How to Care for Your Cashmere Sweaters

In my wardrobe, one of the most cherished components are undoubtedly my cashmere sweaters. Today, I’ll be sharing my insights into cashmere sweater care, focusing on the steps I take to maintain the quality and longevity of my cashmere knitwear.

Despite the perception that caring for cashmere can be challenging, it’s not as overwhelming as it might seem. Although many modern cashmere pieces are machine washable, I prefer handwashing my pieces since I don’t have an advanced washing machine with specialized cycles for cashmere or silk. Opting for machine washing? I recommend using laundry mesh bags for delicates, providing additional protection. I received a set of mesh wash bags for delicate items from LILYSILK that works great, but you can also find this product in various sizes on Amazon.

I typically lean towards hand washing and air drying my delicate garments whenever possible, steering clear of dry cleaners, especially since I learned about the varying levels of chemicals they use. This method is gentler on clothes compared to using washing machines, tumble dryers, and the chemicals employed by dry cleaners. Join me as I share my step-by-step process for cashmere sweater care:

• Prior to washing any garment, your initial step should be to check for the laundry symbols guide. Each garment is expected to feature these washing instruction symbols on its care label.
• Begin by thoroughly cleaning the sink, laundry utility sink, or wash basin to ensure a clean surface for washing your pieces. I like to use the collapsible/foldable tub, which is the perfect size to wash one sweater and saves space when storing due to its collapsible feature.
• Turn the garment inside out to minimize fading and maintain the dye.
• Choose a mild laundry detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Opt for one that is free of enzymes and enriched with lanolin oil to nourish and care for the fibers, and enjoy the added bonus of a delightful fragrance of your preference. Personally, I prefer Steamery products, a well-known Scandinavian clothing care brand, I find their products at my local Container Store. I love their blend of rose and musk delicate liquid laundry detergent. While it may be a bit on the pricey side, a little goes a long way—just a teaspoon is all you need for each wash, especially when using my 2.5 Gallon wash basin!
• Always mix the mild laundry detergent to lukewarm or cold water—water should never exceed 86°F (30°C). Personally, I recommend always using cold water.
• Avoid fabric softener, as it may coat the fibers and lead to increased pilling.
• Gently squeeze and swirl the cashmere sweater in the water, allowing it to soak for about 20 minutes to loosen any debris. Drain the water and rinse with cool, clean water.
• Avoid wringing or twisting the sweater; instead, gently press it into a ball to remove excess water. Place the damp cashmere sweater on a clean towel, reshape it to its original form, and roll it to soak up the excess water before laying your cashmere to air dry on a flat surface, using either a breathable mesh-tiered drying rack or just laying it flat on a dry, clean towel for 24hrs. Avoid using heat, such as tumble dryers or radiators, to prevent shrinkage.

After drying, you may notice wrinkles, which can be easily handled by gently steaming your garment instead of ironing. Steaming not only imparts a relaxed aesthetic to cashmere, preserving its delicate nature, but it’s also effective in eliminating bacteria, making it an ideal choice for freshening up your garments.

Also, a fabric spray can provide a refreshing scent between washes without the risk of excessive washing, which may potentially damage cashmere. Cashmere has self-cleansing properties, minimizing the need for frequent washing. Consider refreshing your cashmere items by letting them air out overnight. However, soiled and odorous garments may be more appealing to insects than clean ones— so, wash them when truly necessary.

As wonderful as cashmere is, it is susceptible to pilling. Investing in a fabric shaver is a smart move to address pilling, ensuring that your cashmere pieces maintain their pristine appearance. Additionally, a lint roller can be used occasionally to remove lint, hair, and other particles, especially visible on darker pieces, avoiding stick-and-razor types as they may cause damage.

When it comes to storage, it’s better to fold cashmere sweaters in drawers rather than hanging them, as hanging may cause stretching or distortion of the fibers. Avoid storing cashmere or any wool garment in plastic bags; instead, use a breathable cotton bag with a zip closure for each garment. These textiles benefit from proper ventilation, so even if kept in drawers or your closet, ensure there’s enough fresh air around them. It’s recommended to place them in a cool, dry location.

To protect against moths, cedar wood balls and blocks can be placed in drawers, with occasional top-ups of cedar wood oil to maintain effectiveness. Another effective option involves using extracts of peppermint and lavender oils. Affordable choices like lavender bar soap and natural lavender work well; however, it’s essential to store the soap inside its original paper or, if using lavender, place it within a sachet bag. This protective step prevents the natural oils of the soap and lavender from blending with the natural oils of the wool and other garments. These additions not only infuse a delightful fragrance but contribute to preserving the freshness of your natural textiles, shielding them from unwanted insects.

In summary, caring for cashmere requires attention, but the effort pays off in the longevity of these luxurious pieces. With the right care, cashmere sweaters can last for many years, making it a worthwhile investment.

If you’re interested in further tips on refreshing your wardrobe and caring for your garments, I invite you to explore my blog on 8 Tips for a Closet Refresh, where I delve into decluttering, wardrobe assessment, and clothing care strategies for a closet refresh you’ll cherish.

If you have additional suggestions or insights, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments, I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

As always, thank you for reading!

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