How to care for your cashmere items | Thread Tales Care Guide
Easy tips and techniques to give your favourite cashmere pieces a long, beautiful life.
Whether they are made of virgin or recycled cashmere, new or vintage heirlooms, cashmere items are well worth looking after. Their silky softness and unparalleled warmth make them irreplaceable. So here are a few tips to help you care for them and enjoy your favourite cashmere piece over and over again.
WASHING YOUR CASHMERE GARMENTS
- Spot clean whenever possible rather than washing the whole item.
- Hand-washing your cashmere piece with lukewarm or cool water (max 30°) and a gentle detergent (or even better a cashmere-specific natural detergent) is preferred for a gentle yet thorough wash. Wash each garment separately and squeeze-clean gently. Avoid rubbing and wringing. Finally, thoroughly rinse with lukewarm or cool water.
- If you still want to machine wash your item, use a gentle detergent and the hand-wash setting. However, hand-washing will minimise any risk of damage.
- Choose a non-toxic dry-cleaner wherever you can.
- What about softener? Cashmere actually gets softer with use, so you are the best softening recipe for it!
DRYING YOUR CASHMERE GARMENTS
- Cashmere is at its most delicate when the fibres are wet, so this is the stage that requires the most care. Re-shape the item to its original size and dry flat over a towel away from direct heat (so keep away from radiators) and sunlight. Gently press out any excess water by rolling it up into the towel, then let it dry flat.
- Do not wring your garment. Ever.
- Hanging cashmere clothes to dry may cause the weight of the water to stretch them out of shape.
- Avoid tumble drying. It will cause your item to shrink!
STORING YOUR CASHMERE GARMENTS
- Give your item a thorough cleanse before storing it for longer period to reduce the chance of attracting moths or let undetected stains sink in.
- Store your cashmere pieces inside out.
- Keep them in a dust free and well-aired area, away from direct sunlight.
- To keep moths at bay, you can use a natural moth-repellent such as rosemary sachets or cedar oil.
WEARING YOUR CASHMERE ITEMS
- Rotating your wardrobe and letting your cashmere knitwear rest for a couple of days after wearing will help to extend its life.
- Regularly de-pill your items (pay particular attention to friction areas, where your cashmere item rubs against clothing or accessories, like jackets or your handbag). Carefully use a razor blade to effectively de-pill your cashmere piece and a cashmere comb to keep it soft and supple.
- Regularly wash your items gently to minimise pilling.