Who doesn't love a cashmere sweater? They are incredibly soft and cozy. If you own one (or many), you know how luxurious it is but also how delicate. Keeping your cashmere sweaters in pristine condition requires special care and attention. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the best ways to care for and clean cashmere sweaters at home.
When it comes to cleaning cashmere, the best way to keep it in good condition is to hand wash it using a special cashmere wash like this or this. It's best if you turn the sweater inside out as well. First, fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and mild detergent. Gently swish the sweater in the water, being careful not to twist, stretch or rub it. Once the sweater is clean, rinse it with cool or lukewarm water. When it's time to dry, lay the sweater flat on a towel and shape it back into its original form. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric.
If you're dealing with a stain or odor, spot treat the area with a mild detergent or fabric cleaner. Place a clean cloth beneath the stained area and blot gently. Never rub the fabric, as this can damage the cashmere fibers. Never use bleach on cashmere, as it can damage the delicate fabric.
While hand washing your cashmere is best, you can use your washing machine if you follow a few precautions: Use a mesh laundry bag and use one sweater per bag and a small amount of the special cashmere wash. Use the coolest temperature setting and a wool or delicate setting. Once the cycle is done, use the same process for drying as you would if you hand washed your sweater by laying it on a towel to dry. Never use your dryer to dry a cashmere sweater.
If your cashmere sweater is wrinkled once it's dry, use a steamer, either a small, portable handheld one or if you steam most of your clothing, you might want to invest in a full size one like this. I have this one and I have given up ironing my clothing almost completely!
Pilling is another common issue with cashmere sweaters. To remove pilling, try using a sweater stone, cashmere comb or fabric shaver. A sweater stone is a block of pumice that gently removes pills from the fabric. A cashmere comb is a small tool that you can use to manually remove pills. A fabric shaver is battery operated with adjustable settings to remove pilling.
When it comes to storage, it's best to hang cashmere sweaters in a closet or fold them and place in a drawer. Never store cashmere sweaters in plastic, as this can create moisture and attract moths. I prefer to store them in our dresser as closet space is very limited in our home. If you prefer to hang them, use contoured, velour covered hangers to prevent "shoulder bumps" or padded hangers.
For seasonal storage, sweater storage boxes are best. They are breathable but also ensure that no moths attack your precious knits.
Caring for and cleaning cashmere sweaters at home is simple with the right tips and tricks. With proper care, you can keep your cashmere sweaters looking and feeling their best for years to come.
If you haven't treated yourself to a cozy, knit cashmere sweater because you think they are too expensive, you don't have to buy new! Check out our curated selection of Cashmere Sweaters. We offer quality secondhand cashmere at great prices.
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