How to care for a cashmere sweater without damaging it?
Softness, warmth, elegance... The cashmere sweater is a must-have in a high-end wardrobe. But this noble and delicate material requires special attention to preserve its beauty over time. Good news: caring for a cashmere sweater at home, without damaging it, is entirely possible, provided you follow the right steps.
In this article, Studio Cashmere8 shares all its expert advice on how to wash, dry, store, and sustainably care for your Mongolian cashmere pieces. An essential guide to making the magic last... season after season.
1. Why does cashmere require specific care?
Cashmere comes from the undercoat of the Hircus goat, living on the high plateaus of Central Asia. This precious, very fine down is harvested manually in spring. It is distinguished by its lightness, exceptional insulating power, and ultra-soft texture.
But it is precisely this fineness (less than 19 microns) that makes it sensitive to heat, friction, and aggressive products. Inadequate washing can cause pilling, felting, or deformation of the knit. Hence the importance of gentle, patient, and precise care.
2. Should a cashmere sweater be hand-washed or machine-washed?
The best method for washing a cashmere sweater remains hand washing. However, if your machine has a specific wool or delicate program, with a maximum temperature of 20°C and a very gentle spin (400 rpm), it may be suitable for the most robust pieces.
At Studio Cashmere8, we recommend:
- By hand: in a basin of lukewarm water (20-25°C), with a special wool or baby shampoo. Do not rub or wring, but gently press the garment to allow the soapy water to penetrate.
- By machine: in a laundry net, with a special wool detergent and no fabric softener. Select a "wool" or "cold wash" program with a very reduced spin.
Absolutely avoid: hot water washing, conventional detergents, tumble drying, and traditional dry cleaning containing perchlorethylene.
3. How to properly dry a cashmere sweater?
Drying is a key step to preserving the shape and softness of cashmere. Here's how:
- Gently wring by hand, pressing gently, without twisting.
- Then lay the sweater flat on a clean, dry towel, folding it slightly to absorb residual water.
- Lay it flat on a flat surface, away from direct light, and reshape it to its original cut.
Never hang a wet cashmere garment: the weight of the water could permanently deform it.
4. How often should a cashmere sweater be washed?
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.