As cold winters and chillier temperatures approach, luxury materials like cashmere that are soft, warm and lightweight become essential. While cashmere can last a lifetime, this delicate and beautiful fabric requires careful attention and care. In this blog, you will learn how to treat cashmere with love, rewarding you with its warmth season after season.
What is Cashmere Made of?
Cashmere is a luxurious wool made from the hair of goats found in the Gobi Desert and Central Asia. It’s known for being incredibly soft to the touch with fine, dense fibers that feel amazing against your skin.
We can't help but love this winter friendly fabric and proudly offer this to our clients. At our shop, you'll find a collection of cashmere beanie hats and gloves. Let's take a deep dive on how to treat it with love and respect to last a lifetime.
How to Refresh Your Cashmere Without Washing?
When taking care of cashmere, following a less is more approach is our best tip that we can offer. Washing cashmere too often isn't recommended so we encourage you to try some of our suggestions below. Here are a few ways to refresh your cashmere and revive it with minimal effort.
- Air it out: Fresh air can refresh the smell of cashmere without washing and naturally fluff up the fibers.
- Spot clean: If there are minor stains, use a damp cloth to gently dab the affected area. Avoid rubbing too hard to prevent damage to the fabric.
- Brush off small fabric balls (pilling): One downside of cashmere is pilling, but luckily, there are easy ways to handle it. Use a cashmere comb to gently remove the pills or carefully use a razor to remove them. Do so slowly with light pressure to avoid making holes.
Best Methods to Wash Cashmere: Handwashing, Machine, or Dry Cleaning?
Cashmere is made from delicate fibers, requiring careful handling. While all three methods — handwashing, machine washing, and dry cleaning — are possible, each has its own pros and cons depending on the quality of the cashmere and how it's done. The method you choose can impact the longevity of your garment.
Handwashing is the safest option because you can control the temperature and how much agitation is applied. Use cold water and a gentle, natural detergent. Skip the fabric softener, as it can damage the fibers. Gently soak and rinse the cashmere, being careful not to stretch or wring it.
Machine washing is possible when done carefully. Place the cashmere in a laundry bag and wash it on the delicate cycle with cold water and the lowest spin setting. Avoid using fabric softener as it can cause long-term damage to your cashmere.
Dry cleaning is another option, but it’s best to limit this to occasional cleanings. The chemicals and heat used in dry cleaning can weaken cashmere over time, so taking your cashmere pieces in for professional cleaning when absolutely necessary is suggested.
If taking your cashmere to a professional cleaner or laundry service is your preference, make sure they use eco-friendly cleaning methods to avoid harmful chemicals that can break down the fibers.
How to Dry it?
Drying cashmere properly is essential to maintain its softness and shape. Here's how to do it safely:
- Avoid wringing or twisting: After washing, do not wring or twist cashmere, as this can cause the fabric to lose its shape and stretch. Gently remove water by laying the cashmere flat between two towels and lightly pressing down to absorb the moisture.
- Lay flat to dry and avoid hanging: To prevent stretching, dry cashmere on a flat surface as the weight of the water can warp the fibers and cause the garment to lose its shape. Make sure the seams are straight and the fabric is evenly spread out.
- Let it air dry: Place it away from direct sunlight, radiators, or dryers and leave your cashmere piece in a well-ventilated space to dry.
Can You Iron Cashmere?
It’s best to avoid ironing cashmere because of its sensitivity to heat. Following our previous tips on drying including laying it flat and gently smoothing out any wrinkles while it's still damp will ensure that your cashmere stays wrinkle free. If wrinkles are stubborn and ironing is a must, use the lowest heat setting and place a thin cloth between the iron and the cashmere to protect the fibers. For a safer alternative, try using a steamer which can help remove wrinkles.
How to Store it?
Fold cashmere garments neatly to prevent them from losing their shape and getting wrinkled.
Like any other natural fiber, cashmere must be stored away from potential moths. Their larvae feed on natural fibers, such as cashmere, which can result in holes and damage. To avoid this, store cashmere in vacuum-sealed or closed bags in a cool, dry place.
You can also use natural repellents, such as lavender, which not only keeps moths away but also gives your clothes a pleasant scent.
Conclusion
Caring for cashmere doesn’t have to be complicated with our list of tips and tricks on how to care for it. With proper refreshing, washing, drying, and storing, you can keep your cashmere soft and in great shape. If you're looking for stylish accessories made from this fantastic and luxurious fabric, we invite you to explore our collection of cashmere beanies and gloves. We also offer personalized beanies, complete with your initials, making them perfect for you or a friend to treasure for a lifetime.
