By Brenda Reese

Cashmere is considered the highest class of all natural fibers. It’s softer, warmer and lighter than all of the natural fibers. It is mainly used for dress, coats and suit fabrics, as well as for high-quality hosiery and knitwear. It’s also used for ropes, blankets, grain bags and even tent curtains.

Because of the quality of the cashmere, it’s also quite expensive so it’s definitely a good idea to know how to take care of your cashmere.

Hand-washing is generally acknowledged to be the gentlest method of cleaning cashmere. Sweaters and other cashmere garments should be washed after about 6-7 wearings to keep them looking their best. Cashmere has a tendency to become softer with each washing, which will add years to the life of your precious cashmere garment.

The first step in washing is to wash the garment in warm water and a mild soap. Even shampoo will do. Thoroughly rinse the cashmere in water of the same temperature. It’s especially important to remember never to wring or twist the cashmere, as doing this will stretch the cashmere out of shape. Simply press the excess water from the garment.

After washing, lay the sweater on a dry towel while supporting the weight of the wet garment. Slowly ease the sweater back into shape and roll it up in the towel. Press again to remove excess water and do this second with a second towel. On a flat surface, lay the cashmere fabric on a fresh dry towel until it is thoroughly dried by the air. Once the cashmere is dry, just fold it carefully and avoid a crease in the center. Don’t hang the cashmere, even if you’re using wooden hangers. Just lay it flat in a drawer or on a closet shelf. You can also fold your cashmere or knitwear with tissue and store it flat in a drawer.

Dry cleaning is also all right for cashmere. In fact, this may be the only solution in case your cashmere gets hold of stubborn stains. If you plan to machine wash your cashmere, secure it first in a tied pillowcase and set on gentle cycle.

Storing your cashmere is also relatively easy. It is best to store your cashmere and other fine woolens in either a cedar chest or in plastic bags to keep them free from pesky moths. Contrary to popular belief, moths are not attracted to the cashmere sweater itself; they are attracted to stained or soiled garments. They go for any food particles that may be on the garment, so it is absolutely essential to keep your garments clean.

Some sweaters will undergo pilling, or the little balls that get on the sweaters. It’s a natural occurrence for cashmere sweaters, wool and other natural fibers. Still, a quality sweater should not pill excessively. Pilling is usually caused by a friction such as purse strings, golf straps, seat belts, etc. Not all sweaters pill, however, but when pilling does occur, simply pull or careful cut the pills off to break the connection. You may also wash the garment to keep them even cleaner and safer.

About the Author: I’m not talented at anything that most people would call art. I work for a few fashion firms, including a great

pashmina shawl

outfit (their

red pashmina

is great!).

Source:

isnare.com

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