Cashmere and Merino wool are luxurious and delicate fibers known for their softness, warmth, and comfort. Proper care is essential to maintain their quality and prolong their lifespan. This care guide provides comprehensive instructions on washing, storing, restoring, and eco-friendly practices for these exquisite wool types.
Wash Only When Necessary
- Spot Clean: For minor stains or odors, spot clean with a gentle wool detergent and a damp cloth.
- Air Out: Hang the garment in a well-ventilated area to freshen it up between wears.
- Refresh with Steam: Use a handheld garment steamer to refresh and deodorize the wool without washing it.
- Hand Wash Preferred: Hand washing is the gentlest method for cleaning cashmere and Merino wool. Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent specifically designed for wool.
- Gentle Treatment: Avoid harsh rubbing or wringing, which can cause felting or stretching. Instead, gently squeeze the suds through the fabric.
- Rinse Carefully: Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove all detergent residue.
- Drying: Lay flat on a clean towel to dry, reshaping if necessary. Avoid hanging as this can cause stretching. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Storing
- Clean Before Storage: Ensure the garment is clean before storing to prevent attracting moths or other pests.
- Fold, Don't Hang: Fold your cashmere and Merino wool items to maintain their shape. Hanging can cause stretching and misshaping over time.
- Use Breathable Storage: Store in a breathable cotton or linen bag to prevent moisture build-up and allow air circulation.
- Protect from Moths: Place moth deterrents such as cedar blocks or lavender sachets in storage areas to safeguard against moth damage.
Restoring Shape
In some cases, natural fibers like wool can stretch a bit over time. If you want to restore its original shape, try reshaping it with water or steam. Reshaping wool garments that have stretched requires a gentle approach to avoid damaging the fibers. Here's how you can do it:
- Wet Method
Fill a basin with lukewarm water and mild wool detergent. Submerge the garment, gently agitate, then squeeze out excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting. Lay the garment flat on a clean towel and carefully reshape it to its original dimensions (Avoid hanging as this can cause further stretching). - Steam Method
Hang or lay the garment flat. Steam with a handheld steamer, gently reshaping as needed. As you steam, gently tug and reshape the garment with your hands to coax it back to its original shape. Lay flat to dry to maintain shape.
Remember to always handle wool garments gently and avoid excessive pulling or stretching to prevent damage to the fibers.
Pilling
Understanding Pilling:
Pilling is a natural effect caused by friction during wear. This phenomenon is particularly common with soft fibers like cashmere due to their fine texture. While pilling is inevitable to some extent, proper care can help minimize its occurrence and keep your wool garments looking pristine.
Prevention and Treatment:
- Choose High-Quality Wool: Invest in high-quality cashmere and Merino wool garments with tighter, more densely spun yarns, as they are less prone to pilling.
- Rotate Garments: Avoid wearing the same wool garment too frequently. Rotating your wardrobe allows fibers to recover and reduces the likelihood of pilling.
- Handle with Care: Minimize friction by avoiding rough surfaces and abrasive activities while wearing wool garments.
- Wash Inside Out: Turn your wool garments inside out before washing to reduce surface friction and minimize pilling.
- Use a Fabric Shaver: Periodically use a fabric shaver or sweater stone to gently remove pills from the surface of the wool. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Pill Comb or Sweater Brush: Use a pill comb or a soft-bristled sweater brush to gently brush away pills from the surface of the garment. This helps maintain its appearance and texture.
