Just got my first set of merino wool base layer. They fit well. The bottoms fit great right now but can stand no shrinking. The top would be okay if it shrunk a LITTLE bit. So I'm just a bit scared to wash the set in the washer. What's the best way to wash and de-scent (new 'car' smell) without chancing shrinkage?

I just started using merino in the past year or two, and I just wash mine in the washer and line dry.  No shrinkage issues noted so far.

I do the same as Whip, machine wash and air dry.

Wash cold and line dry or dry with low heat.

Machine wash.  If it itches you you can add fabric softener and stop the cycle let it sit overnight then finish.  Will be soft as silk.

I use Nikwax wool detergent for my merino.  It's unscented, machine wash cold on gentle cycle, line dry and you're good.

Merino wool doesn't itch if it's good merino like Minus 33. Soft as silk.

Machine wash Cold,  gentle cycle.   Hang dry.

I hand wash in cold water.  Like others, no noticable shrinkage.  Instead of soap, I use baking soda (for all of my hunting clothes, not just wool).  It works well, no scent and no UV brighteners in it.

If it is good merino wool like klar/powerwool/ulfrotte. It is soft and smooth.  Been washing mine in cold water and and in a regular dry cycle with the rest of my clothes for 10 years and it hasn't shrank one bit. If it is itchy or shrinks there is something wrong. Dino

I've tried it all...I have yet to find any that doesn't make me itch.  The fabric softener trick helps.

I wash all my wool in cold h2O and block dry them.

Ok thanks guys. It's good wool no itching. Just has that new smell. We'll give 'er a go.

Wash on cold, gentle, with baking soda stuff and hang dry. That's it