My name is Hiroki and I continue to study wool.
As I've written many blogs about wool and merino wool, I've suddenly realized that I've only written about good things... It's common knowledge that everyone and everything in the world has good and bad sides.
This time, we will summarize the "pilling problem," which is considered the biggest disadvantage of using wool, including merino wool. Please refer to this article if you want to keep your merino wool socks looking good and lasting longer.
- The appeal and problems of merino wool socks
- Why do hairballs form? The reason and mechanism
- Easy ways to deal with hairballs at home
- Keep your cat looking nice with these tips to prevent hairballs
- How to store your merino wool socks to preserve them
1. The appeal and problems of merino wool socks
Merino wool socks are great for cold seasons and outdoor activities. The warmth, moisture absorption, and soft feel that only natural materials can provide will make you want to wear them. However, after wearing them many times, you may start to notice pilling. It's sad to see your fluffy socks slowly start to look worn out.
2. Why do hairballs form? The reason and mechanism
Merino wool fibers are very fine and soft, so when friction occurs during wear or washing, the fibers get tangled and pill easily. Pilling is particularly likely to occur in areas that move a lot, such as the ankles and heels. However, this is by no means a fault with the socks, but is a characteristic of the natural material. (It is an unavoidable fact when using wool.)
3. Easy ways to deal with hairballs at home
But don't worry, even if pilling does occur, you can restore your cat to its original, beautiful condition with some simple care.
・Use scissors or a lint remover
If the pilling is noticeable, carefully cut it off with scissors or use a pilling remover. To use a pilling remover, just gently stroke the surface of the socks. The key is not to use too much pressure.
・Finish with tape or sponge
If the lint is small, it can be easily removed by gently rubbing it with sticky tape or an old sponge (the back of the sponge (non-woven abrasive material) or the hard side used to remove burnt food from a pot).
*It is said that 3M's Scotch Brite is effective at removing mold.
4. Tips to prevent hairballs to keep your cat looking nice
In addition to taking care of hairballs, it will be even more reassuring if you take measures to prevent hairballs on a regular basis.
- Wash inside out
Try turning your socks inside out before washing to reduce friction, and using a laundry bag can further reduce damage.
・Use a neutral detergent
Using a neutral detergent for wool will help prevent damage to the fibers. We also recommend using the "hand wash" or "dry" mode on your washing machine.
・Allow natural drying
The heat of tumble drying (a method of drying laundry by rotating it with warm air in a drum-type washer-dryer) can damage the fibers. It is best to let it dry naturally on as flat a surface as possible.
5. Conclusion
To extend the lifespan of socks, you should also pay attention to how you store them. After use, dry them thoroughly and store them in a place with low humidity. Also, when using insect repellent, it is best to store them in a bag so that they do not come into direct contact with the insects.
Above, we have introduced how to remove pilling from merino wool socks.
Merino wool socks are loved by many people for their comfort and functionality, but the only problem is that they are prone to pilling. However, by taking the right care and preventative measures, you can enjoy the unique fluffiness of merino wool for a long time. Please try the methods introduced here to extend the life of your expensive merino wool socks.
