Clean and Preserve Precious Wool & Cashmere At Home
Mic drop moment: Wool and cashmere can be washed at home. In fact, washing your knits can actually be better for them than dry cleaning, which can potentially strip fibers of their natural oils responsible for keeping them soft and supple. So cozy up to our cleaning and care tips and solutions for washing your cashmere sweaters, blankets, scarves, and coats. Everything you need to know about washing cashmere garments is here. The basic rules to wash a cashmere or wool sweater are:
The answer depends on a few factors, including your personal comfort level, how much you sweat or exert yourself while wearing the item, and whether you wear an undershirt. We generally recommend laundering cashmere knits and wool pieces approximately every three to four wears. If you have a pile of sweaters in your closet that you don't wear too often, then once or twice a season is perfect to keep them feeling fresh. It's also especially important to launder natural fibers like cashmere before storing away items for the summer season, as residue from sweat or body oil (even if it doesn't smell!) can attract bugs.
When using gentler at home wash methods, cashmere fibers can stay soft, supple, and odor-free for longer. If sweaters are over-laundered—or laundered using the wrong methods—it can be quite harsh on the yarns, causing them to break down, pill, and lose their fluffy feel.
Whether you are laundering thicker cashmere, thinner weaves, or even cashmere blends, we recommend reaching for a gentle cashmere shampoo. The Wool & Cashmere Shampoo was specially formulated without enzymes and is the perfect choice for machine or hand washing sweaters. It features the unique Cedar fragrance, a modern take on a traditional woody scent with clean, warm notes of bergamot, rosewood, nutmeg, and sandalwood. Pair with Wool & Cashmere Spray to freshen, dewrinkle, and add fragrance to woolens in between washes.
Yes, with a few exceptions. Most cashmere fibers—about 90%—should be stable for at-home washing if manufactured properly, but certain fabrics will release dye, which could stain other items in a load. A spot test and color bleeding test should be performed on dry clean tagged items before washing to ensure best results. A small amount of dye release from cashmere knits when water testing is normal—this type of item should be washed separately to preserve color and prevent staining other fabrics. While many items tagged "dry clean" can easily be washed at home, we do not recommend laundering items tagged "dry clean only", as the construction or dyes of the garment may not be suitable for water exposure. If you’re skeptical of washing natural fibers like cashmere and wool at home, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
Washing investment pieces at home for the first time can be nerve wracking, but the difference in fabric is undeniable. Your garments will be softer, they’ll last longer, you won’t experience the dehydration and chemical smells from the dry cleaner, and plus—it’s easier on your wallet. Hand (or even machine) washing "dry clean" cashmere is easy when you have the right products and methods to rely upon!
It’s vital to preserve the natural oils in your cashmere, wool, and other natural fiber items. This is what keeps them feeling soft and cozy! Washing at home is key for preserving suppleness. Always use cold water and gentle agitation when washing cashmere by hand, and don't leave items to soak for longer than 30 minutes.
When machine laundering, use a Mesh Bag to prevent snagging in the machine. Keep in mind cashmere and wool fibers tend to tighten up naturally when wet, so it’s important to gently reshape them before laying them flat to dry. Avoid wringing motions on wet cashmere, which can warp the shape and fit. Instead, carefully press out water between your palms or against the edge of a sink, tub, or basin. Never ever put cashmere or wool knits in the dryer, and avoid drying near a heat source like a radiator, all of which causes shrinkage, damage, and dehydration.
If you're looking for a way to freshen and dewrinkle woolens without washing, reach for Wool & Cashmere Spray! This all in one mist adds scent and helps smooth wool in between washes for a fresh finish.
Handwash
Draw a Bath: Add Wool & Cashmere Shampoo to a tub or sink filled with cool water. Unlike generic detergents, The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo is specially formulated without enzymes for cleaning wool, cashmere, merino, mohair, blends. Go Under: Submerge your items and gently agitate them to evenly distribute soap and water. Soak for up to 30 minutes. Rinse Clear: Run cool water through items until rinse water is no longer soapy. Do not wring. Instead, gently press the water out of your items between your hands or against the sink. Note: If there is color in the water, don't worry! It's normal. The yarn dye is simply releasing color and you will not notice any loss of color after the wash is complete. Always wash only like-colored items together.
Machine Wash
Yes you can machine wash cashmere. Turn your cashmere inside-out and place it in a washing bag. Use cool water on the delicate cycle. Follow these steps for the best results: Bag It: Turn items inside out and place them in a Mesh Bag to protect them from agitation and friction that can cause pilling. Select Your Cycle: Select the woolens or delicate cycle on your washing machine and make sure the water temperature is cold and the spin is on low. Add Wool & Cashmere Shampoo according to the machine type and load size.
Dry & Finish
No-rush Drying: Lay the items flat in their natural shape on a drying rack or clean towel. When drying, avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, such as the radiator, because they can shrink or damage wool. Never hang wet wool. Quick Drying: Lay one item flat on a towel. With the item in its original shape, roll it up in the towel (like a sleeping bag) to remove the excess water. Steam it Up & Stay Fresh: Ironing can crush or flatten the natural pile of the yarns. Instead steam to help remove wrinkles and odors. You can also spritz a fabric freshening spray like Wool & Cashmere Spray between wearing and washing to help relax creases from wool and add fragrance.
Smooth & Store
Comb It Out: Gently depill and lift fuzz from cashmere and wool knits with a few passes of the Sweater Comb. This easy to use comb is perfect for combing away lint and fuzz from fine knits and outerwear. Brush for Beauty: Use a fine garment brush like the Cashmere Brush between wears to help lift lint, fuzz, and dust and release natural oils that enhance the appearance of yarns. Get Into the Fold: Always store knits folded to prevent stretching or distorting. Make Pests Bug Off: Help keep bugs at bay by storing knits in a breathable cotton or canvas with a zip closure. Always clean items before storing to avoid providing a "food source" of proteins for bugs. If you're dealing with pests in your cashmere or wool storage, always consult a professional for removal.
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