Cashmere is a luxurious fiber known for its silkiness and warmth. It’s known for being three times warmer than sheep wool and is more durable than your average wool sweater. With materials as luxurious as this, you want your items to last, so that means taking the necessary steps to take great care of what you already own.
First things first, what is cashmere?
Cashmere is a type of natural wool that comes from cashmere and Pashmina goats. Cashmere is warmer and lighter than typical wool and is similar in texture to mohair. These goats are found in Tiber, Northern India, Mongolia, Myanmar, Bhutan, Nepal, Southwest China, Iran, and Afghanistan. The wool is collected from the underbelly of the goats and the wool is then sorted, sent to be cleaned, refined, and shipped to be sold to companies.
How often should you wash cashmere?
You don’t need to wash your cashmere too often. It’s a breathable fabric, and if you wear it throughout the day without any major spills or stains you can skip the wash and wear it again. Every seven to 10 wears is the golden rule when it comes to sweaters or at the end of the winter season. If it requires spot treatments in between wearing make sure you treat the stains right away.
How to wash cashmere
Before you wash your cashmere, make sure you read the care labels and understand what they mean. Need a refresher? Check out this guide here. Cashmere is a delicate fiber and has to be washed carefully. Hand washing is the best option for preserving the delicate fabric.
To hand-wash: First, check the care label. Prepare a tub of water and mix the detergent in the water. We recommend a wool detergent or baby shampoo. Let your item soak before rinsing it clean so no detergent is left. Never use fabric softener for cashmere since it can decreases the fabrics lifespan.
How to dry cashmere
Always air-dry cashmere, never put anything cashmere in the dryer.
To dry: You should use a towel to pat any excess water away, lay it on the towel, and then gently roll it so you can absorb all the moisture. Transfer to a drying rack or use a new dry towel to lay it flat and making sure it air dries completely. Important to note that you should never shake, hang or wring cashmere as it will warp and stretch out the fibers.
For more information on taking care of your sweaters consider reading the ultimate guide to taking care of your sweaters.
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, Lola Glenn does not accept responsibility for incorrectly laundered/damaged fabrics by following these instructions.