Taking care of your cashmere sweaters properly ensures they remain soft, luxurious, and last for many years. The key is gentle handling during washing, drying, and storage.
Cashmere is a delicate natural fiber that requires special attention to maintain its quality and prevent damage like shrinking, stretching, or pilling.
Washing Your Cashmere
Hand washing is generally the preferred method for cashmere to ensure the gentlest treatment.
Hand Washing Your Cashmere Sweater
- Prepare the Water: Fill a clean sink or basin with cool or lukewarm water. One crucial rule for how to wash cashmere jumpers and other items is to avoid hot temperatures, as heat can cause the material to shrink.
- Add Detergent: Add a few drops of your chosen washing product and swirl it in. A gentle laundry detergent, a specialist Delicates detergent or some baby shampoo are all good options.
- Submerge the Sweater: Turn your sweater inside out and fully submerge it in the soapy water.
- Wash Gently: Swish the sweater around gently in the water. Avoid rubbing, wringing, or stretching the fabric. Let it soak for about 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cool water. Gently press the sweater to remove suds. Repeat rinsing until the water is clear and free of soap.
Machine Washing (Use Caution)
Some cashmere items may be labeled as machine washable on a delicate cycle. Always check the care label first. If machine washing is permitted:
- Use a mesh laundry bag to protect the sweater.
- Select the delicate or wool cycle with cold water.
- Use a small amount of a gentle or wool-specific detergent.
- Avoid the spin cycle or use the lowest possible spin setting.
Drying Your Cashmere
Never hang a wet cashmere sweater, as this will cause it to stretch out of shape.
- Remove Excess Water: Gently press the water out of the sweater. Do not wring or twist it. You can roll the sweater in a clean, dry towel and press gently to absorb more moisture.
- Lay Flat to Dry: Reshape the sweater back to its original dimensions and lay it flat on a drying rack or a clean, dry towel away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Allow Air Circulation: Ensure air can circulate around the sweater to help it dry evenly. Flip it over periodically. Drying can take 24-48 hours depending on humidity.
Storing Cashmere Properly
Proper storage prevents damage from stretching, moths, and pilling.
- Fold, Don't Hang: Always fold cashmere sweaters neatly instead of hanging them. Hanging can cause shoulders to stretch and misshape.
- Clean Before Storing: Ensure sweaters are clean before storing for extended periods. Moths are attracted to dirt and body oils.
- Use Moth Protection: Store cashmere in airtight bags, containers, or with natural moth repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Avoid mothballs, as their odor can be difficult to remove.
- Away from Sunlight: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Dealing with Pilling
Pilling (small balls of fiber on the surface) is a natural occurrence in knitwear, including cashmere, especially in areas of friction like under the arms.
- Gently remove pills by hand or use a specialized cashmere comb or fabric shaver. Be very careful not to cut or damage the fabric itself.
Quick Cashmere Care Tips
Here's a summary of essential do's and don'ts:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Hand wash or use gentle machine cycle | Use hot water (causes shrinking) |
| Use cool or lukewarm water | Wring or twist |
| Use gentle detergent/baby shampoo | Hang to dry (causes stretching) |
| Lay flat to dry | Tumble dry |
| Fold for storage | Use harsh chemicals |
| Use moth protection | Use mothballs (strong odor) |
By following these steps, you can keep your cashmere sweaters feeling soft and looking beautiful for years to come.
