How to Care for Cashmere Knitwear

Properly care for cashmere knitwear.

Since cashmere items are expensive, you'll want to make sure you are taking proper care of them. Garments that require dry cleaning will carry a tag with that instruction; manufacturers must have proof that home care will damage the item if they include a "dry clean only" tag. Most items of cashmere knit can be successfully laundered at home either with hand washing and drying or even machine care if the proper precautions are taken and the right equipment used.

Things You'll Need

• Cold water
• Washing machine without an agitator
• Detergent for fine washables
• Towel
• Dryer with drying rack
• Warm iron
• Cedar chest, chips or mothballs
• Tissue

Instructions

1. Treat stains immediately by rinsing the spot in cold water. Hot water may make the stain set into the fabric.

2. Wash cashmere in a washing machine only if it does not have an agitator. Use the hand wash or wool cycle.

3. Hand wash cashmere knitwear using cold water and a detergent made for fine washable fabrics.

4. Remove water from the garment after washing by rolling it in a towel. Do not wring the water from the item.

5. Reshape the item after washing it. Air drying is best for cashmere knitwear. Lay the garment flat to dry and keep it from direct heat and sunlight.

6. Place the item on the drying rack that accompanies many dryers if you need to put the garment in your dryer. Air flows in the dryer but the item is not subject to the tumbling of a normal drying cycle. Use the air cycle for this option.

7. Use a warm iron that is set on steam or wool if you need to iron the garment. However, if your cashmere knitwear is allowed to sit for a day or two after you wear it, many wrinkles will disappear.

8. Store your cashmere knitwear in a cool, dry location such as a cedar chest or a drawer or closet with cedar chips or mothballs, folded with tissue. Make sure the garment is flat so that the fibers do not get damaged. Dry cleaning before long-term storage will also help keep moths away, since the body oils that attract them will be removed.

References

• Whirlpool Institute of Fabrics: Fabric Care Guide: Cashmere
• Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute: Garment Care
• Better Business Bureau: The Cachet of Cashmere: Complying with the Wool Products Labeling Act