One of my favorite things in the world is a cashmere sweater. I’ll never forget my first pashmina. I’m pretty sure I actually “borrowed” it from my best friend in college and she let me keep it (aka she realized I wasn’t going to give it back). Since then, I’ve been obsessed with cashmere. For me, it’s the epitome of luxury. I’m convinced it’s also a year-round staple (no, I’m serious, even in the summer!!!) I know I talk about cashmere a lot, so I wanted to take the time to talk about how you should take care of your cashmere sweaters!
Regular Shaving
This is probably the most important step! I believe in fixing problems before they become issues, you know? When you wear a cashmere sweater, you’ll notice some pilling. When it comes to how to take care of a cashmere sweater, shaving is the easiest way! There are cashmere sweater combs on the market, but I honestly haven’t used one yet. I usually use an epilator every few wears, laying the sweater flat and gently removing the hair in one direction.
AND THERE YOU HAVE IT! If you stay on top of any pilling, your cashmere sweater will continue to look like new.
Wash with mild detergent in cold water.
Cashmere itself is not a delicate fabric. But that doesn’t mean you should be frivolous with your laundry. Cashmere doesn’t need to be washed often, but you should be careful about hand washing it. This may seem super annoying, but when you think about how often you don’t need to wash them, it’s not so scary.
How to care for your cashmere sweater :
- Fill the sink or tub with warm water.
- Add cashmere detergent or baby shampoo.
- Move the sweater in the shampoo.
- Drain the sink.
- Repeat the process without detergent.
After washing, lay the sweater flat on a towel and gently press to remove excess water. Do not wring it out. To avoid any stretching or distortion, refrain from picking up the sweater while it is still wet.
If necessary, machine wash the sweater by placing it in a mesh bag to prevent agitation. Select the delicate cycle or wool option if available. Set the washing machine to a cold temperature and a low spin cycle. Once the cycle is complete, promptly remove the sweater to minimize creasing. Follow the lay-flat steps above. Avoid using a dryer for cashmere.
When to clean with a dry cleaner
I highly recommend regularly taking your cashmere sweater to a professional dry cleaner, especially if it has any stains. Unfortunately, I haven’t yet perfected the technique of removing stains without causing damage to a sweater, so visiting a dry cleaner is definitely the most reliable option.
Storing Cashmere
When changing out of everyday clothes, it is recommended to air out cashmere overnight before folding and storing it on a rack. To ensure proper storage, turn the cashmere inside out. This simple step can help maintain the quality of the fabric over time. For storage, use a canvas bag or bin to prevent dust accumulation.
Adding lavender can also serve as a natural anti-moth agent.
To maintain the size and stability of your cashmere sweaters, it is recommended to fold them instead of hanging.
When caring for your cashmere sweater, consider these essential products:
- Cashmere carding
- De-piller
- Cashmere Shampoo
- Mesh Bags
- Canvas Storage
- Lavender Bags
