Expert tips for caring for cashmere
The love of knitwear and the finest cashmere is one of the trademarks of Princess goes Hollywood . The luxurious fiber is soft, delicate and pleasantly light - but also wears out quickly. So that you can enjoy your favorite pieces for as long as possible, we'll give you 10 expert tips that you should keep in mind when caring for and cleaning them.
1. Less is more: First air, then wash
In general, cashmere - or also known as cashmere - does not need to be washed after every wear. If it is aired overnight and left to rest for at least a day, odors will disappear and the fine hairs will stand up again. Our tip: Place the slightly damp item of clothing in a bag in the freezer for one to two hours and then carefully steam it up. Afterwards it is pleasantly cuddly, soft and like new again!
2. Wash cashmere correctly: Gentle hand wash
If laundry is necessary, we recommend gentle hand washing. The item of clothing should never be left in water for too long and should then be washed carefully in cold water. Never wash heavy knitted items by hand as the yarn soaks up water and the stitches and thus the piece lose its shape.
3. Can cashmere be put in the washing machine?
Despite widespread skepticism, cashmere can of course also be put into the machine. In contrast to manual washing, washing is carried out in a regular movement so that the cashmere product is not twisted and distorted. To protect against friction, you can turn it inside out and place it in a pillow or laundry bag. Be sure to choose the cold hand or wool wash cycle and a low speed (max. 400 revolutions). Otherwise, nodules will form more quickly because the fibers become matted.
4. Which detergent for cashmere?
For gentle cleaning, use special detergents that are specifically tailored to the care needs of high-quality cashmere. They are moisturizing and contain no bleach, brighteners or fabric softeners. This means that the natural protective layer of the wool fibers is preserved. In addition to special care products, you can also use good shampoo.
5. If a mishap happens: remove stains
Please do not soak stains or attempt to remove them by rubbing. This causes the fiber to become matted. It's better to put a dab of shampoo on the stain and wash as described.
6. Dry cashmere properly
Drying by hand is particularly gentle. To do this, wrap the cashmere fashion item or cashmere sweater in a towel and gently squeeze out the moisture. Then carefully pull it into shape and dry it lying flat. Under no circumstances should cashmere be hung up to dry as the shape warps so easily. Please do not place it in the sun or directly next to the heater. Strong heat causes cashmere to shrink.
7. Ironing cashmere?
The easiest and most gentle way is to steam with a steamer. To ensure that your favorite piece is not damaged, simply hold it lightly over it and do not touch it. The moisture and warmth allow the delicate tissue fibers to relax and flatten. If you use the iron, it is advisable to use the lowest setting and protect the garment with a cloth. Avoid direct contact between iron and items to be ironed!
8. Pilling: care with the cashmere comb
Unfortunately, it is unavoidable that cashmere forms small pills over time. The so-called “pilling” is an indication of quality and purity and is simply part of this natural material. It is caused by friction on the surface of the textile, which causes the fine cashmere fibers to wrap around each other and knot. Under no circumstances should you pick or cut these nodules, but rather gently comb them out with a cashmere comb . After the treatment, your favorite piece will be like new again.
9. Store cashmere correctly
To ensure that your cashmere items stay in shape, they should be carefully folded and stored in the wardrobe. Make sure not to squeeze them if possible and to ventilate them regularly. For longer storage, e.g. winter wardrobe, it is recommended to store the individual items in plastic bags. When storing in boxes and suitcases, avoid using strong pressure or stuffing, otherwise the fibers may break.
10. Help! What to do if there are moths?
Scented sachets filled with lavender or cedar wood are suitable for preventing moths. If the annoying visitors have already made themselves comfortable in the wardrobe, anti-moth strips can help.
