How to Clean Pashmina

Most wool items can be washed at home.

Pashmina can be washed safely at home, using the techniques used to wash cashmere wool, as long as the care tag does not say Dry Clean Only. Pashmina is not recognized as a fabric labeling term, by the Federal Trade Commission's Wool Act, because pashmina is an Indian word for cashmere wool rather than a unique fiber. Hand-washing delicate pashmina woolens will yield the best results and will extend the life of the garment.

Things You'll Need

• Wash basin, size 3 gallon
• Cold water
• Delicate laundry detergent, like Woolite

Instructions

1. Turn the pashmina garment inside out.

2. Fill the wash basin about half way with cold water. Submerge the pashmina garment, and pour a cap full of gentle laundry detergent into the water.

3. Gently agitate the garment in the water, stirring the detergent until you can see a few bubbles.

4. Allow the garment to soak in the soapy water for at least half an hour. Agitate the garment, in the sudsy water, by moving it from side to side in the basin for 5 minutes.

5. Clean any deeply soiled areas by wrapping the fabric around your fingertips and rubbing the fabric together.

6. Drain the soapy water, and rinse the garment with cold water. Spread the pashmina item flat and wait for it to air dry, avoiding all heat sources.

Tips & Warnings

• Carefully read the garment care label before laundering a pashmina garment.

• Do not use chlorine bleach because it will damage wool fibers.

References

• The Cachet of Cashmere: Complying With the Wool Products Labeling Act
• Ohio State University Extension: Selecting Socks
• Woolite: Handy Tips