Knitwear care
Despite popular belief, cashmere is a noble material that is rather easy to maintain. It is a soft and delicate natural fiber which reveals itself with each wash in incomparable finesse and softness.
But for this, it is important to adopt good maintenance practices and stick to them! Here are some instructions that should help you maintain quality cashmere for many years.
Wash the cashmere
1. Cashmere is water-intensive
You have just acquired a new cashmere sweater and you are already looking forward to wearing it to enjoy its soft warmth.
However, out of its packaging, the sweater does not seem as soft as it should. It's normal ! Above all, it is important to wash your garment for the first time to rid it of any impurities and nourish the fiber which uses water.
It should then regain suppleness and softness and this will only improve with each wash.
Keep in mind that cashmere likes water, washing will only make it more beautiful. It will then need regular maintenance to relax the fiber and prevent the appearance of pilling.
2. Machine washing cashmere
While some cashmere pieces can only withstand dry cleaning (veils, scarves, double-faced fabrics, etc.), our soft fiber likes to soak up water to assert its splendor. Washing in a washing machine is therefore perfectly recommended.
If in doubt, refer to the care label located inside the garment. It will provide you with valuable washing, drying and ironing advice dedicated to preserving your piece.
Generally speaking, washing in a washing machine is recommended because it has the advantage of better respecting cashmere fibers. However, take care not to fill the machine, this will encourage friction and damage the material.
It is recommended to use gentle or delicate programs such as a special wool program for example, at a low washing temperature (20°C or even 30°C if the garment is stained). In fact, cashmere exposed to too hot water risks shrinking or deforming! To optimize machine washing of cashmere, it is preferable to use a washing bag in which to enclose the garment to prevent friction and snags.
Also, use a special wool (or cashmere) detergent that you use sparingly in the machine. Cashmere is a dense product that will assimilate detergent and will require more rinsing to remove it. In fact, you risk seeing your clothing deform under the weight of the action.
Finally, never use fabric softener or softener on cashmere knitwear. This could cause the knit to feel and alter its softness.
3. Hand washing cashmere
If your machine does not have a specific program, you can opt for hand washing. However, be careful to adopt good practices.
First of all, it is important not to let the clothing soak for more than 30 minutes. As with machine washing, be sure to use cold water (20°C) and a special wool detergent or a cashmere shampoo. Quickly soak the garment, rub it gently for a few minutes and rinse with clean water. Never run the mesh directly under the tap. The pressure of the water would stretch the fiber and damage it. Likewise, carefully avoid stretching or twisting the garment as this risks irreversibly deforming it.
Finally, if necessary, dry cleaning can be considered in the event of heavy soiling, although this is not recommended.
Dry the cashmere
Although it is possible to spin cashmere in a machine, using a dryer is strongly discouraged. However, be sure to aim for a gentle spin (recommended spin speed between 400 to 500 revolutions max) at the risk of felting the garment. Avoid drying the mesh on a hanger afterwards. The weight of the wet fabric would pull on the fiber and elongate it.
Prefer to dry flat, in the open air, on a towel or cotton cloth, away from light and heat.
Before storing it, make sure your sweater is completely dry! Damp cashmere is a favorite dish for moths!
Iron the cashmere
We told you, caring for cashmere is not that difficult and even leaves room for the possibility of ironing the material. Several rules apply to ironing cashmere:
- Use a gentle heat setting
- Turn the garment inside out
- Place a clean cloth between the iron and the mesh
- Avoid ironing the ribbed edges of the collar, body and sleeves at the risk of burning them
The use of steam or, ideally, a steamer is welcome!
Daily cashmere care
After purchase, it may happen that your cashmere sweater pills superficially in the rubbing areas. Don't panic, it's normal! It is even a very good proof of good quality.
In fact, these first pills indicate dense knitting and should disappear in around ten washes. However, if you want to get rid of these disgraces, do not pull on them, instead use a special razor and pass it in the direction of the fiber, without pressing, and occasionally. There are also cashmere combs that can help you take care of your knits.
In any case, it is better to avoid wearing your cashmere pieces for more than 3 days in a row and avoid layering your clothes. Friction damages the mesh and accelerates the appearance of pilling.
In the closet, do not hang cashmere. Preferably folded and stored in a protective cover, away from light.
