A beautiful sweater, whether it be made from luxurious cashmere, super fine merino wool, yak or other natural fibres, is a soft, warm and beautiful investment piece and they make a great foundation for a winter wardrobe.
Due to their delicate and expensive nature, natural fibre sweaters require a certain level of care. These practical and effective tips will help you take care of your sweaters and keep them in excellent condition for years to come.
PILLING
Depilling your sweaters regularly will help give them a clean, fresh look. There is nothing worse than a pilling sweater and unfortunately this is something that happens naturally with all fibres and is not a sign of poor quality. The truth is, a good quality natural fibre sweater will quickly reduce in pilling after a couple of washes and some early intervention with a pilling comb or small de-pilling device.
Try the battery operated or USB charger ones to keep your cashmere looking brand new. These fabric shavers work wonders on both clothing and other fabrics in your house like a couch. Or use our cashmere comb specifically designed to treat pilling on cashmere and wool fibres.
Airing Out After Each Use
Let your knits breathe. Be sure to air between washes and after you wear them, this gives the fibres a chance to relax and remove any odour. Make sure to keep your knits out of drawers and storage containers for a few days before use if they have been stored from the previous winter. This will make sure your cashmere hasn’t taken on a strange smell or shape and is ready to wear.
Cashmere and other natural fibres are such a luxurious, comfortable fabric. A classic cashmere sweater is not only stylish, but also lightweight and versatile. It can be dressed down for a day out running errands or dressed up for a night out with girlfriends.
Washing in Cold Water and Mild Detergent
You may be wondering how to wash your sweater. Most natural fibres can be hand washed, machine washed or dry cleaned. Dry cleaning can be a little harsher and not our preferred method, the wool actually loves water, so hand washing is actually recommended because it will make your knits softer over time. It is also helpful to mention that natural fibres do not need to be washed after every wear. This fabric is breathable and therefore allows for several wears before a wash is necessary. If your sweater is machine-washable you can use a gentle cycle (We recommend placing it in a pillow slip or washing bag to prevent it stretching in the spin cycle) with a wool wash or shampoo and be sure the water is cold.
If you are hand washing your knits you can put it in a sink with cold water. It is best to use a cashmere shampoo or wool wash. Cedar and lavender scented shampoos also serve the dual purpose of keeping moths away while being stored in the off season. Fill the sink with water and rinse your sweater in soapy water. When you are finished rinsing your cashmere, gently squeeze out excess water. Do not ring out your sweater this will cause it to lose its shape and stretch in unwanted ways. It is perfectly safe to get wool wet as long as it is cold water, but be sure to pay careful attention to the drying process!
Dealing With Stains
You can deal with stains on your wool and cashmere by using baby shampoo. These shampoos serve as a great stain remover! Apply a small amount of the detergent or shampoo to the stain and use a cotton swab to gently rub it into the stain. Let it sit for 30 minutes before washing your knit using the process detailed above.
Laying Them Flat When Drying
If you don’t know how to dry your sweaters it is an important thing to learn to ensure it does not shrink or lose its shape. After washing, roll your cashmere in a dry towel to be sure you have removed any excess water. Then lay your sweater out flat to dry. If you lay it flat it will help protect it from losing shape or getting wrinkled.
We like to put it on a drying rack under a ceiling fan, if this is possible, it reduces the drying time and keeps the sweater in shape.
Storing Your Sweaters
There are many tips in order to keep it in good condition. First off, never hang your cashmere sweaters as they will take on the shape of the hangers and it will ruin them for wear. Cashmere sweaters can be rolled or folded and kept in drawers or storage containers. If storing in a bag during the off season make sure to use cotton versus plastic as the plastic storage bags tend to attract moisture, which can ruin your clothing.
Pop cedar balls in with your knitwear to prevent moths, these are readily available online and are well worth replenishing them each year with some added cedar or lavender oil. Be sure to pop them in a soft cotton bag so the oils don’t get in contact with your knit.
Caring for your clothes can take time, but the process doesn’t have to be a chore, it can be enjoyable and so rewarding to see your beautiful knits revived and looking beautiful year after year.