Cooler weather is here, which means it is sweater season and I am breaking out my cashmere.
Several years ago I learned how to wash wool and cashmere at home and today I am going to share my tips and tricks with you! I have always loved wool and cashmere sweaters, scarves etc. during the colder months, but like most people I didn’t want to always have to bring these items to the dry cleaner. With the correct products and laundering procedures I have not brought a single wool or cashmere item to the dry cleaner except for the exception of wool winter coats. Say good buy to the dry cleaner for wool and cashmere items with these tips!
Here is how I wash my wool and cashmere at home.
Place wool and cashmere in mesh washing bag: I wash my wool and cashmere on delicate cycle in my washing machine. Before I put the items to be washed in the machine, I place them in mesh washing bags to protect from snags and stretching. You can also forgo the washing machine and hand wash.
Wash with cold water: This is very important! Wool and cashmere must be washed on cold. Even warm water can shrink your beloved items.
Wash on delicate or hand wash: I wash my wool and cashmere on delicate cycle to avoid any stretching or snags. I prefer to wash them in my machine as they can spin out which helps with the drying process. Depending on your machine you may prefer to hand wash.
Use wool and cashmere detergent: I have used The Laundress wool and cashmere shampoo for years and let me tell you it is a game changer! It is specially formulated for wool and cashmere fibers to gently clean them. It does a great job removing oil, dirt and stains. It is also cedar scent which helps in preserving the fabric. Click here to get a free welcome gift with purchase ($30 value!).
Hang dry: Once my wool and cashmere finishes spinning out in the washing machine I take them out of the mesh washing bags and hand dry them on a drying rack. If it is a bulky item like a heavy sweater or the item looks like it needs some fluffing I will put it in the dryer on the fluff up setting- no heat. No heat is very important as heat will shrink wool and cashmere. My wool and cashmere items usually take a half day to a full day to hang dry.
De-pill and Fold: After my items are dry I will check them for pills. If I find pills I will use a fabric shaver or a sweater stone to de- pill. Once I am done de-pilling I fold my items and put them away.
My wool and cashmere washing routine is simple and easy plus it saves me a lot of money! I put my wool and cashmere items into a hand wash hamper and wash everything together when I have a big enough load.