Superwash wool is a type of wool that has been chemically treated to make it machine washable and dryable. The process of making wool superwash involves removing the scales or cuticles from the wool fiber and coating it with a thin layer of polymer. This chemical process makes the wool smoother and more flexible, which prevents it from felting. Superwash wool is softer than non-superwash wool and tends to be shinier. It also absorbs dye well and produces richer colors. However, the process of making wool superwash involves the use of chlorine, which can create toxic chlorinated compounds, including dioxins. Therefore, most chlorinated wool is processed in other countries, including the UK and China, then imported. Additionally, the process of making wool superwash destroys its natural characteristics and contaminates it with synthetic chemicals. Superwash yarns lose their elasticity and memory, which makes them less suitable for some projects. However, superwash wool is a practical choice for knit or crocheted clothes for babies and children or for those who prefer machine-washable wool. It is important to note that not all Merino wool is superwash, but there is a lot of superwash Merino on the commercial market, so the term has become particularly associated with Merino.