How to care for cashmere clothing
18.1.2021
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
If you’re into soft, cosy clothing that also looks nice, cashmere sweaters are definitely worth the investment. But cashmere requires proper care. Here are five tips to make sure your investment pays off.
Less is more. For about a year now, I’ve hardly spent any money on fast fashion and have been focusing more on quality. As we all know, this can come with a hefty price tag, but you get clothing made of high quality materials in return. And let’s be honest: at the end of the day, all the «little things» we buy from popular low-cost fashion chains also add up. So, instead of five scratchy acrylic sweaters, I prefer to treat myself to one or two made of cashmere. This cosy material is obtained from the undercoat of the so-called cashmere goat and is famous for its warming properties. That’s why these natural fibres fall into the category of luxurious materials. And in my opinion, it’s worth every franc. Of course, I want to enjoy my cashmere pieces for as long as possible. Proper care is key. Cashmere clothes aren’t exactly easy to care for. They can quickly lose shape and look unruly.
Before washing:
Fresh air
Cashmere is a sensitive fabric. So, wash your cashmere pieces only when necessary. If a sweater doesn't smell quite as fresh anymore, air it out overnight on the balcony. Fresh air activates cashmere’s self-cleaning properties, allowing the fibres to regenerate. If you don't have a balcony or garden, you can hang up your clothing in the bathroom. Humid ambient air will also get rid of any smells.
Oh no, a stain!
Was it tomato sauce or salad dressing? In any case, stay away from using a brush. Instead, put a dab of a mild shampoo on the stain. Then, throw your sweater in the washing machine and select the wool program. If the stain is still there after washing, it's best to turn to a dry cleaner. Superficial stains, such as toothpaste, can potentially be brushed out of the fabric using a special cashmere brush.
Pilling?
Over time, small lint balls form on cashmere. These are caused by friction on the surface. You can use a fabric razor, working in downward strokes, to remove the lint and smooth out the individual fibres. Tempting as it may be, don't tear out the little bumps by hand or cut them off with scissors. You may accidentally damage the fabric. A cashmere brush (see above) also helps with pilling.
During washing:
Washing machine
Modern washing machines are capable of cleaning cashmere gently. Look out for the «wool » or «hand-wash» program. If your washing machine has both, I recommend using the «wool» program. It’s gentle because it uses cold water and gently swings your clothing back and forth. Make sure that the spin speed is set to a maximum of 600 revolutions per minute. Use a liquid cashmere detergent – it has a moisturising effect. This helps to preserve the fibre’s natural protective layer.
Laundry detergent + Fabric care
Quantity discount
CHF8.55 per piece for 3 units CHF8.81/1kg
Held Wool & Fine
22 Washing cycles, Liquid
Handwashing
Handwashing isn't quite as gentle as you might think. The coarser the knit, the more likely the natural fibres are to soak up water. If you wash your cashmere pieces by hand, the stitches and therefore sweater might lose its shape. If you still prefer this option, I recommend a liquid cashmere detergent to clean the fibres especially gently. A mild shampoo will also do in a pinch. Add some to a bowl of lukewarm water and wash your cashmere pieces in it several times. Don’t wring them out! The cashmere will mat and lose shape. Instead, gently squeeze out the excess water. And don’t leave the laundry in the water longer than necessary.
After washing:
Once your sweater is clean, put it in the dryer for 15 minutes and tumble dry cold. The cold air allows patterns such as braids unfold, and the stitches become softer. Then lay the sweater out to dry on a towel and leave it until it stops dripping, but is still damp. Now you can place it on the drying rack. Emphasis on «place»; don’t hang the sweater on the individual rods as it’ll lose shape. By the way, this is also a danger if you store your top on a hanger in your closet.
Storage
You don't have to iron cashmere. If it still gets wrinkled, you can quickly run a steam brush over it. Make sure not to get too close with the heat. You can also quickly go over it with an iron, using the lowest setting. Put a thin cloth over your sweater. That way, the iron doesn’t come into direct contact with the cashmere, keeping it soft and fluffy. Store your cashmere sweaters in a drawer. Fold it and place it at the top of the pile. This will ensure the fibres don’t get flattened by other garments. And because moths love natural fibres like cashmere, I recommend putting moth paper in your drawers.
Do you have any tips for taking care of cashmere? I look forward to reading all about them in the comments. Discover our range of cashmere products here.
Last published in a different version on 16.01.2020.
When I’m not exploring the depths of the sea as an open water diver, I enjoy plunging into the world of fashion. On the streets of Paris, Milan and New York is where I keep my eyes peeled for the latest trends. And I’ll show you how to take them from the catwalk to your everyday life.
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