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Cashmere is a wardrobe essential because of its super-soft and ultra-cozy texture. It is made with delicate natural fibers that give it a luxuriously soft feel. Cashmere is perfect for light and heavy sweaters, scarves, and mittens but requires extra care while washing. Due to the natural fibers of cashmere, it is more likely to stretch, shrink, and warp.
Though cashmere can be a delicate material, there’s no need to call in the dry cleaners. With the right technique (and a little help from Charlie’s Soap), you can safely wash your cashmere at home. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your cashmere clothing in excellent condition when washing.
Hand Washing Cashmere
Hand-washing cashmere may take more time and effort, but it allows you to make sure your cashmere garments get a little extra care. To hand wash cashmere, you’ll need a sink, tub, or large bowl and a detergent safe for wool fibers. It’s important to avoid traditional detergents that contain harmful chemicals, fragrances, and fillers that can damage woolen fibers. Luckily, Charlie’s Soap laundry detergents are perfectly safe for cashmere and wool fibers. They are gentle on delicate materials while removing grime, and they are free of harmful phosphates, perfumes, and other additives.
To start:
- Fill your container with cool water.
- Add a half dose of Charlie’s liquid laundry detergent and submerge the cashmere garment, allowing it to soak for about 15 minutes.
- Agitate the garment gently with your hands.
- Avoid scrubbing too hard, as it can damage the fibers.
- Rinse the garment thoroughly in cool water and remove excess moisture by pressing the garment against the side of the basin.
Machine Washing Cashmere
Can you toss cashmere in the washing machine? Short answer: mostly. Most cashmere items are machine-washable, though you should always be sure to check the garment care instructions. When in doubt, it’s best to stick to hand washing.
To prevent damage while machine washing cashmere, it’s best to turn the garment inside out and toss it in a mesh laundry bag. Next, add Charlie’s liquid or powder laundry detergent and wash the garment on a gentle cycle using lukewarm water.
Air Drying Cashmere
Whether you go with hand washing or stick with your machine, it’s important to air dry your cashmere. The heat from even the lowest setting on a dryer is the fastest way to turn your cashmere sweater into a miniature collectible.
To prevent warping, lay your cashmere garment flat on a dry towel. For best results, take a minute to stretch and shape the garment so that it dries in its original dimensions. Thicker garments may take longer to dry, so be sure to give your cashmere plenty of time to dry completely. Once it’s had a chance to fully dry, you’re in business. Enjoy your perfectly laundered, Charlie’s-Soap-approved cashmere with confidence.
How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?
Less is more when it comes to washing cashmere. Beyond stains and spills, washing cashmere should be limited to every four wears at the most. Fewer washes will help preserve the shape and integrity of your cashmere garments.
Lanolin Treatment
For those who wear cashmere often, consider additional treatments to care for your cashmere. Lanolin is a natural oil that conditions and protects wool. To protect your cashmere with lanolin, begin by washing your garment thoroughly. Then, soak it in a mixture of water and a woolen conditioner that contains lanolin. After allowing the garment to air-dry completely, you should have a cashmere garment that will last longer between washes.
Cashmere Care with Charlie’s Soap
From cotton to cashmere, Charlie’s Soap has you covered. Our expertly formulated products are gentle on materials and tough on dirt, grime, sweat, and stains. No matter the mess, we’ve got your back. For laundry solutions for your whole wardrobe, check out our detergents and stain treatments, and explore household cleaners and more from Charlie’s Soap.
