Surprisingly, washing your delicate wool and cashmere knits at home can be even better than dry cleaning, as it preserves their natural softness. For expert advice on keeping these luxurious fibers pristine, visit inktasticmerch.com and discover the best care practices.
Mic drop moment: Wool and cashmere can be washed at home. In fact, washing your knits can actually be *better* for them than dry cleaning, which can potentially strip fibers of their natural oils responsible for keeping them soft and supple. So, cozy up to our cleaning and care tips for washing your cashmere sweaters, blankets, scarves, and coats. Everything you need to know about caring for your cashmere garments is right here.
The basic rules for washing a cashmere or wool sweater are:
* Use cool water and a gentle, specialized detergent.
* Let the sweater soak for no longer than 30 minutes.
* Rinse with cool water and gently press out excess water. Always air dry.
## Handwashing Your Cashmere and Woolens
**Prepare the Soak:** Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water. Add a specialized detergent designed for wool and cashmere. Unlike generic detergents, formulas like The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo are crafted without enzymes, making them ideal for cleaning delicate fibers like wool, cashmere, merino, and mohair, as well as their blends.
**Gentle Agitation:** Submerge your items completely and gently agitate the water to ensure the soap and water evenly distribute. Allow them to soak for up to 30 minutes.
**Clear the Rinse:** Once soaked, run cool water through the items until the rinse water runs clear and is no longer soapy. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric. Instead, gently press the water out between your hands or against the side of the sink.
*A note on color:* If you notice some color releasing into the water, don’t be alarmed! This is normal, as the yarn dye may be releasing excess color. You typically won’t see a noticeable loss of color after the wash is complete. To prevent color bleeding, always wash similar colors together.
## Machine Washing Your Cashmere
Yes, you can machine wash cashmere! To ensure the best results, turn your cashmere items inside out and place them in a protective mesh bag. Use a cool water setting on the delicate or woolens cycle.
**Protect Your Items:** Placing items in a mesh bag helps shield them from excessive agitation and friction, which can lead to pilling.
**Select the Right Cycle:** Choose the “woolen” or “delicate” cycle on your washing machine. Ensure the water temperature is set to cold and the spin cycle is on a low setting. Add your specialized wool and cashmere detergent according to the machine type and the size of your load.
## Drying and Finishing Touches
**Air Dry with Care:** Lay your washed items flat in their natural shape on a drying rack or a clean, dry towel. It’s crucial to avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, such as radiators, as these can cause shrinkage or damage to the fibers. Never hang wet wool items, as this can stretch them out of shape.
**Speed Up Drying (Gently):** For quicker drying, lay one item flat on a towel. Gently reshape the item to its original dimensions, then roll it up within the towel (like a sleeping bag). This helps absorb excess moisture.
**Freshen and De-Wrinkle:** Ironing can flatten the natural texture of the yarns. Instead, use a steamer to gently remove wrinkles and refresh your garments. For in-between washes, a fabric freshening spray, such as Wool & Cashmere Spray, can help relax creases and add a pleasant scent to wool items.
## Smooth, Store, and Protect
**Comb Away Pills:** Gently address any minor pilling or fuzz on cashmere and wool knits with a few passes of a specialized tool like a Sweater Comb. This easy-to-use comb effectively removes lint and fuzz from fine knits and outerwear, restoring their smooth appearance.
**Brush for Longevity:** Between wears, use a fine garment brush, such as a Cashmere Brush, to lift lint, fuzz, and dust. This also helps to distribute natural oils, enhancing the yarn’s natural luster.
**Fold for Storage:** Always store knitwear folded rather than hanging. This prevents stretching and maintains the garment’s original shape.
**Keep Pests Away:** To protect your woolens from moths and other pests, store them in breathable cotton or canvas bags with zip closures. Always ensure items are clean before storing, as lingering body oils or food particles can attract insects. If you suspect pest issues in your storage area, consult a professional for safe removal.
For more expert tips and guidance on preserving the beauty of your favorite garments, explore the wealth of information available in our Blog.
