Fabric Care Guide - Cashmere

Cashmere

Cashmere's super soft fibers make it the ultimate in luxury. But contrary to popular belief, you can wash cashmere by following these simple tips.

Cleaning Cashmere can be cleaned in a washing machine that doesn't have an agitator using the hand wash or wool cycle. Don't wring garments when hand washing as this could damage the fibers.

Drying After washing, reshape the garment and lay flat to dry away from direct heat or sunlight. To remove excess water after washing, gently roll the garment in a towel. Although air-drying is best for cashmere garments, they can also be placed in the machine dryer on a drying rack that's available as an accessory to many home dryers. The garments are not tumbled but air is flowed through them to speed the drying process. For this option, use the air cycle on your dryer.

Ironing Use the wool or steam setting on a warm iron.

Storing Store cashmere in a cool, dry place. Lay garments flat to prevent damage to the fibers. Cedar chests are ideal, but cedar chips, mothballs or a mothproofed closet also work well to prevent insects from eating away at the fibers. For long-term storage, dry clean first to keep moths at bay, as this removes the body oils they are attracted to.

Hint The agitator is the arm that rotates during the wash cycle to get clothes squeaky clean. But not all washers need an agitator. The Whirlpool brand Cabrio® washer has a wash plate model that works just as well as traditional washers, making it a perfect partner for cleaning cashmere. View the Cabrio® Fabric Care System