Did you know that cashmere comes from the hair of a cashmere goat? It’s the layer of hair that keeps the goats warm during cold temperatures. Cashmere is luxuriously soft and a very expensive fabric that if you’re lucky enough to own then taking the basic steps to properly care for it will keep it wearable and beautiful for years to come. Items made from cashmere include coats, sweaters, scarves, socks, gloves, and even robes. Cleaning your cashmere in home takes longer but it’s much more cost efficient then taking to the dry cleaner. It could easily save you $5-$7 per sweater depending on where you live.  Check out these basic steps to protect your cashmere wardrobe and your investment!

Step 1 – Use A Clean Sink to Wash Your Cashmere

I suggest using a clean washing sink vs. the washing machine. Cleaning your cashmere by hand is a more delicate process. Yes, it takes longer but your cashmere will last longer cleaning it by hand.

Step 2- Luke Warm Water Works Best

Read the label on your cashmere to determine what temperature is appropriate. If there is no label, then use slightly luke warm water (around 85-degree temperature if you need specifics).

Step 3- Choose A Gentle Low-Alkaline Detergent

There are many shampoos on the market, but you will need something specific for fine fabric. It’s important to look for a shampoo that has low-alkaline. The more alkaline a detergent has, the harsher it is on fabrics.  There are different price points of shampoos as well.  Wool and Cashmere Shampoo by The Laundress has great reviews but it’s he most expensive option of around $19 for 16 oz. Eucalan Fine Fabric Cleaner has 4.7 star review and its $13 for 16.9 oz. Woolite Clean & Care has been a household name for a long time and it’s the best option for the most bang for your buck. You can get 100 ounces for around $15. Gentle baby shampoo is another option if you already have that in your home.  You will want to read the label to determine how much to use depending upon how much you are washing.

Step 4- Start Washing

Unbutton the sweater if there are buttons and submerge the sweater into the water. Gently knead your fingers into the sweater working the detergent into the sweater for about 10 minutes. Do not pull the sweater out of the water during this process.

Step 5- Time to Soak

Leave the sweater to soak for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 6- Time to Rinse

It’s very important to ball the sweater up and pull out of the water. Neve ever pick the sweater up by the shoulders or hem. This will stretch your sweater. Let the soapy water drain while you are squeezing the sweater numerous times to get rid of any excess water. Rinse all the soap suds out with cold water always keeping it in a ball.

Step 7- Dry Time

Carry the cashmere sweater ball and lay it on a clean white towel. Place another white towel on top of the sweater and gently roll up the towels and sweater. Any excess water is now being absorbed. Lay the cashmere sweater on drying rack and let it air dry.