Cashmere items are an indispensable element of the autumn and winter wardrobe . The finest down fiber is eight times warmer than sheep’s wool (as claimed by authentic cashmere producers from India, China and Pakistan), providing maximum warmth with minimum bulk.
More pluses? Cashmere is one of the most durable fibers. Connoisseurs say that clothes made from this delicate yarn will last for decades if you show them a little love and care. Here are some practical tips to keep your favorite sweaters with you for years to come.
1. DO NOT WASH AFTER EVERY WEAR
Assuming the day has passed without spilled coffee, spilled sauces, and excessive sweating, you can safely wear a cashmere sweater a couple more times before it needs cleaning. Washing or cleaning is recommended after about three wears, and this number can be increased if you wear the sweater over a base layer or air it out after each use. Tip: If necessary, try a special refreshing spray.
2. IGNORE WHAT THE LABEL SAYS
Because it is a very fine yarn, many cashmere products are labeled “Dry Clean Only”. But the fact is that cashmere is obtained from goat down, which, like our hair, becomes lush and shiny after a good wash, and dry cleaning can damage the fibers over time. An exception is appropriate if the product is decorated with buttons, metal decorations, embroidery or beads – in this case, it makes sense to follow the instructions on the label.
3. WASH BY HAND AND IN COLD WATER
Regular laundry detergents and liquids are too harsh for cashmere, so use a mild detergent, a good organic-labeled shampoo, or a biodegradable wool cleaner.
How it’s done? Pour water into a basin, add a couple of spoons of shampoo and dip the sweater into it. A warm, much less hot wash will shrink the sweater faster than you can say crop top, so make sure the water is cool enough. Delicately remember the product in the pelvis for about a minute and leave for half an hour. Drain dirty water and rinse in clean water. Be extremely careful when wringing: wet fibers are easily deformed. Gently squeeze out the water, lovingly crumpling the sweater into a ball (think of it as a very precious pizza dough).
If you can’t do without a washing machine, place the sweater in a laundry bag. To avoid shrinkage, select a gentle cycle and make sure that the water temperature is as low as possible and the spin speed is as low as possible.
4. DO NOT HANG, BUT SPREAD OUT
Cashmere is sensitive when the fibers are damp, so this step requires special care. Unfortunately, this is a long time – a downy yarn sweater can dry for several days, so please be patient. Gently wring out the water, place the sweater on a dry towel and fold gently. As soon as the towel absorbs as much moisture as possible, lay out the item to dry, but not in the sun! Hanging on a rope, dryer or coat hanger is also not recommended – as a result, you will get drawn-out sleeves or “horns” on your shoulders, which you absolutely do not need.
5. DON’T BE AFRAID OF STAIN REMOVER
What is that, ketchup? It’s okay, don’t go crazy looking for super-expensive down yarn cleaners. If you start cleaning with your fingers or a brush, you will get an undesirable result – either break the weave of the yarn or wash the stain to an unpleasant size. Relax and trust in the usual means: apply a regular stain remover to the stain before washing.
6. USE A STEAMER INSTEAD OF AN IRON
As you have already learned, heat is dangerous for wool, so do not iron the item after drying – the iron compresses the fibers. A good steamer is everything. The steam will fluff up the yarn and freshen up a clean sweater to a “just bought” state.
7. REMOVE PILLS REGULARLY
Knitwear made from natural fibers has the ability to form fluffy balls in places where friction occurs – for example, under the arms or where you carry your purse. Get rid of unattractive lint using a razor, lint tape, or a special device like the Gleener.
8. WASH BEFORE STORAGE
Be sure to wash and dry your sweaters at the end of the season. Cause? Moth. It may seem to you that “it is completely clean, it was worn once,” but the mole has a different point of view on this matter. Any cell of your skin, sweat or perfume means a noble picnic for harmful insects. To ward off unwanted creatures, we advise you to arrange a full-fledged spa exercise for sweaters: wash, clean the spools, steam and fold carefully.
9. STORE NEATLY FOLDED
Always fold and never hang sweaters for storage. For long-term storage, avoid plastic containers where the mentioned moth can safely breed and feed at your expense. We recommend cotton bags for storage because they “breathe”, prevent moisture and protect against insects.
10. FIGHT THE MOTH RUTHLESSLY
As soon as you notice tiny holes in your sweater, it’s time to sound the alarm. Empty your closet, vacuum, spray pest control, and do a step-by-step wash. Steaming is also great at killing insect larvae. This is a war, be merciless and do not rush to send things back to the closet until you are sure of a complete victory over the enemy.
