Properly
Caring for your Cashmere Sweaters
Hand washing with a mild natural
soap is the best method for knitted garments
because chemicals which are used in dry cleaning
are hard on cashmere fibers. However, woven
garments must be dry cleaned, otherwise, they
could lose their body.
After the sweater has been washed, it should be
rinsed thoroughly which may take several
rinsings in clear water. In fact, you should
keep rinsing the garment until the water is
completely clear. After the rinsing process, the
sweater should be laid flat to dry in a location
that is away from the heat and sun. Reshape the
sweater, including the side seams and sleeves
because most sweaters will become twisted during
washing. After the sweater has dried, press it
using a damp cloth and a cool iron.
Sweaters should first be worn about six or seven
times before washing. However, sweaters should
be washed whenever they appear soiled in order
that they can look their best.
Store the cashmere sweaters and other nice
woolens in a cedar chest or plastic bags to keep
them clean and to keep moths from penetrating.
If you choose, you may hang moth cakes in the
closets and cedar chests for added protection.
The moth cakes should be replaced on a monthly
basis. The sweater should be kept clean and free
of any food residue, as moths will be attracted
to any food products left on the garment.
The little balls that appear on sweaters are a
result of pilling. This naturally occurs with
cashmere and wool. Some sweaters will pill more
than others, but not all sweaters will pill
because natural fibers are composed of their own
elements that differ from each type of yarn. A
sweater that is high quality should not pill
very much. Pilling is a result of friction, such
as contact with a seat belt, purse strap, or
even synthetic linings of jackets. You can rid
your sweaters of these pills by pulling or
carefully cutting off the pills, thus breaking
the connection. After you have done so, wash the
garment according to its washing instructions. |
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