Cashmere. The name alone brings to mind feather-light luxury.Autumn is the season to break out cashmere’s incredible texture and pair it with everything from jeans to dresses, but, as with most delicate knits and fabrics that luxury comes with some very specific care instructions: Dry clean only. How many times have you fallen head over heels for a piece, only to be discouraged by this ominous care tag? In truth, I pay a visit to the dry cleaner maybe twice a year. It’s not my most virtuous trait. But who has the time, really?
As a lover of cashmere, the good news is that you can actually hand wash the stuff, and even better? Hand washing just makes it softer. Can cashmere get any softer? Apparently yes, it can. Check out our tips for caring for this gorgeous knit below:
How to clean cashmere:
Hand washing cashmere is a surprisingly simple task. All you need is a tub of lukewarm water (not hot, as hot water will shrink the garment), some natural baby shampoo or mild detergent, and a clean towel. Dilute the shampoo or detergent in the water and submerge the cashmere for a few minutes. You can swish it around a bit, but don’t wring or twist. Once it’s been properly soaped up, rinse the piece in clean water, remove from the tub, and press between a towel to remove excess water — don’t wring it! Keep in mind that the garment may take a few days to dry, you can speed up the process by tossing it in a salad spinner and spinning it to remove extra water. Lay flat on a clean towel to dry.
How to store cashmere
Hanging a cashmere sweater will surely spell the end for the garment. Clothes hangers can leave permanent imprints on the shoulders of cashmere tops, and the weight of the garment can tug the piece down, making it misshapen and ruining the stitching. To store this delicate fabric, fold the piece into thirds lengthwise, keeping the arms straight and smooth, then fold it in half. For long-term storage, tuck a piece of tissue between any major folds to prevent creasing.
Check out more fashion posts from the BLDG 25 blog.
thank you for this , because of the washing label I have been putting off getting cashmere products
Thank you! I didn’t know about the wringing and the hanging – this was so helpful and a great excuse to start buying more cashmere – just in time for fall!
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
Where did you get that cashmere pullover? It’s so pretty!
Where can I buy it?
what does ringing it out do to the cashmere?
Thank you in advance
I get easily cold wherever I go or stay. So I really need to buy clothes that could protect me from the cold. I just realized I haven’t had any sweaters or jackets made out of cashmere, so I plan on buying one. But I have no idea how to take care of that type of fabric. It’s surprising to know that cashmere clothes should never be stored by hanging because it will leave imprints on it that could damage the shape of it. I will make sure to remember this when I buy one. Thanks!
That’s good that you point out that you shouldn’t use a clothes hanger to hang up your cashmere. I want to get my husband a cashmere jacket. They’re just so nice and warm and soft, so your article will help once I get him one.