As the seasons change and warmer weather approaches, it's the perfect time to care for your cozy merino wool layers. We’ve put together some tips to help keep your iksplor gear in top shape, ready for your next adventure. Whether you're preparing for the warmer months or ensuring your clothing lasts for years, we’re here to support you in getting the most out of your merino wool. At iksplor, sustainability is a top priority, and we want your gear to last from one adventure to the next. Whether that means passing it down to siblings, trading it in at iksplor More, or mending any wear and tear, we’re committed to helping your merino wool last. Spring is the perfect time to check on your layers, make sure they still fit (hello, growth spurts!) and get them ready for another season of adventure!

How to Store Your 100% Merino Wool Layers

Proper storage is key to maintaining the durability and softness of your iksplor merino wool clothing. Follow these simple tips to keep your base layers looking and feeling like new:

1. Clean Before Storing

Before packing away your merino wool, give it a gentle wash according to the care instructions. Dirt, oils, and sweat can break down the fibers over time, so washing helps preserve its quality. Always ensure your items are fully dry before storing.

2. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Avoid extreme temperatures and high humidity. Choose a cool, dry area to store your merino wool, away from direct sunlight and damp spaces like attics or basements.

3. Use Breathable Storage Bags

Merino wool needs to breathe! Opt for breathable cotton or linen garment bags rather than plastic, which can trap moisture and promote mildew or mold. A breathable bag keeps your wool fresh and protected.

4. Moth Protection

Moths love natural fibers. Use cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or mothballs to protect your merino wool, but don’t place them directly on the fabric to avoid staining.

5. Fold, Don't Hang

Hanging wool garments can cause them to stretch out. Fold your pieces neatly, avoiding tight spaces to ensure the fibers maintain their shape.

6. Avoid Heavy Compression

Don’t store your merino wool in overly tight or compressed spaces. Tight drawers or packed boxes can cause creases and deformation of the fabric, shortening its lifespan.

7. Air It Out Occasionally

Every few months, take your garments out and give them some fresh air. Lay them flat for a few hours to release any lingering moisture or odors, ensuring they’re ready for the next adventure.

How to Care for Your Merino Wool

Merino wool is a durable, self-cleaning material, but regular care is still important to keep it looking great. Here's how to take care of your iksplor layers:

Step 1: Check for Stains

Before washing, inspect your garments for stains. Use a bar of soap to rub gently on any stains, then wash. Do not dry until the stain is completely removed.

Step 2: Machine Wash

Wash your merino wool items in cold water with a wool detergent if possible. Make sure to wash them with similar items.

Step 3: Dry with Care

You can dry your iksplor merino wool layers on low heat in the dryer, except for beanies, or lay them flat to air dry. Avoid wringing out or hanging them to dry, as that can stretch the fibers.

Step 4: Get Ready to Explore

Once your layers are clean and dry, they’re ready for the next adventure. So go ahead — get dirty, have fun, and keep iksploring!

Repairs with Iron-On Patches: Keeping Your Gear in Action 

We understand that kids can be tough on their adventure gear, so we’ve made it easy to repair small holes and tears in your merino wool with our iksplor iron-on patches. These patches are an easy, durable way to extend the life of your clothing. A quick iron-on fix helps ensure your merino wool base layers stay in great condition, ready for the next season of outdoor fun.

We want our clothing to last for multiple seasons and to be passed down for hand-me-downs. If your gear is well-loved but still has life left, using a patch is a great way to keep it going!

Iksplor More: Resale Program for Sustainable Adventure

Kids grow fast! We’ve taken this into consideration when creating our sizing, ensuring that the length of our layers is generous. Our community continuously shares with us that their gear lasts for more than one season — and that’s exactly our goal! 

We’ve also created iksplor more, our resale program where you can buy and sell gently used iksplor wear. This helps keep your gear in circulation for even longer, reducing waste and allowing other families to benefit from high-quality, durable adventure wear.

By joining the iksplor more community, you’re embracing the outdoors responsibly and economically. You can either pass on your gently used pieces to another adventurer or find great deals on second-hand gear. It’s a win-win for you, the planet, and future generations.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

From the very beginning, we chose 100% merino wool for its softness, durability, and eco-friendliness. Merino wool is a natural, renewable resource, making it a perfect fabric for sustainable outdoor wear. By using merino wool, we actively reduce our ecological footprint, ensuring that the outdoor adventures of today don’t harm the planet of tomorrow.

Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop with the materials we use; it extends to the way we design and care for our clothing. We want every piece to last for years, be passed down, or recycled, ensuring that it leaves a minimal impact on the environment.

Ready for the Next Adventure

As you embrace spring cleaning and prepare your iksplor merino wool layers for storage, remember that proper care, repair, and resale can help extend the life of your clothing while supporting a more sustainable lifestyle. By following these tips, you’re ensuring that your iksplor gear is always ready for your next adventure — and that you’re leaving a positive impact on the planet for future generations of outdoor iksplorers.