Cashmere, or cashmere wool, is used to make a variety of men, women, and children’s garments, such as sweaters, jackets, and socks. This silky feeling material is made from Cashmere goats. Most cashmere garments contain a label that reads “dry clean only.” However, with proper care, cashmere can be taken care of and maintained by the consumer. Cashmere is a luxury fabric, and most garments made from cashmere are very well made. If the consumer takes care of a cashmere garment properly, it can last for about 10 years.
Washing
Cashmere garments can be hand washed with a mild shampoo or dish detergent, which is the recommended cleaning method. Cashmere goes through a process, which increases the softness overtime. Hand washing will allow this process to happen. Soak the cashmere garment for about 15 minutes, and then rinse with water for about 5 minutes. The garment should be rinsed with cold water for the last couple of minutes.
If machine washing is the only available method, the cashmere garment must be placed in a lightweight bag, and washed in a delicate cycle only. Make sure the garment is turned inside out before washing, in order to reduce any fading. Special mild laundry detergents are available in most department or grocery stores.
Stains
Liquid can spill on a cashmere garment and stains can appear, which requires immediate attentions. After a spill or stain occurs, the garment must be run under cold water. Hot water should not be used, because it will only allow the spill or stain to become worse, and set into the cashmere. Remove the spill or stain by using a mild detergent or stain remover, that is safe for cashmere. Gently clean the garment by patting it with a soft cloth. After the stain is remove, run the garment under cold water again.
Drying
Cashmere should never be wrung out or twisted. Carefully remove any excess water by rolling up the garment. Roll it back out and lay it on a flat surface to dry. Make sure the garment is put back into shape before it dries completely. Never put cashmere garments in a dryer.
Wrinkles
According to WhiteandWarren.com, if wrinkles appear on a cashmere garment, never use a hot iron to get the wrinkles out. Normally, the wrinkles will go away if the cashmere garment is worn for at least 24 hours. If time is a factor, a steam iron can be used.
Pilling
Garments made with cashmere may develop piling, which is little balls of fiber. This is a normal process that eventually reduces over time. In order to remove the pills, several methods can be used. Combing the cashmere garment with a fine-toothed comb is the recommended method. Other effective methods include carefully using an electric or manual razor, or a single razor blade. If the pills are loose, tape can also be used for removal.
Long and Short-Term Storage
Cashmere is a heavy fabric, and most people choose to store heavy garments, such as sweaters, during the hotter summer months. One way to store these garments is in a sealable plastic bag with a few cedar balls. This will repel insects, such as moths, from burrowing into the cashmere.
According to the Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufactures Institute, the best way to store cashmere garments for short periods of time, is flat in a drawer with paper in between the main fold. Cashmere garments should never be hung on a hanger, even for short periods of time, because it will cause the garment to stretch out of shape. Cashmere garments should always be stored away from strong smells, such as heavy perfumes.
