How to Hand Wash a Two Ply Cashmere Sweater

Cashmere is perfect for the winter holiday season as it keeps you warm, looks attractive and can easily be washed after holiday parties.

Cashmere sweaters are usually knitted from two-ply cashmere yarn, which is made by twisting together two strands of processed wool from authentic cashmere goats. This material is soft and comfortable to wear, and retains both its softness and its smooth, elegant appearance when you care for it properly. Hand-washing is the safest, easiest and most economical way for you to maintain your two-ply cashmere sweater. Two-ply cashmere is able to withstand a warm water hand wash.

Things You'll Need

• Wash basin or clean sink with secure stopper
• Rubber gloves
• pH neutral detergent for fine washables
• Measuring cup

Instructions

1. Make sure your sink or basin is perfectly clean. Place your basin into your sink or bathtub or near a source of running water such as a shower hose. If you are using your sink, close the drain outlet by firmly inserting a stopper into the drain hole.

2. Measure the amount of detergent recommended on the label for the amount of water that your sink or basin holds. Pour it into the sink or basin and fill it with water that is warm to the touch. If you see that the water is not producing suds, add some more detergent.

3. Turn off the faucet as soon as the sink or basin is filled to a few inches below the very top. Put on your rubber gloves.

4. Place the sweater in the water and push it down so that it can soak the water and detergent solution. Gently move the sweater back and forth in the water while softly squeezing it for about five minutes.

5. Drain the water from your sink or dump it out of your basin. Squeeze your sweater gently to remove as much soapy water as possible. Do not wring your sweater.

6. Rinse your sweater in warm water while you move it around and gently squeeze it. If you are using a basin, dump the water and fill it again to repeat the rinse with clean water; repeat as many times as necessary until no more suds appear in the water. If you are using a faucet, keep rinsing until the water runs clear and no more detergent suds are released from the sweater.

7. Roll the sweater in a large towel and squeeze it to remove excess water.

8. Lay the sweater flat on another clean towel and re-shape it by smoothing it back to its original size and flat form.

9. Allow the sweater to dry flat, away from direct sunlight. This may take a few days depending on room temperature and humidity.

References

• Let's Ask Stefie: Garment Care: Washing Cashmere Garments: Stefania Isaacson
• Pure Collection: What is the Best Way to Wash My Pure Collection Cashmere

Resources

• Procter and Gamble: Answers to Questions About Ivory Snow
• Woolite: FAQ