Cashmere is your precious little piece of garment that needs special care and treatment, just as your designer bags and shoes. Of course, with the luxurious softness and pleasant warmth, there comes a certain degree of responsibility to spare a particular treatment. However, when you know exactly how to love and care for this fine fibre, this gem in your closet will prove that it’s a worthy investment for years to come!
If you have already invested in this winter wardrobe staple or considering purchasing your first cashmere to avoid bulkiness without giving up the toastiness for the upcoming season, you are at the right place because we are about to give you tips and tricks on how to take care of your cashmere delight so that it ages like a fine wine.
How to wash cashmere?
It might scare you off because usually, the labels on cashmere say it should only be dry-cleaned. However, the complex chemicals of dry-cleaning can damage your precious piece in the long run. Therefore, it is recommended to dry-clean your cashmere once a season, perhaps before you store it away for the season.
For the day-to-day, you can machine wash your cashmere on the gentle cycle when you are in a hurry, but hand washing will always be the best option. Remember to always choose special cashmere detergent or baby shampoo to ensure the chemicals aren’t too strong on the cashmere delicates.
Make sure to soak your cashmere for 15-30 minutes in lukewarm water of 20C-30C, as hot water can harm the colour and shrink the fabric. You can even turn it inside out to further protect your garment. As for the washing, gently swirl the cashmere instead of rubbing or wringing. When you wash a cashmere piece, you rely on the detergent rather than the force.
You will also have to be gentle with the rinsing by putting and swirling the cashmere in lukewarm, clean water instead of pouring water over the cashmere - you don’t want the water pressure directly on the fabric. Do not use fabric softener, as it can decrease the fluffiness / fuzziness of the product.
2. How to dry cashmere?
You should start by gently pressing the cashmere to remove any excess water. Then, place it on a dry, clean, colourless towel and roll in it. Then you take another dry, clean, colourless towel and lay the cashmere flat on it. It is not recommended to hang cashmere because it can stretch the fabric. Drying naturally is the best, so avoid direct sunlight and tumble dry.
When it is dry, use a steamer to bring back the suppleness.
3. How often do you wash cashmere?
Cashmere is a natural fibre that comes from the soft undercoat of a goat. Thus the more you wash, the softer it gets. But, on the other hand, you don’t have to wash your cashmere piece every time you wear it.
You can wash after at least three washes, sometimes even more (some people wash only once or twice a season), with spot cleaning in between wears. Spot cleaning can be done by gently dabbing with a moist cloth - don’t forget to use cold water with cashmere detergent or baby shampoo, and never use a spot cleaning product as it can be too harsh.
Remember that you have to rest your cashmere delight between wears for at least three days, so the fabric rests and returns to its original shape. You can shave your cashmere garment often to avoid piling.
4. How to store cashmere?
This is perhaps the most crucial part of cashmere care, as improper storage can call for moths since you keep the cashmere away for a long time during the warmer months.
Before storing away your cashmere delight, ensure it is thoroughly clean - this is the perfect time to opt for dry cleaning. Any food residue or dry skin cells can attract moths, so cleaning before storing is a must. Also, make sure it is thoroughly dry because you don’t want a damp smell next season.
When you put the garment away, always fold it instead of hanging it and put your folded garment in acid-free tissue paper, cloth bag, or a box - something that is breathable and wouldn’t capture any moisture. The dust bag or the box that came with the cashmere would be the best.
You can store your cashmere with cedar balls, lavender, thyme, rosemary, cloves or dried orange to repel moths.
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