Cashmere Care
Definitive Guide: 5 Golden Rules for Washing and Caring for Cashmere
How to wash cashmere properly is critical to maintaining its beauty, softness and quality over time. This essential step-by-step guide tells you how to best treat your cashmere garments with gentle but effective techniques.
Rinsing and Drying: How to Avoid Damage
Rinse well with cold water until all soap residue is removed. Do not wring: roll the garment in a dry towel and press lightly to remove excess water.
Lay the garment flat, away from direct light or heat sources. Never hang it: the weight may deform it.
Hand Washing: The Best Method for Understanding How to Wash Cashmere
Hand washing is the safest way not to compromise the fine fibers of cashmere.
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Turn the garment upside down and immerse it in a basin of cold water.
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Add a tablespoon of mild shampoo (baby shampoo is ideal).
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Massage gently without rubbing. If present, blot stains with a white cloth soaked in diluted detergent.
Avoid using bleach, fabric softener or twisting the garment-these are common mistakes that can ruin cashmere.
📌 Want to go deeper? Also read Vogue Italia’s guide to cashmere care.
Mistakes to Avoid
– Do not squeeze or twist the head
– Avoid the use of fabric softeners, bleach or other harsh detergents
– If you use the washing machine, select the wool program, maximum 30°C, no spin cycle
– Do not use the dryer
– Avoid leaving the damp garment crumpled
These precautions are essential in the care of cashmere to avoid deformation and permanent damage.
Rinsing and Drying: Crucial Steps
Set the iron to low temperature, turn the garment inside out, and use a cotton cloth between the iron and fabric. Do not iron directly!
Alternatively, use steam about 2 inches away to remove creases without touching the yarn.
Gentle Ironing: Keep the Softness intact
To prolong the life of your garments, ironing should be gentle. Always turn cashmere inside out and set the iron to low temperature. Use an ironing cloth between the iron and fabric to protect the fibers. Alternatively, you can use steam from about 2 inches away to remove creases without direct contact.
This attention is part of proper cashmere care, which enhances the refinement of the yarn.
Removing Pilling Without Ruining the Fabric
Pilling-the small dots that form on the surface-is natural and does not indicate low quality. It is an integral part of cashmere care to remove them properly:
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Pinch gently with fingers;
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Use a brush with soft bristles, running it from the bottom to the top;
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Perform gentle washing after removal to revitalize the fabric.
Storage: Protect Your Cashmere Over Time
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Store folded garments in a dry closet, with or without protective cases. Avoid hangers. For natural protection against moths, place cedar wood or scented mothproof bags inside the closet.
Good care of cashmere also extends to how you store it out of season.
Conclusion: Cashmere Care is a Gesture of Value
By following these steps, your cashmere garments will always remain soft, elegant and comfortable. Cashmere care is more than just maintenance-it’s a loving gesture toward a prized garment that can last for years if treated with care.
from yarns to finished garments
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