Clean and
Care for Cashmere Sweaters
The best method, and the most gentle, in
which to clean your cashmere sweater is to hand
wash it. This will add to its lifespan. In fact,
there is a distinct advantage to hand-washing
the garment in that cashmere tends to become
softer with each washing as it allows the yarns
to "blossom." (That is not to say that you
should needlessly wash the garment.)
In order to properly clean and care for your
cashmere garment, there are some simple steps
which you should follow. By following these
steps, you can rest assured that your cashmere
investment will provide you with many years of
optimum comfort and wear.
Fill a clean sink or container with warm water
and a mild soap. (You may even use a gentle
shampoo). Then carefully dip your garment into
the mixture and gently wash it in sudsy lukewarm
water. Soak the sweater for a few minutes, then
gently squish the sweater to enable the suds to
soak through all of the fibers. After the
sweater is thoroughly clean, rinse it in water
of the same temperature (lukewarm). Repeat the
rinsing as needed until the water is completely
clear. You need to be extremely careful with the
garment while washing it so that it does not get
stretched or out of shape. This can easily occur
with wet cashmere fabrics. Do not wring or twist
the garment; instead gently and carefully press
the excess water from the garment.
After the garment has been thoroughly rinsed,
gently support it while lifting it from the
water. Then lay it on a dry towel. Next ease the
sweater back into its original shape and roll it
up in the towel. Press the garment to remove the
excess water; then repeat this step with another
clean, dry towel.
Then lay the garment on a clean, dry towel on a
flat surface until it is thoroughly air dried.
After the sweater is completely dry, fold it
carefully and avoid creasing it. Do not hang
your cashmere sweater because it will stretch
and thereby become misshapen. Then lay it flat
in a drawer or on a closet shelf.
If your sweater has some stubborn stains, your
only option may be to dry clean it.
If the washing instructions indicate that the
sweater may be machine washed, you should put
the garment into a pillowcase, then tie it
securely and set the machine on a gentle cycle,
with cool water. Then dry as above. |
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