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HOW TO WASH & CARE FOR CASHMERE CLOTHING
Quality cashmere is a long-lasting investment. Look after it (as you would your stocks and shares), and it'll serve you well for years to come. On the plus side, the naturally breathable and odour-resistant yarns used in our cashmere means that washing after every wear isn’t necessary. So, how do you wash cashmere, then? It’s a long-standing myth that all cashmere needs to be cared for by laundry professionals or washed by hand. Cleaning cashmere can be much simpler. To keep yours in tip-top shape, follow our step-by-step guide to cleaning Tyrwhitt cashmere or merino-cashmere knitwear at home – with zero trips to the dry cleaner required.
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Step 1: How to wash cashmere clothing
Can you machine wash cashmere, you ask? If your cashmere knitwear is from Charles Tyrwhitt, then yes, absolutely, you can. Alternatively, you can also handwash it or have it professionally cleaned if you prefer. Let’s explore all your options.
Can you wash cashmere in the washing machine?
Here at Charles Tyrwhitt, we understand you don't want to spend your Sunday mornings carefully washing cashmere by hand or speeding off to the dry cleaners. All of our cashmere knitwear is designed to be machine washable at 30°C on a wool wash temperature cycle.
Your best bet for how to wash your cashmere jumper in a machine is first to turn it inside out to protect the surface. Then, a mild detergent is all you need – stay away from fabric conditioner, which leaves a coating on the fibres and reduces softness. Turn down the spin speed, too. Easy does it to prevent stretching.
How to wash a cashmere sweater by hand
Handwashing cashmere is another option if the mood strikes you. To clean a cashmere jumper by hand, turn it inside out, wet it, then soak it in lukewarm water with a delicates detergent for about five minutes. Give it a gentle wash and squeeze, then rinse it with cold water to end. You can also have your sweater dry-cleaned by the experts occasionally. Just once per season will suffice.
STEP 2: HOW TO DRY CASHMERE CLOTHING
The yarns used to craft your favourite cashmere jumpers require a little more TLC than cotton or jersey, so throwing your knitwear into the tumble drier is a big no-no. Wringing cashmere to dry it is also an absolute no-no. Doing so can move the fibres, which are weaker when wet, resulting in a spoilt outfit. Our top tip to make drying cashmere that bit quicker: roll it gently in a clean towel to absorb as much moisture as possible before laying it to dry on a flat surface. You may also be able to pop it in for a short spin cycle in the machine. You can then do some reshaping once the water weight has been taken out of the garment. Straighten the sleeves and remove any visible creases.
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STEP 3: HOW TO STOP CASHMERE CLOTHING FROM PILLING
Although light pilling is completely normal for cashmere, there are a few tricks you can use to stop a build-up. The first one is something we've already mentioned – washing inside out. The second? Get yourself a handy debobbler to remove any uneven patches as and when they appear.
How to debobble a jumper
To bring life back to your cashmere jumper and banish those pesky bobbles, grab a gentle fabric shaver or pill comb. Simply glide it over the fabric and watch it work its magic. It's like giving your sweater a mini spa day – smooth, sleek, and ready to rock your cosy vibes again!
Other ways to avoid sweater pilling
Prevention is better than cure, as they say. There are a few things that can help stop sweater pilling from happening. Things you can do to avoid sweater pilling include:
- Letting your outfit rest for a while between wears.
- Always follow the care instructions for how to wash a cashmere sweater.
- Brushing the piece down to get rid of any dirt and debris.
- Only washing with gentle detergents made for cashmere.
- Taking the outfit to a specialist dry cleaner.
STEP 4: HOW TO STORE CASHMERE CLOTHING
One of the best ways to keep your cashmere looking as good as new and feeling supersoft is to make sure you store it properly. As a general rule, it's better to fold cashmere than hang it – lumps, bumps, and misshapen shoulders aren't a flattering look on anybody. Create a space on your shelf or in a drawer for your finest knitwear, and add in a few mothballs, cedar balls, or a lavender sachet for good measure to avoid unsightly holes appearing. Place your cashmere outfit in a dust-free, well-aired area away from direct sunlight. Another top tip before you store your cashmere piece away for a few months over the summer is to wash it - carefully. Any dirt, dust, or dead skin cells will likely attract moths and other bugs that can ruin your outfit.
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How often should you wash cashmere?
Washing cashmere too frequently can lead to wear and tear. Ideally, clean it every 3-4 wears. Handwash in cold water with a gentle detergent, and avoid wringing or twisting. Lay it down flat on a clean towel to dry to maintain its shape. If your cashmere is from Charles Tyrwhitt, you can pop it into the machine on a wool wash temperature cycle (max 30°C), then follow the same drying method. Treat your cashmere with care—it'll thank you with lasting softness and warmth.
How to stop cashmere sweater pilling
To prevent cashmere from pilling, give your cosy outfit some TLC. Wash it using a gentle detergent, avoid rough surfaces, and fold it instead of hanging it. Invest in a cashmere comb to delicately remove any fuzz. Taking these steps will keep your cashmere looking smooth and pill-free for longer.
Can you repair cashmere?
Repairing cashmere is possible, but it's best left to the pros. A skilled tailor can work wonders if you've got a pesky moth hole or snag. DIY attempts might lead to more trouble. Keep your cosy cashmere in top shape with some expert TLC.
Faq
How often should you wash cashmere?
Washing cashmere too frequently can lead to wear and tear. Ideally, clean it every 3-4 wears. If your cashmere is from Charles Tyrwhitt, you can pop it into the machine on a wool wash temperature cycle (max 30°C), then follow the same drying method. Treat your cashmere with care—it'll thank you with lasting softness and warmth.
How to stop cashmere sweater pilling?
To prevent cashmere from pilling, give your cosy outfit some TLC. Wash it using a gentle detergent, avoid rough surfaces, and fold it instead of hanging it. Invest in a cashmere comb to delicately remove any fuzz. Taking these steps will keep your cashmere looking smooth and pill-free for longer.
Can you repair cashmere?
Repairing cashmere is possible, but it's best left to the pros. A skilled tailor can work wonders if you've got a pesky moth hole or snag. DIY attempts might lead to more trouble. Keep your cosy cashmere in top shape with some expert TLC.
Our top tips for cashmere clothing
Taking care of cashmere takes a little more effort than other fabrics, but it’s so worth it. To recap our how-to-wash cashmere guide, here are some key takeaways:
- Fold your cashmere jumper, scarf, or hoodie rather than hanging.
- Avoid putting cashmere in plastic bags for extended storage.
- Wash your outfit well if it’ll be stored for a long while to avoid attracting insects.
- If you're worried about pilling, try a piece that’s been brushed rather than one that's been washed and dyed.
And there you have it - all you need to look after your cashmere like a pro and without a whole lot of fuss.