Cashmere is one of the most luxurious yarns in the world. It provides a rare combination of warmth, comfort, and elegance. With proper care, your cashmere sweater can remain a wardrobe staple for years to come! In this article, we will show you how to keep your cashmere looking like new and maintain its shape, so it always looks as good as it did when you first bought it. So, if you want to learn how to properly care for your cashmere garments, read on!
Why is Cashmere so special?
Cashmere is truly one of the most precious yarns in the world. It is made from the downy hair of goats and its fibers are hollow, trapping air which makes it incredibly warm and insulating. Additionally, cashmere is also known for its durability, making it a great investment piece that can last for years with proper care and maintenance.
The timelessness of this yarn along with its ability to be dressed up or down makes it a wardrobe staple that will never go out of style. However, if you want your cashmere garments to last for years to come and maintain their shape and appearance, it’s important that you give them the proper care they deserve.
1. Rest your cashmere garment
When it comes to taking care of cashmere garments, resting them after a day’s wear is essential. Wearing your cashmere too often can cause them to lose its original shape over time and not look as good as when you first purchased them. Taking breaks between wears ensures that the delicate fibers don’t become overstretched or damaged. It also prevents any dirt or other particles from accumulating on your cashmere knit and causing permanent stains.
Additionally, lying flat on a shelf or dresser between wears will help prevent the garment from excess creasing or wrinkling. This will help keep the shape and appearance of your favourite pieces intact for years to come. And if you want to ensure maximum protection, consider pairing your cashmere with a silk or Pashmina scarf when you wear it. This will provide an extra layer of protection against sweat, makeup, and other unwanted stains.
2. Washing your cashmere
When it comes to taking care of your cashmere garments, washing them is an essential step. Washing your cashmere regularly will help remove dirt and other particles that can accumulate over time, as well as prevent the yarn from becoming stretched or misshapen. Moreover, regular washing helps maintain the softness of the yarn and keeps it looking its best.
When washing cashmere, always check the garment’s label for instructions on how to care for it properly. Some pieces may be able to go in the machine on a wool or hand-wash cycle while others should only be washed by hand. For items that require hand-washing, use cold water and mild detergent specifically formulated for delicates and knitwear. If you’re unsure about what type of detergent to use, we would recommend using REPEAT cashmere’s Cashmere Washing Agent – a shampoo specially made for wool to enhance the texture of cashmere fibers that uses natural ingredients which is extremely gentle on the skin.
Finally, when you’re done washing your garment, carefully squeeze out any excess water before laying it flat to dry on a towel placed away from direct sunlight. Once dry, store your cashmere in a cool place away from heaters and other sources of heat as this can cause shrinkage and damage to the yarn’s fibers. With proper care, you can enjoy your cashmere pieces season after season!
3. Drying your cashmere
Drying your cashmere correctly is just as important as washing it. To ensure that your garment retains its shape and softness, avoid hanging it up to dry or tumble drying it in the machine. Instead, lay your piece on a flat surface and on a clean towel, and let it air dry away from direct sunlight.
If you find that your cashmere garment is still damp after air-drying, use a steam iron on low heat to remove any remaining moisture before folding or storing it away. The steam helps to relax the fibers of the yarn and dries it without damaging the cashmere. For delicate items such as sweaters, place a damp cloth between the item and the iron to protect against scorching or burning.
4. Dry clean your cashmere
Keeping your cashmere in pristine condition doesn’t have to be a daunting task! For those special pieces, dry cleaning is the best way to ensure that you won’t damage the garment. Dry cleaning helps to prevent shrinkage and fading, and keeps the yarn soft and luxurious to the touch. It’s important to remember that the more frequently you send your cashmere items for professional dry cleaning, the less chance you have of damaging them due to wear and tear.
If you choose to dry clean your cashmere, try to find a specialist cleaner with experience in dealing with delicate yarns. This will ensure that your items are treated with the utmost care and attention they deserve.
5. De-pill your cashmere
De-pilling your cashmere should be a regular part of your wardrobe maintenance routine. Cashmere is a delicate and luxurious yarn that can easily become matted or fuzzy if not properly cared for. Regularly de-pilling helps to keep the yarn soft and smooth.
A simple knitwear comb is an inexpensive tool for de-pilling cashmere. However, if you want to make sure your cashmere looks as good as new, we suggest using the REPEAT cashmere Wool Razor. With a high-quality stainless steel blade, it can electronically help remove protruding fibers and pills from wool garments to minimize your efforts. Hold the razor and brush it over your sweater in one direction with a brisk, firm motion. Don’t forget to check under the arms, at the lower back, in seat belt areas, and anywhere else that receives regular friction!
De-pilling is an easy way to extend the life of your favorite cashmere garments. With just a few minutes of effort each week, you can maintain their softness, shape, and appearance for years to come.
6. Store your cashmere properly
Cashmere is an incredibly luxurious and delicate yarn, so it’s essential to store it correctly if you want it to remain beautiful for years. When packing away sweaters and cardigans, make sure you don’t fold them too tightly as this may cause the yarn to stretch and lose its shape over time. However, the best way to store cashmere garments is in a breathable cotton bag. Moths love cashmere, and moisture can cause discoloration, stretching and shrinkage, so investing in a specialized knitwear storage bag will ensure that your items are secured for as long as possible.
If your cashmere is particularly delicate, you can add a few lavender sachets or cedar balls to the storage bag for extra protection and a lovely scent. Finally, when you’re ready to take out your cashmere, be sure to give it a gentle shake before wearing it as this will help restore its fluffy texture. As previously mentioned, it’s best to store your cashmere away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. This will prevent fading or discoloration of the yarn over time.
Taking care of cashmere garments properly is essential to maintain their shape and appearance, and longevity. Resting your cashmere, washing it correctly, drying it properly, dry cleaning it when necessary, and de-pilling it regularly are all crucial steps in caring for cashmere. Following these steps will ensure that your cashmere garments remain luxurious, soft, and beautiful for years to come. Check out our full range of cashmere care products to keep your garments look like new! With just a little bit of TLC, you can keep your cashmere looking like new and feel confident knowing that you are getting the most out of your investment.
