How to Care for Pashmina
Pashmina, adored for its warmth, beauty and durability, is a cashmere wool made from the fine inner coat of Himalayan Chyangra mountain goats. The manufacture of pashmina wool, used in scarves, shawls, blankets and sweaters, began in 3000 B.C. and became the favorite of kings, emperors and aristocrats. Today, most pashmina weaving takes place in Kathmandu, Nepal. Pashmina quality is determined by fiber consistency and the types of dyes used to color the fabric. With proper care, pashmina garments can last a long time. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Wash the pashmina garment by hand, gently, in cool to lukewarm water, using a detergent specifically designed for wool or delicate items.
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Run the pashmina garment over a washing board, using very gentle motions, to full the fabric. Fulling is the process of raising the fabric nap with gentle agitation.
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Spread the washed garment over a thick, absorbent towel and roll it up inside the towel to extract excess water.
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Lay the pashmina garment flat to dry, smoothing wrinkles and creases and gently stretching the garment into its original shape. Allow the garment to air-dry completely.
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If desired, use an iron with a pressing cloth to remove wrinkles from pashmina.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have access to a washing board, a soft-bristled brush can be used to full the garment. Use the brush to gently tease the nap and restore fullness.
Because of the popularity of pashmina, a host of second-rate and fake pashmina fabrics are manufactured and sold throughout the world, sometimes under false pretenses.
Never place pashmina garments in a dryer.
Never use regular soaps to wash or remove stains from pashmina fabric. The pH does permanent damage to the fabric.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit himalayan mountain image by Galyna Andrushko from Fotolia.com
