Extending the life of your clothing is the best way to make it more sustainable, that's why we're here to help you care for your cashmere. Cashmere is an incredibly delicate fibre but by following a few simple rules you can ensure that you and your cashmere will have a long and happy life together.
First, let's start with the myths. There is a popular misconception that cashmere has to be dry cleaned or hand washed, but with the correct settings the washing machine can be your cashmere's best friend. Hand washing can damage the fibres if done incorrectly can damage the fibres and dry cleaning flattens the fibres, lessening that super-soft cashmere feeling that you want. Another thing to consider is that your cashmere needs washing a lot less than you might think. Cashmere is a natural fibre and leaving it out to air will freshen it up quickly.
We’ve listed instructions below with our top tips:
How To Wash Cashmere
- Place your cashmere products in a laundry bag or a pillowcase to protect it.
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Add a small amount of cashmere wash to the machine drawer. We recommend either Laundress or Tangent GC, which are both eco-friendly options.
- Make sure that the washing machine is set to delicate/wool or hand wash cycle and the temperature is no higher than 30°C.
- Once the wash cycle has finished, make sure you remove the clothes from your washing machine promptly.
How To Dry Cashmere
- Do not ring your cashmere out, instead place it flat on a dry towel. Then gently roll the garment up in the towel to remove the excess water.
- Leave it out to dry flat, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. You should not hang your cashmere on a clothes hanger as the weight of the water will cause the garment to stretch.
- Avoid the tumble dryer at all costs. Heat will shrink your cashmere.
- When your cashmere is dry you can steam it gently, but never iron it.
- You can use a cashmere spray between wears to cut down the number of times you need to wash and dry it, but a good airing should work just as well.
How To Store Cashmere
- Between wears, we recommend folding your cashmere and storing it in a storage bag placed in a drawer or on shelf. Keep it away from heat sources and sunlight.
- Avoid using hangers, even specialist ones as they can cause your cashmere to change shape.
- If you're putting your cashmere into deep storage, place it in a cotton storage bag and find a cool dark place to keep it that's free from moisture and condensation. The cotton bag will act as a natural moth repellant.
- For added moth and mildew protection, store your cashmere with some cedar wood balls or a lavender bag.
How To Remove Bobbles & Pilling
- Pilling happens due to the friction of everyday wear, as the fibres rub against each other. It's a natural part of your cashmere's lifecycle and it can be removed with a little bit of regular care.
- With a specialist cashmere comb, lay the garment flat and lightly brush the comb over the surface wherever the pills are forming.
- Even if there is no pilling visible, you should comb your knitwear regularly to remove loose fibres that may eventually end up pilling.
- We wouldn’t recommend using a lint roller as they are harsher on the yarn.
Moths
- If you spot a moth, the first thing to do is to put your cashmere in the freezer for 48 hours in a large sealable bag. This might sound dramatic but it will neutralise any moth eggs. It's the moth lava that cause the damage when they hatch, not the adults. Then go through the washing and storing processes above.
- It's also good to give the house a really good hoover, especially in wardrobes and cupboards with dark corners - moths love living in there.
- For extra protection you can use a moth box to trap any unwelcome moths that might be hanging around.
We hope this gives you a good guide to caring for your cashmere, but we're always here to help if you have more questions. Don't hesitate to e-mail us at hello@riley.studio.
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Image from Tangent GC
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