How to Wash Cashmere Garments: From Washing, Drying, to Storage
This is some text inside of a div block.
Cashmere is a luxurious, soft fabric derived from the fine undercoat of Kashmir goats, which is native to the Himalayan region of the same name that spans parts of India, Pakistan, and China.
Its fabric is often used in high-end sweaters, scarves, socks, and other cold-weather garments due to its exceptional warmth and softness. It is also lightweight and breathable, making it highly desirable for both comfort and style in premium clothing.
However, its delicate nature makes cashmere garments particularly susceptible to damage if not properly cared for, such as shrinkage or pilling.
In this guide, we'll delve into the proper techniques for cleaning and maintaining your cashmere garments to ensure they remain in pristine condition for years to come.
If you're not confident in cleaning cashmere garments at home, we advise you to find a professional laundry service or dry cleaner to do the job.
While cashmere garments are generally delicate due to their soft nature, some are more delicate than others. The finer the yarn, the more delicate the garment will be and the more careful you'll need to be during the washing process.
In this case, it’s best that you check the label for washing instructions recommended by the manufacturer. The label will likely suggest 3 types of washing methods: hand washing, machine washing on a delicate cycle, or dry cleaning.
Washing by hand is the most recommended method for cleaning cashmere garments. Even if the label says machine washing is acceptable, hand washing is gentler and safer to preserve the quality and longevity of your cashmere.
So, if you have the time and patience, roll up your sleeves and follow these steps for hand washing your cashmere clothing.
1. Fill a bowl, sink, basin, or tub with cold water or lukewarm water (around 20°C). Avoid hot water at all costs and make sure that the bowl is clean.
2. Add wool detergent or baby shampoo into the water.
3. Soak in your cashmere garment. If you have multiple cashmere garments to wash, wash one at a time and start with the lightest colour.
4. Gently swirl the garment to distribute the detergent evenly through the fibres. Do not pull, squeeze, or twist to prevent deformation.
5. Let it soak for around 10-15 minutes.
6. Rinse by submerging the garment in clean water and swirling it to remove detergent. Avoid rinsing under running water to prevent deformation.
7. Optionally, add a small amount of white vinegar to the rinsing water to help remove detergent, soften the fibres, and remove odours.
8. You may need to rinse multiple times before all the soap is completely removed from the fabric.
Many cashmere manufacturers now produce items specifically designed to be machine washable, thanks to advances in textile technology and processing methods.
If the label on your cashmere garment indicates that machine washing is acceptable, follow these simple steps to safely clean your cashmere in a washing machine.
1. Turn the cashmere garment inside out to protect the exterior fibres.
2. Put it inside a laundry bag. If you're washing multiple garments, put them in separate bags to prevent friction and pilling during the wash cycle. Make sure not to overload the washing machine.
3. Choose a setting for wool or delicate cycle with cold water and low spin.
4. Use wool detergent or baby shampoo. Avoid using fabric softener.
5. When the cycle finishes, remove the garment immediately to prevent wrinkles.
Dry cleaning uses chemicals that can damage the fabric, so it is arguably the least preferred method. However, it is recommended to leave your cashmere garments to the professional dry cleaner when:
1. The garments have stubborn stains or odours that you're not able to treat it yourself.
2. The garments have embellishments, like pearls, beads, or trims, that may be damaged by home washing methods.
3. The fabrics are too fine or delicate to handle yourself.
Another way you can clean your cashmere is through spot cleaning. This method is ideal for treating small stains without having to wash the entire garment.
You can also use this method before a complete wash to pre-treat tough stains.
Once you find a stain on your cashmere, act quickly to prevent it from setting. Follow these steps:
1. Use stain remover wipes on the affected area, gently dabbing rather than rubbing to avoid damaging the fibres. Work from the outside of the stain toward the centre to prevent spreading.
2. Alternatively, apply a small amount of wool detergent or baby shampoo directly to the stain and gently dab the area with a damp cloth.
3. Let it be for a few minutes.
4. Rinse the area with cold water.
After washing, do not let your guard down just yet! Cashmere garments require special care too during the drying process to maintain their shape and softness.
Avoid dry hanging your cashmere items, as this can cause stretching and deformation of the delicate fibres.
Avoid tumble drying as high heat can cause the fibres to shrink and become damaged.
Instead, use the air drying method by following these steps:
1. Lay out a clean, dry towel on a flat surface.
2. Put the cashmere garment on top of the towel.
3. Make sure it is shaped to its original form and dimensions, gently smoothing out any wrinkles or folds.
4. Roll the towel with the garment inside, pressing gently to remove excess water.
5. Lay out another clean, dry towel.
6. Put the cashmere garment on top of the new towel.
7. Leave it to air dry and flip it occasionally to ensure even drying of both sides.
Regular washing is not enough to keep your cashmere looking pristine, as pilling can still occur over time. Pilling, those small balls of fibre that form on the surface of the fabric, is a natural occurrence with cashmere.
To remove pilling from your cashmere garments, follow these steps:
1. Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry surface.
2. Remove pills with the right tools. A sweater stone works best for thicker cashmere items, while a sweater comb is ideal for finer knits and thinner cashmere pieces.
Many experts recommend folding cashmere garments rather than hanging them to prevent stretching and distortion of the delicate fibres.
And when you fold, make sure to fold loosely without applying too much pressure to avoid compressing the fibres.
Then, store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and fibre damage.
Caring for cashmere requires attention to detail, but the effort is well worth it to preserve these luxurious garments for years to come. By following the proper washing and drying techniques, addressing pilling promptly, and storing your cashmere correctly, you'll maintain both the softness and appearance that make cashmere so desirable.
If you're still not confident in cleaning cashmere garments at home, we advise you to find a professional laundry service or dry cleaner to do the job.
We make laundry days fast and easy for you. We collect, clean and deliver your laundry and dry-cleaning.
53 Ubi Ave 1 #03-43, Singapore 408934
Mon - Fri | 8:30 am–5:30 pm
Sat | 8:30 am–12:30 pm
hello@tumble.sg
+65 62554222
Whatsapp Us
