How to wash cashmere: Our tips

You love your pullovers, and they are made to last. Take care of them ! In order to get the most out of your cashmere pieces and keep them in good condition for as long as possible, make sure you follow these golden rules.

Wash your cashmere regularly

Cashmere is a material that loves water. That’s why a cashmere pullover should be washed regularly, after it has been worn two or three times. Cashmere needs water to keep it soft and supple, but also to delay the onset of pilling – washing it makes it even more beautiful.

THE IDEAL METHOD IS TO MACHINE-WASH YOUR PULLOVER:

In this case, use a cold wool setting with a dose of a special wool or cashmere shampoo product
Slip your cashmere piece into a cover (a pillowcase fastened with an elastic band, one with no buttons or zips will do, or better still, a washing bag), to prevent it from becoming damaged or misshapen during the wash
Start your programme, but do not soak
Slow dry (max. 600 revs)
Dry flat on a towel away from light and heat.

You can also hand-wash it in cold water at about 30C°,with a special wool or cashmere shampoo product :

Quickly dip your cashmere piece (do not leave it in the water), pat it and rinse it in clean water.
Wring your jumper in a terry towel without pulling it out of shape, then dry it flat on a towel, away from light and heat.

Never use a fabric softener for any washing method, under any circumstances. And the good news is, you can even iron your cashmere. Lightly and gently iron it inside out, with a cool iron with a steam jet, and particularly avoid pulling on the knit.

Let cashmere stand

Don’t wear your cashmere clothes for more than 2 to 3 days in a row. Alternate them as often as you can to let the fibres rest and replenish themselves, so that they can retain all their softness.

Use a cashmere comb

Never pull on the fibres to remove any pilling. If necessary, you can occasionally use a special razor for knitwear without pressure , working in the direction of the fibre, or even better, a cashmere comb.

Avoid rubbing

Don’t wear your cashmeres under another garment with friction areas (visible zips, inner pockets, pockets containing keys or a wallet, etc.), and avoid rubbing them with hard objects. For bearded men, the friction of beards can also cause pilling to form.

Ce qu’il faut savoir sur le lavage du cachemire

Opt for a cedar ball

Avoid hanging your cashmere garments. It is better to store them folded flat, in a protective cover, out of direct sunlight, in a dry, well-ventilated place. Do the same thing at the end of the season. You can also use a cedar ball. The cedar ball is the accessory that will help you protect your cashmere. Hang it on a hanger or put it on a shelf in your dressing room, and the cedar ball will repel insects that can damage cashmere fibre. It is soaked in cedar oil for a long time and has a delicate woody scent. In order to remain as effective as possible, the cedar ball should be replaced every year, especially during the heat of the summer months.

Never use a fabric softener for cashmere

There is only one thing you need to know about when it comes to taking care of your cashmere, be it washing, wearing, storing or ironing your cashmere: softness. With one slightly paradoxical exception: no fabric softener under any circumstances. With cashmere, you must never, ever use fabric softener; it can’t take it. It’s soft enough on its own!