How to Care for Your Cashmere Sweater
Cashmere sweaters are luxurious, soft, and delicate, requiring special care to maintain their beauty and longevity. Despite what the care label suggests, it's best to avoid the dry cleaner and hand-wash your cashmere at home. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you care for your cashmere sweater:
What You Need
- Wool wash or baby shampoo: Gentle cleansers like Soak (a no-rinse detergent) or baby shampoo are perfect for hand-washing cashmere.
- A clean sink or basin: Ensure it's large enough to soak your sweater.
- A drying rack or a white bath towel: Use a flat drying rack or lay your sweater on a white towel to dry. Avoid colored towels to prevent dye transfer.
- A cashmere comb: This helps remove lint, fuzz, and dust between wears and washes.
- Steamer (optional): Helps to restore suppleness and remove wrinkles after drying.
How Often to Wash Cashmere
You don't need to wash your cashmere sweater after every wear. Washing it every seven to ten wears, or at the end of each winter season, is generally sufficient.
Spot-Treating Stains
Treat stains immediately for best results. Avoid using OxiClean or bleach. Use a small amount of Soak detergent or baby shampoo on a cotton swab to gently rub into the stain, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, and rinse with water.
Washing Your Cashmere Sweater
- Prepare the wash: Fill a clean sink or basin with lukewarm water (never hot). Add a small amount of no-rinse detergent or baby shampoo.
- Soak the sweater: Submerge the sweater and gently move it around to loosen any dirt. Let it soak for about 15 minutes, occasionally giving it gentle swirls.
- Rinse (if needed): If using baby shampoo, you’ll need to rinse out the soap. Refill the sink with clean water and re-submerge the sweater. Do not rinse under running water.
- Remove excess water: Gently squeeze out excess water without wringing. Use the towel-rolling method by laying the sweater on a white towel, rolling it up, and squeezing to remove more water.
Drying Your Cashmere Sweater
Lay the sweater flat on a drying rack or on a white towel on a flat surface. Shape the sweater to its original form (blocking). Avoid hanging the sweater as it will stretch.
Between Washes
Use a lint roller and a cashmere comb to remove lint, fuzz, and pills. Always wash your cashmere sweater before storing it for the summer to avoid attracting moths.
By following these steps, you can keep your cashmere sweater in excellent condition, ensuring it stays soft and luxurious for years to come.