Caring For Your Cashmere

Generally speaking, most people try to avoid washing their cashmere as much as possible. Whether it is not wanting to dry clean only or the fear of damaging the precious fabric, cashmere care can be quite tricky. Well look no further because here is a complete break down for your guide to keeping your cashmere soft and pristine.

If dry cleaning is not your forte, you should stick to the basics, hand wash everything! Always wash your garment in a completely clean sink free of any debris or food particles. Even the smallest amount of cleaning products can harm your cashmere, so it is recommended to use a new plastic basin or large bowl to line your sink. The water should be a nice even temperature, not scalding hot.

When choosing a detergent, you should look for a gentle product. Some detergents are made specifically for cashmere, however you can use baby shampoo instead. If you want to make you cashmere extra soft, you can use a mild conditioner after washing your cashmere.

When washing the cashmere, turn the garment inside out. Be mindful of how you are handling the fabric. You should not rub, twist, or wring out the material. Instead just let the warm water run freely through the cashmere.

Drying the garment should be done so in an equally gentle manner. Never put your cashmere in the dryer, even on low settings. The garment should be placed on a clean towel that is free from excess balls, and rolled up like a burrito. Next, gently apply pressure to the roll and squeeze out the excess water. Unroll and reshape your garment by hand.

Always air dry the garment in a clean and airy place. Try to avoid direct sunlight in to preserve dyed fibers. Lay the garment on a flat surface. Drying the garment on a hanger can cause the fabric to be stretched by the weight of the water and can cause irreparable damage.

Cashmere fans are well aware of the dreaded balls that accumulate on our beloved sweaters and scarfs. This process is known as pilling, and is very common. Often misconceived as the effect of a low quality product, pilling can occur with any quality range of cashmere and is a consequence of improper care. Special combs help remove these balls when used in a safe and careful manner. A razor can also be used to free your sweater from the pesky build up. Either of these tactics should be done so in a clean and well lit space, and done so carefully to avoid damaging the product.

When storing the cashmere it should be in a clean and not crammed space, and should be decreased prior to being stored. Storing in a damp space can be particularly harmful. Cardboard boxes can also be harmful to precious cashmere fibers. Chemicals in cashmere react to the ph of the alkaline cardboard and can destroy your garment.

Storing garments in plastic bags can accumulate moisture as temperatures change and can dampen and damage your cashmere. It is best to leave cashmere folded in a dry and well aired location.

Purchasing cashmere can be quite the investment. With the proper care and storage your garment will remain just as soft and beautiful as the day you bought it.