibres - it also means using less water and energy.

2. Always check the care label first

Before washing your KallieBaby piece, take a moment to check the care label inside the garment.

Different knitted pieces can require slightly different care, so the instructions on the label should always come first.

As a general rule, merino wool loves cool water, gentle movement and a little patience.

3. Wash gently

When it is time for a wash, turn the garment inside out first.

Use a wool programme or gentle cycle, following the temperature indicated on the care label. If washing by hand, use clean, lukewarm water and avoid rubbing, twisting or wringing the garment.

Merino fibres can react to excessive heat, friction and agitation, so gentle handling is key to helping your piece retain its original shape and softness.

Washing similar colours together is also recommended.

4. Choose a wool-friendly detergent

Use a mild, neutral detergent designed for wool.

Avoid bleach and harsh detergents, particularly heavy-duty or enzyme-based products, as these can damage natural wool fibres over time.

You don't need much detergent either - gentle really is better when it comes to merino.

5. Never wring your merino

After washing, avoid twisting or wringing the garment to remove excess water.

Instead, gently press out the water. You can also place the piece on a clean towel and carefully roll it inside the towel to absorb additional moisture.

Then gently reshape the garment while it is still damp.

6. Dry flat

This is one of the most important steps.

Lay knitted merino garments flat to dry naturally, ideally on a clean towel and away from direct sunlight or heat.

Avoid hanging wet knitwear, as the weight of the water can stretch the garment and alter its shape.

And please keep those tiny merino pieces away from radiators and other direct heat sources.

Unless the individual care label specifically says otherwise, avoid tumble drying.

7. What about stains?

Babies and spotless clothes rarely go together - and that is perfectly fine.

If something spills, try to treat the area as soon as possible rather than automatically washing the entire garment.

Avoid aggressive rubbing. Gently blot the affected area and use a wool-safe cleaning product when necessary.

Sometimes a small spot clean is all your merino piece needs.

8. Pilling can happen - and it is natural

You may notice small, soft balls appearing on the surface of your merino garment, particularly in areas exposed to more friction.

This is called pilling, and it can occur naturally with wool fibres. It does not necessarily mean that something is wrong with your garment.

Loose pills can be carefully removed with a suitable wool comb or fabric tool, always using a gentle hand.

Over time, as excess loose fibres are removed, pilling may become less noticeable.

9. Store it with care

Before storing merino pieces for a longer period, make sure they are clean and completely dry.

Fold them rather than hanging them to help preserve their shape, and store them in a clean, dry place. For longer-term or seasonal storage, a closed storage bag or container can help protect wool from moths.

And when your little one has outgrown their KallieBaby pieces?

Wash them gently, fold them away and keep them for a younger sibling, a friend or another little one.

Made to be loved for longer

We believe baby clothing should not be disposable.

That is one of the reasons we chose 100% RWS-certified merino wool for KallieBaby. The Responsible Wool Standard addresses animal welfare and land management and provides a chain of custody for certified wool throughout the supply chain.

But choosing a beautiful natural material is only part of the story.

How we care for our clothes matters too.

Wash less. Wash gently. Dry naturally. Repair when needed. Pass it on.

With thoughtful care, your KallieBaby merino pieces can stay part of your family's story long after your little one has outgrown them.

Made with care. Worn with love. Passed on.