About Washing Your MERI
MERI can be washed whenever it becomes dirty.
Because MERI is designed to be worn indoors every day, it naturally collects dust, dirt, and oils from your feet over time. Washing your MERI regularly helps keep it clean, fresh, and comfortable.
Here, we'll show you how to wash and care for your MERI at home.
Before Washing Your MERI
This pair of MERI has been worn for about two years and has been washed regularly.
On the top, you can see some discoloration from natural oils from the feet, as well as indentations that have formed from the wearer's weight.
Take a look at the underside, too.
It almost looks as though it has been cleaning the floor! Dust and dirt naturally collect on the bottom as you wear your MERI around the house.
Before washing, check the underside carefully and remove any dust, debris, hair, lint, or pet hair.
We recommend using adhesive tape or a lint roller to remove anything caught between the woven cords.
If you have pets, it is especially important to remove pet hair before putting your MERI in the washing machine.
Hair can become tangled deep inside the weave once it gets wet, making it much more difficult to remove later.
If You Have Pets
If you have pets, please remove any pet hair from your MERI before washing.
Pet hair can easily become trapped deep inside the woven structure, making it more difficult to remove once it gets wet.
We recommend removing pet hair regularly with adhesive tape or a lint roller, rather than waiting until it's time to wash your MERI.
Regularly removing pet hair and dust is one of the best ways to keep your MERI clean and comfortable, and to enjoy wearing them for many years.
For Heavy Dirt or Odors
If your MERI is particularly dirty, we recommend soaking it in warm water with a neutral laundry detergent before washing.
If you notice an odor, we recommend using an oxygen-based bleach. It can help remove odors that have been absorbed into the fibers and refresh your MERI.
If your MERI has a strong odor, please do not put it directly into the washing machine. First, soak it in oxygen-based bleach to remove the odor, and then wash it in the washing machine.
After washing, it is very important to dry your MERI thoroughly. Because MERI is tightly woven, moisture can remain deep inside the sole. If it is not completely dry, this remaining moisture may cause odors to develop again.
For MERI with a strong odor, please follow these steps:
Soak in oxygen-based bleach → Wash in the washing machine → Dry completely
Always follow the instructions on the oxygen-based bleach you are using, particularly regarding the amount to use and soaking time.
Do not use chlorine bleach, as it may damage or discolor the materials.
How to Wash MERI in a Washing Machine
MERI can be washed in a washing machine.
If your washing machine has a gentle cycle such as Hand Wash, Delicate, or Gentle Mode, we recommend using it.
Always use a laundry net to help protect the shape of your MERI during washing.
For an even more thorough wash, we recommend the following method.
Fold the straps (hanao) inward and place the two MERI together with the soles facing outward. Lightly secure them with string, then place them inside a laundry net.
This exposes the areas that collect the most dirt and helps them wash more effectively.
Dry Your MERI Thoroughly
This is one of the most important steps.
Each pair of MERI is tightly handwoven by skilled artisans, so the woven structure can hold a considerable amount of moisture after washing.
As a result, MERI takes time to dry completely.
Please allow plenty of time and make sure the inside of the woven sole is thoroughly dry before wearing them again.
If moisture remains inside, it may cause unwanted odors.
Don't rush this part. Let your MERI dry completely.
See How Soft They Become Again
Here is the same pair after washing, drying, and adjusting the straps.
The softness and fluffiness have returned, making them comfortable to wear again.
If you feel that your MERI is getting dirty or becoming a little stiff, that's a good sign that it's time for a wash.
And take a look at the underside.
Quite a difference, isn't it?
We simply washed and thoroughly dried this pair, then adjusted the straps. Nothing else was done.
By removing the dirt and oils that have accumulated inside the fibers, MERI can regain much of its original softness.
You may also notice that your freshly washed MERI looks slightly slimmer.
This is because washing removes the oils and dirt that have built up in the fibers over time, helping the compressed knitted cords regain their softness and shape.
Adjust the Straps After Washing
After washing and drying your MERI, you may want to adjust the straps (hanao) for a comfortable fit.
Please watch the video below to see how to adjust the straps.
With regular washing and proper care, you can continue enjoying the unique softness and comfort of your MERI for a long time.
