Cashmere is a luxurious and delicate fabric that requires special care when washing. It’s made from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, which is why it’s so soft and warm. However, this delicate nature also makes it prone to shrinkage, pilling, and color fading if not washed properly.
This blog is a step-by-step guide on how to wash cashmere items, special care for handwoven and hand-knitted pieces, and some don’ts to keep your grade-A cashmere garments looking and feeling their best.
Steps by Steps to Wash Cashmere
These steps are mandatory if you want your natural fiber of cashmere used to make your product last long. Perform these steps on a clean bowl or basin or container. Also, clean water is a must while washing.
Step 1: Determine whether your cashmere is clean or dirty
If your cashmere smells musty, has a visible stain, pilling small fibers, feels scratchy, and has discolored regions, it’s dirty, and time to wash it.
Step 2: Check the Label
Before washing your cashmere wool, it’s essential to check the label for any specific care instructions. Some cashmere garments may require dry cleaning or hand washing only, while others may be machine washable. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging the fabric.
Step 3: Prepare the Wash
Fill your sink or a large basin with cool or lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as this can shrink the cashmere clothes. Add a small amount of cashmere-specific detergent or a gentle, wool-friendly detergent. Be sure to follow the instructions on the detergent label, as some may require diluting before use.
Step 4: Gently Agitate the Water
Swish the water around gently to distribute the detergent evenly. Avoid vigorous agitation, as this can cause the cashmere to pill and lose its shape.
Step 5: Submerge the Cashmere
Carefully submerge the cashmere garment in the water, making sure it’s fully immersed. Gently swish it around in the water to ensure that the delicate detergent reaches all areas of the fabric.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly with clean water
The submerged cashmere fabric should be subjected to cool or lukewarm water in the next step. Drain the water from the sink or basin and refill it with cool or lukewarm water. Rinse the cashmere thoroughly to remove any remaining detergent.
Step 7: Gently Squeeze and Reshape
After rinsing, gently squeeze the excess water from the cashmere. But be careful not to twist or wring the garment, as this can cause it to lose its shape. Reshape the cashmere as needed to restore its original form.
Step 8: Roll and Press
Place the cashmere garment in a clean towel and roll it up to remove any remaining water. Press down gently on the towel to extract as much water as possible. Avoid wringing or twisting the garment, as this can cause it to lose its shape.
Step 9: Lay Flat to Dry
Lay the cashmere garment flat on a clean, dry towel to dry. Avoid hanging the garment to dry, as this can cause it to stretch and lose its shape. Allow the cashmere to air dry completely before wearing or storing it.
Step 10: Store Properly
When storing your cashmere garments, fold them neatly and store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause the colors to fade. It’s also a good idea to store your cashmere with mothballs or cedar blocks to prevent moth damage.
Special care guides: Handwoven and Hand-knitted Cashmere
Not all cashmere products are woven in the same way. Some are weaved in line stitch by stitch while others are interlaced or criss-crossed to create a unique pattern. The former is hand-knitted and the latter is handwoven cashmere garments.
| Washing Hand knitted Cashmere | Washing Handwoven Cashmere |
|---|---|
| Hand wash using soft laundry detergent and fabric softeners | Dry clean using trusted dry cleaner |
| No twisting, wringing, or scrubbing | Gently blot stains or spill with clean damp cloth |
| Lay the cashmere clothing flat on a clean, dry towel | Store away from sunlight |
| Store in dry place inside breathable cotton | Big no for strong stain remover |
The care instruction slightly differs between these two types of garments. Here is how you should wash these different weave variations:
Washing method for Handwoven Cashmere
First, check the label on your product and figure out your product is whether hand-knitted or handwoven. If your product is a handwoven cashmere always dry clean your handwoven cashmere scarf using a trusted dry cleaner. If you have a small stain or spill, gently blot the affected area with a clean, damp cloth.
In any case, never rub the stain or use a strong stain remover on your garment. Special care is needed while storing. The storage should be cool, dry, and away from sunlight, and a breathable storage bag or any other soft wrap should be used to prevent dust and moths.
Washing method for Hand-Knitted Cashmere
The delicate fabrics of hand-knitted garments are always cleaned by hand wash using soft laundry detergent and fabric softeners. The fabric-contained container should be gently agitated in the water with the detergent. Remember the water temperature should be moderate or lukewarm. The soapy water submerges the cashmere and gently wash it by pressing up and down with the hands.
No twisting, wringing, or scrubbing, as this can damage the delicate knit. Rinse the cashmere piece with cold water until the detergent is completely washed out. Do not wring the wet cashmere; instead, gently press out excess water. Lay the cashmere clothing flat on a clean, dry towel. Gently roll up the towel to remove excess water.
For the drying process, the cashmere item should be laid flat on a dry surface but away from the sun or other direct heat sources. Once it is dry, store it in a cool and dry place (if not in use) in a breathable cotton cloth to protect against dust and snags. Over time, you may notice some pilling (small balls of fibers) on your hand-knitted scarf. You can carefully remove these with a fabric shaver or a pilling comb.
Don’ts for washing cashmere
Often in the cashmere wash process, people are aware of what to do but are keen to try new methods. These are some things that should be completely avoided while washing luxury cashmere products.
- Don’t use hot water: Shrink cashmere, so always use lukewarm or cool water when washing.
- Don’t use harsh detergents: Damage the delicate fibers of cashmere, so use a gentle, wool-friendly detergent.
- Don’t wring or twist: Cashmere loses its original shape, so gently squeeze the excess water from the garment.
- Don’t use a washing machine: The delicate cycle of cashmere can easily become damaged in a washing machine. It’s best to hand wash cashmere or take it to a professional dry cleaner.
- Don’t hang to dry: Stretch and lose its shape. Instead, lay it flat on a clean, dry towel to air dry.
- Don’t store it in direct sunlight: Causes fading, so store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
- Don’t store with mothballs: Strong odor on cashmere, so it’s best to store it with cedar blocks instead.
Conclusion
Washing cashmere fiber requires a gentle and delicate touch. These are the best steps to preserve the quality, feel, and weave of cashmere garments for years to come. There might be some special care instruction that is certainly mentioned on care labels or care instructions cards, pay attention to those.
No hot water, no machine wash, and no sunlight or high heat are always a compulsion while washing these luxury fibers. However, you can machine wash cashmere in the gentlest swing setting without mixing it with other clothes, but you have to be extra careful.
This care instruction is specific for 100% pure cashmere fibers. Browse our store for authentic cashmere sweaters, cashmere scarves, and cashmere hats from high mountains in the Himalayas. Enjoy a warm winter with high-quality cashmere products. Shop now!