How to Launder Your Cashmere

Contrary to popular opinion, hand washings won't ruin a cashmere sweater--in fact, it will last longer and smell fresher than if you take it to the dry cleaner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• At Least Two Towels
• Detergent Designed For Fragile Fabrics
• Drying Rack

1. Read the garment's care label to make sure it can be handwashed. Some sweaters have trim or finishes that do require dry cleaning.

2. Use a detergent that's safe for delicate fabrics.

3. Pour detergent in a clean sink, measuring out the amount suggested on the bottle. By adding the detergent before the water, you'll make sure it's evenly dispersed once you fill the sink.

4. Fill the sink with cool to lukewarm water.

5. Place the sweater in the sink. Swish it around and lightly squish the suds through the fabric. Leave the sweater in the sink for about 15 minutes.

6. Let the sudsy water drain out of the sink. Fill the sink with clean water that's cool to lukewarm.

7. Squeeze the sweater gently in the clean water. Repeat, refilling the sink with clean water as necessary, until you've removed all the soap from the sweater.

8. Lightly squeeze (but don't wring) the sweater to begin removing the water.

9. Roll the sweater in a bath towel, pushing down on the towel to press out more water. If the sweater is fairly large, you may need to use a second towel after the first one becomes soaked through.

10. Unroll the sweater, and reshape it to its proper size.

11. Place the sweater flat on a dry towel, on a drying rack if possible. Keep it away from direct sun to protect the color.

12. Flip the sweater once or twice a day if necessary so that it airdries thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have a detergent made for fine fabrics, such as Lanowash or Woolite, baby shampoo makes a fine substitute.

on 12/28/2005 I use the gentle/delicate cycle on my washer, cold water and a delicates bag to launder my cashmere. I also use Gain detergent, because it just smells so good. I wash the cashmere alone and take it out right at the cycle completion. I take the cashmere out of the bag and put it in the dryer on no heat and run it for 3 to 5 minutes to get rid of wrinkles. Then I lay the article on a towel to dry. I have not had any problem with stretching, shaping or souring using this method. The article looks as good as new after I finish.

on 11/22/2005 I always use a mild shampoo to wash my cashmere. After you rinse (don't wring or agitate, just let it soak), take out the cashmere, refill the sink, and add a cap-full or two of hair conditioner. Swish your hand around the water to dissolve the conditioner. Let the cashmere soak as long as you like. Rinse well. Press out excess water (don't squeeze). Lay the cashmere on a clean towel, roll it up, then step on it to push out water. Unroll the towel, fluff up the sweater and lay on a dry towel or sweater rack to dry. The items will be super soft and smell great. The Cashmere Council says to treat your cashmere the way you would your hair.