How to Care for Cashmere: A Complete Guide
While cashmere is a delicate fabric, it actually benefits from frequent washing. However, you need to do it carefully.
Hand-Washing
- Use Cold Water: Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water.
- Mild Detergent: Add a small amount of cashmere or wool detergent. Avoid strong chemicals like bleach or fabric softener.
- Gently Agitate: Submerge the garment and swirl it gently. Do not rub or wring, as this can distort the fibers.
- Rinse Well: Rinse with cool water until all the detergent is gone.
Machine Washing
- Use a Delicate Cycle: Set your machine to the cold water setting and select a wool or delicate cycle.
- Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: Place your cashmere in a mesh bag to prevent it from stretching or snagging.
- Low Spin Speed: Keep the spin setting low to avoid rough handling
Drying Your Cashmere
Never wring cashmere to remove water, as this can cause it to lose shape.
- Lay Flat to Dry: After washing, carefully press out excess water and lay the garment flat on a towel.
- Avoid Heat: Keep it away from direct sunlight, radiators, or tumble dryers. Heat can cause cashmere to shrink and become brittle.
- Reshape: Gently reshape the garment as it dries to prevent stretching.
Storing Cashmere
Proper storage is crucial to preserve the softness and avoid pilling or damage from moths.
- Fold, Don’t Hang: Always fold your cashmere to avoid it stretching. Hanging can distort the delicate fibers.
- Use Moth Protection: Store it with cedar blocks or lavender sachets to keep moths at bay.
- Storage Bags: Place your cashmere in breathable cotton bags or boxes, as plastic can trap moisture and lead to mildew.
Dealing with Pilling
Cashmere can pill over time, especially in areas that experience friction, like under the arms.
- Use a Cashmere Comb: Gently remove pills with a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver.
- Avoid Rough Surfaces: Be mindful of wearing cashmere against abrasive materials like zippers or rough fabrics, as this can speed up pilling.
Spot Treating Stains
If you spill something on your cashmere, act quickly.
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Use a clean cloth to blot the stain. Rubbing can push the stain further into the fibers.
- Mild Detergent: Apply a small amount of detergent mixed with water and gently blot the area.
- Rinse: Once the stain is treated, rinse with cold water and follow the standard drying procedure.
Professional Cleaning
For particularly valuable or vintage cashmere, consider dry cleaning. If you opt for this, ensure the cleaner has experience with delicate fabrics like cashmere to avoid chemical damage.
Cashmere Loves Water
Interestingly, cashmere becomes softer with each wash. The natural fibers respond well to water, making it more supple and resistant to pilling over time
Conclusion
Caring for cashmere is all about gentleness. With the right techniques, you can maintain its luxurious softness and longevity. Whether you’re hand-washing, storing it carefully, or dealing with occasional pills, following these steps will help your cashmere items look as beautiful as the day you bought them.