How to care for cashmere garments
Cashmere is a noble, delicate material that requires special care to preserve its softness, warmth and elegance. With the right gestures and a few precautions, your cashmere garments can endure the seasons without losing their original beauty. In this guide, you'll find all the tips you need to care for cashmere and preserve its radiance.
Precautions to take
Mistakes to avoid
Never use hot water to wash your cashmere garments, as this can felt the fibers and damage them irreparably. Avoid using fabric softeners, which can alter the natural softness of the fabric. Finally, don't expose your cashmere sweaters to prolonged rubbing, especially with handbags or rough coats, which could lead to pilling.
To remove pilling from a cashmere sweater, use a special cashmere comb or wool stone. Gently run the tool over the surface of the garment, following the direction of the fibers, to remove pilling without damaging the material. Avoid sudden movements and take your time to preserve the softness of the cashmere.
Pilling on cashmere garments
Pilling is a natural phenomenon and does not mean poor quality. They often appear in areas of friction, such as sleeves or sides. To remove them, use a special cashmere comb or anti-pilling razor, proceeding lightly to avoid damaging the fabric. By taking good care of your clothes after each wear, you can minimize this phenomenon.
Steps for washing your cashmere sweaters
Prepare for washing
Before washing your cashmere sweater, check the care label carefully for the manufacturer's specific recommendations. Be sure to turn the garment inside out to prevent pilling.
Use a special cashmere detergent
The detergent you choose plays a crucial role. Choose a mild detergent specially designed for cashmere or wool. These products protect the delicate fibers from damage and loss of softness. Avoid ordinary detergents and products containing enzymes or bleaching agents, which can weaken cashmere.
Hand washing
- Fill a container with lukewarm water (around 30°C): not too hot, not too cold, to avoid shocking the fibers.
- Add a small amount of special detergent and mix gently.
- Soak your cashmere sweater for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Gently massage the fabric without rubbing or wringing, concentrating on the dirtiest areas.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear, lukewarm water.
- To spin, lightly press your sweater between your hands or into a clean terry towel, without wringing it.
Machine washing
If you prefer to machine wash your sweater, proceed with caution:
- Select a wool or delicate program, with a temperature not exceeding 30°C.
- Reduce spinning to a minimum, ideally 400-600 rpm, to avoid distortion.
- Use a washing net to protect your sweater and minimize rubbing.
- Add a suitable dose of special cashmere detergent.
- After washing, follow the same spin-drying procedure as for hand-washing, avoiding the tumble-dryer.
A few more secrets...
Avoid ironing cashmere sweaters
Ironing can damage cashmere's delicate fibers, especially if excessive heat is used. If your sweater is wrinkled, hang it in a damp room or use the steam of a low-temperature steamer, keeping enough distance to avoid damaging the fibers. If necessary, gently iron on the reverse with a low-temperature iron and a protective cloth.
Storing cashmere garments
Between seasons, fold your cashmere garments and store them flat in a breathable fabric box or clean drawer. Add lavender sachets or cedar blocks to protect your garments from moths and give them a touch of natural freshness.
Wool is also a noble material that deserves special care. To discover all our care tips, take a look at our complete guide: How to care for your wool garments?
