We believe that cashmere sweaters – as well as cashmere cardigans, cashmere track pants and even cashmere accessories – are an essential component of every well-edited wardrobe. One of the world’s finest and most delicate natural fibres, your cashmere pieces will last for decades if well cared for. Ensure you wash your knits every 3-4 wears, even if they aren't visibly stained, as moths will flock to pieces that have any remnant of debris.
We show you how, below…
How to wash your cashmere clothing
When it comes to washing your cashmere, you have two options: by hand or in the machine. Machine washing is our co-founder Rachael’s favourite method. She says, “I swear by machine washing my knits. It’s an environmentally friendly alternative to dry cleaning and great if you’re too time-poor – or too lazy – for hand washing.” Machine washing is most suitable for lighter gauges, rather than your chunky knits. If you are opting to wash your cashmere in the machine, we suggest using the delicate or woollens cycle, selecting the lowest-speed spin setting and a cold temperature. We recommend using a gentle detergent developed especially for knitwear. If in doubt, then washing your knits by hand is a failsafe option. See our step-by-step to hand washing, below.
Step 1
Hand washing your cashmere garments will always produce the best results. Fill your clean sink or wash basin with cool water, adding the recommended amount of professional cashmere detergent. Baby shampoo works well as an alternative. Be careful not to use anything harsh that may damage this delicate yarn.
Step 2
Turn your garment inside out and submerge it in the soapy water, gently swishing it around and leaving to soak for 5 minutes. Wash lighter colours first, followed by dark colours to prevent running. Spot treat any stains with a small amount of neat detergent and gently massage.
Step 3
Thoroughly rinse your item of cashmere clothing in clean water. Press out the excess water, but do not wring. Place your garment lengthways on a clean bath towel then roll it up. Gently press down onto the roll to help the towel absorb the excess water.
Step 4
Unroll the towel and place your sweater in its natural shape on a flat surface or mesh drying rack until it is completely dry. Cool iron on reverse if necessary.
Expert tips
How to store your cashmere
Fold, don't hang, your cashmere, keeping it in a drawer or storage box. If you are storing your knitwear over a longer seasonal period, first make sure that it is freshly laundered as dirt, hair and sweat can all attract moths. We recommend placing your garments into a cloth storage bag or plastic zip-lock bags so that moths can’t penetrate.
Repairing your cashmere
Whether due to a pesky moth or a jewellery snag, holes in cashmere can be repaired. If the hole was created by a moth infestation, make sure you place the affected piece in the freezer before you do anything else, as outlined above. For repairs, we recommend sending damaged pieces to the Love Cashmere Care Service in Hawick, Scotland. They will return your favourite cashmere sweaters in good-as-new condition.
How to stop moths eating your cashmere
Use cedar stars or lavender sachets for your best defense against moths. Remember to replace these products each season as their smell – and therefore their efficacy – fades. If you see a moth flying around and suspect that it has been near your cashmere, it's not too late to take preventative measures. We recommend sealing the affected items in a plastic bag and placing them into the freezer. Leave for 48 hours, then let the pieces return to room temperature before washing and laying them flat to dry.
De-pilling your cashmere
The fuzzy little balls that may initially form on your cashmere are a natural occurrence and are not indicative of poor quality. Referred to as “pilling”, this process is an inevitable consequence of the delicate nature of fine cashmere. To gently de-pill your sweaters, use a cashmere comb or electric de-bobbler. Don’t overdo it though! Regular washing will also help to minimise the appearance of pilling.
