How to Care for Cashmere to Keep It Looking Like New

In my twenties, I dipped my toes into the world of cashmere. The ultra-soft, luxurious fabric became an instant favorite among many, but back then, I failed to grasp its true value. If I could turn back time, I'd invest in a few pieces while the discounts were still within reach! Over the recent winters, my wardrobe leaned heavily on turtlenecks and high-waisted denim. Unfortunately, my sweaters had a short lifespan, succumbing to holes and pilling.

With a trip to London on the horizon this year, I decided it was time for a more sustainable solution. Cashmere, renowned for its durability, became the focal point of my search. While the fabric can withstand the test of time, understanding how to care for it can be a perplexing task. Questions about dry cleaning, hand-washing, and proper storage can linger in one's mind. That's where our diligent research comes into play — providing you with valuable tips to ensure your investment pieces maintain their pristine appearance for an extended period. Keep reading for the inside scoop.

So, what exactly is cashmere? Derived from cashmere and pashmina goats, mainly found in China, Mongolia, and Iran, it stands as a premium fiber in the world of textiles. The elevated price tag of cashmere garments is a direct result of the intricate production process. Graded on a scale from A to C, with Grade A representing the pinnacle of quality, cashmere's worth is often reflected in its grade. The construction of a cashmere piece serves as a telltale sign of its quality — a good piece should stretch and reshape effortlessly, allowing you to run your hand over it without a hint of shedding.

How to Care for Cashmere

While the convenience of machine-washing may be tempting, it's generally a risky venture for cashmere. The agitation from the machine poses a threat to the delicate fibers and the shape of your cherished pieces. In most cases, opting for dry cleaning or hand-washing is the safer route, supplemented by spot treatments between full washes.

Other than that you can follow the guide we added on how to care for cashmere so it last long and looks exactly like it looked on day one.

Wash Your Cashmere Separately 

To steer clear of moth-induced wear and tear on your cherished cashmere, the golden rule is never to store them in a soiled state. Moths have a particular penchant for feasting on microscopic particles of skin embedded in clothes. To counter this, we suggest keeping worn but clean items on a designated chair in your room until they're ready for a wash. Additionally, investing in moth protection care tools can be a wise move.

Read Label's Cleaning Instructions

The key to preserving the pristine condition of your favorite items lies in deciphering the label and adhering to the provided instructions. This principle holds especially true for cashmere, a fabric so exquisite that caring for it appropriately is paramount to ensure its enduring beauty. The instructions on the labels are tailored specifically to the product and material, necessitating a strict adherence to them. Not all types of cashmere demand the same care — some may require flat storage and folding, while others can be hung. It's the meticulous attention to these nuances that makes a significant difference over time.

Don’t Over-Wash Cashmere

Contrary to popular belief, cashmere doesn't demand a thorough wash after every wear. Given its delicate nature, frequent washing is to be avoided. The general recommendation is to wash it approximately every four wears. Should a stain mar your cashmere piece, spot-treating can often suffice without resorting to a complete wash.

When the time comes for a wash, dry-cleaning is a viable option, particularly for high-priced heirloom pieces. Hand-washing is also an option, but always consult the brand's washing recommendations beforehand.

When hand-washing cashmere, refrain from prolonged soaking (30 minutes is the maximum). Never wring it out when removing excess water; instead, adopt a method akin to rolling it up like a burrito and gently pressing the water out.

Get Yourself A Pilling Tool

Encountering pilling on your cashmere might initially set off alarm bells, but it's a natural part of its lifecycle. Pilling occurs when the fibers in the yarn rub against each other, typically due to frequent wear. To rejuvenate your cashmere, consider using an electric fabric shaver lake Steamery's Pilo 2 Fabric Shaver ($65) or Conair's Battery-Operated Fabric Shaver ($15) to tackle pilling and enhance its appearance.

Always Fold Your Cashmere Pieces

While hanging cashmere may seem like a standard storage practice, it's advisable to opt for folding instead. The gravitational pull from hanging can distort its shape. When folding a cashmere sweater, tuck the arms underneath and then fold it horizontally in half to minimize creasing. For prolonged storage, place it in a cotton or linen bag with a proper closure, allowing air circulation while safeguarding against potential moth damage.

Conclusion

While nothing is really difficult if you are consistent with it, but it is a fact that Cashmere need 100 times more attention than any other fabrics we own in our wardrobe so It is recommended to follow the care instruction on your cashmere label and also keep in mind the tips on how to care for cashmere we have added above.