Cashmere clothing is often thick, super soft, and pleasant to wear. This unique type of wool will keep you warmer than many sweaters made of synthetic fibers. Cashmere is used in human clothing and as covers for furniture and interior design purposes.
But as cashmere goes through the normal wear and tear, how do you ensure it’s adequately maintained and its waffle weaves will still look new even after years of use? More specifically, what are the ways how to properly wash cashmere?
How to Hand-Wash a Cashmere
Hand-washing is one of the safest methods when washing any fabric. For cashmere hand-wash, here’s what you’ll be needing:
- Basin
- Lukewarm/Cool water
- Gentle detergent
- Towel or drying rack
To hand-wash cashmere, follow these steps:
- Get a basin and fill it with lukewarm/cool water.
- Add a small amount of gentle detergent and mix.
- Soak the garment in and wait for 10-15 minutes while gently rubbing it to remove dirt.
- Squeeze the water through the cashmere.
- Rinse it in cool water until excess detergent is removed.
- Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel if it’s a lightweight gauzy knit, or hang it on a drying rack if it’s a regular knit.
How to Machine-Wash a Cashmere
Cleaning cashmere is relatively easy with the help of a washing machine. You’ll need the following:
- Mesh bag
- Gentle detergent
- Dry towel
Regular wash cycles can shrink cashmere, so follow these when putting cashmere through a washing machine:
- Place the garment in a mesh bag to keep its shape.
- Add a gentle laundry detergent.
- Wash it on a delicate cycle under cold water using a low spin.
- Once the cycle is complete, get it out and squeeze the excess water by pressing the garment into a ball.
- Once moisture is gone, lay it flat on a dry towel.
How to Remove Stains from a Cashmere
Treating stains will depend upon the stain you’re attempting to remove. Common stains in cashmere are tannin-based stains in drinks such as coffee, synthetic dyes like inks, oils such as makeup products, protein-based stains like eggs, or any combination of the above types.
When dealing with blob-like splotches from ketchup and the like, first scrape away as much as possible with the back of a knife or kitchen utensils.
Here’s how to spot-treat cashmere stains:
- Dilute soap with water.
- Dab it onto the stain spot to treat it.
- Give it some time to soak.
- Rinse with cold water afterward.
Stain removers free from harmful chemicals and preservatives are ideal for cashmere. But if you don’t have them on hand, alternatives are:
- Wool-safe soaps
- Unscented dish soaps
- Gentle laundry detergent
- Mild baby shampoo or soap
How to Dry a Cashmere
The best way to dry cashmere is to let it dry naturally instead of tumble drying. There is a high chance of it shrinking in the dryers.
To air dry a cashmere, lay it flat on a towel. Gently roll up and press to soak up the excess water. Unroll and reshape before leaving it to air dry completely. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators.
How to Store Cashmere
After carefully washing the cashmere, ensure it is dry before putting it away. Put them in a zipped bag, get the air out, and tightly zip them. Store away from direct sunlight in a cold, dust-free area or unheated storage.
Leave it to the Experts
Cashmere doesn’t require professional cleaning, but when those stubborn stains can’t be treated with regular stain removal techniques, don’t hesitate to consult a professional.
Cashmere is one of the most sought-after fibers in the world, and we wouldn’t want to risk damaging it just because of a stubborn stain. Sure enough, there are professional laundry services that can handle it.
Wrap Up
Cashmere is one of the favorite fibers in the luxury clothing industry. A lot of manual labor is invested in its creation too. Washing cashmere clothing and maintaining its weaves properly can be tricky. Follow the tips above, and you’re well on your way to ensuring that your favorite cashmere clothing (including its weaves) stays good as new for an extended period of time.
