Alpaca Sock Care Guide: How to Wash & Care for Alpaca Socks
Alpaca is one of the most durable natural fibres on earth — but like all fine textiles, it rewards a little care. This guide covers everything you need to keep your alpaca socks looking and feeling their best, wash after wash.
The Golden Rules of Alpaca Sock Care
Before we get into specifics, three principles apply to all alpaca socks:
- Cold water only. Heat is the enemy of alpaca fibre — it causes felting (irreversible matting) and shrinkage.
- Gentle handling. Alpaca has no scales (unlike wool), which makes it naturally resistant to felting — but agitation in hot water can still cause damage.
- Dry flat or by the toe. Never tumble dry on high heat — reshape while damp and dry flat, or hang by the toe.
How to Wash Alpaca Socks
Alpaca socks are more robust than most people expect — the fibre’s natural resilience means they can handle regular washing without losing their shape or softness.
- Machine wash: cool or cold cycle, gentle/delicate setting, inside a mesh laundry bag
- Hand wash: lukewarm water with a small amount of our Liquid Detergent for Knitwear & Delicates — ideal as it requires no rinsing
- Drying: lay flat or hang by the toe — never tumble dry on high heat
- Frequency: alpaca’s natural antimicrobial properties mean socks stay fresher longer than cotton — you don’t need to wash after every wear
How to Remove Pilling from Alpaca Socks
Pilling is a natural characteristic of short-fibre alpaca and is not a sign of poor quality — it simply means the shorter fibres are working their way to the surface. It typically reduces after the first few washes.
- Remove pills with a fabric comb or a dedicated pill shaver — never pull them off by hand
- On socks, pilling is most common in high-friction areas such as the heel, toe, and where your shoe rubs
- Our longer-staple yarns and tightly knitted socks pill less than loosely woven pieces
How to Store Alpaca Socks
- Fold, don’t stretch. Fold socks flat rather than rolling them tightly, which can stretch the cuff.
- Clean before storing. Moths are attracted to body oils and residue, not clean fibre.
- Use cedar or lavender as a natural moth deterrent — avoid mothballs, which can damage fibre and leave an odour.
- Breathable storage: use cotton bags or drawers rather than plastic, which traps moisture.
The Right Products Make It Easy
We stock the care products we use ourselves. Our Liquid Detergent for Knitwear & Delicates is specially formulated to clean and protect alpaca socks in cool water. Our Knitwear Mist in lavender and thyme freshens socks between wears and doubles as a natural moth deterrent. Pop your socks in our washing net bag before a machine wash to protect them from snags and tangles.
Treat your alpaca socks well and they’ll outlast almost anything else in your sock drawer. That’s not a promise — it’s just the nature of the fibre.
Shop Our Alpaca Socks
Find your perfect pair — every style below is knitted from premium alpaca fibre and built to last with the care above.
- Alpaca Walking Sock — The Murray — our best-selling calf-length walking sock
- Alpaca Bed Sock — The Clare — ultra-soft, cosy 90% alpaca house socks
- Alpaca Everyday Sock — The Girton — lightweight, durable everyday alpaca
- Gentle Grip Alpaca Socks — The Fitz — elastic-free, soft-top everyday socks
- Alpaca Walking Sock — The Newnham — below-the-knee walking sock
- Alpaca Boot Sock — The Cavendish — stylish fold-over-top boot sock
- Alpaca Children’s Socks — soft alpaca for little feet
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you machine wash alpaca socks?
Yes. Wash alpaca socks on a cool or cold cycle using the gentle or delicate setting, inside a mesh laundry bag. Avoid hot water and high-heat tumble drying, as heat causes felting and shrinkage.
Does alpaca wool shrink?
Alpaca can shrink if exposed to heat and agitation. Always wash in cold water with minimal agitation and dry flat or by the toe to prevent shrinkage and felting.
How often should I wash alpaca socks?
Alpaca fibre is naturally antimicrobial, so socks stay fresher for longer than cotton. You don’t need to wash them after every wear — wash when needed, typically every few wears.
Can you tumble dry alpaca socks?
No. Never tumble dry alpaca socks on high heat. Lay them flat or hang by the toe to air dry away from direct heat and sunlight.
How do I remove pilling from alpaca socks?
Use a fabric comb or a dedicated pill shaver to gently remove pills. Never pull them off by hand. Pilling is natural and usually reduces after the first few washes.
How should I store alpaca socks?
Fold socks flat rather than rolling them tightly. Clean them before storing, use cedar or lavender as a natural moth deterrent, and keep them in a breathable cotton bag or drawer rather than plastic.