Cashmere is a caress on the skin, a precious material that exudes elegance, comfort, and timeless femininity. Because of its delicate nature, proper care is essential to keeping it beautiful season after season. Knowing how to wash cashmere means preserving its softness, shape, and that refined allure that makes it so special. In this comprehensive guide, we walk you step by step through the care of cashmere garments, helping you avoid common mistakes and make the most of every sweater, cardigan, or t-shirt.
Hand washing cashmere: the gentlest method
Hand washing is undoubtedly the ideal solution when it comes to cashmere. It's the method that most respects the fibers, minimizing mechanical stress and keeping the garment soft and compact over time. Hand washing cashmere is not complicated: just follow a few simple steps, taking your time and paying attention.
Use cold or lukewarm water, never hot, and choose a gentle detergent specifically designed for wool and cashmere. Immerse the garment in the water and let it soak for a few minutes, moving it slowly with your hands. It's important not to rub, twist, or wring the fabric: cashmere should be pampered, not forced. After rinsing, again in cold water, the garment will be clean and still soft, ready to be dried properly.
This method is particularly suitable for lightweight sweaters, cashmere t-shirts or more refined garments that you want to keep impeccable over time.
Washing cashmere in the washing machine: when it is possible
One of the most frequently asked questions concerns whether cashmere can be machine washed . The answer is yes, but only under certain conditions. The washing machine can be used if the garment allows it and if a few basic rules are followed.
Always choose the wool or delicate cycle, set a very low temperature (maximum 30°C, preferably 20°C), and avoid aggressive spin cycles. Placing the garment in a protective bag is a valuable tool to reduce friction with the drum. Again, the detergent should be specific and gentle, without fabric softener.
The washing machine can be a practical solution for cardigans or more structured sweaters, but if you are unsure or if the garment is particularly delicate, hand washing is always the safest choice.
How to dry cashmere without deforming it
Drying is a crucial step in cashmere care. After washing, the garment should never be wrung out or hung up while still wet: the weight of the water risks irreparably deforming the fibers.
The best method is to gently pat the garment dry with a clean towel, rolling it up without compressing it too much. Then, lay it flat on a dry surface, gently easing it back into its original shape with your hands. Drying should be done away from heat sources such as radiators or direct sunlight, which could stiffen or shrink the fabric.
By following these simple steps, cashmere will maintain its natural shape and that feeling of softness that makes it so pleasant to wear.
How often should you wash a cashmere sweater?
Good news for those who love this yarn: cashmere doesn't require frequent washing. In fact, washing it too often can compromise the quality of the fibers. Often, simply airing the garment is enough to freshen it up and keep it clean.
Generally, it's recommended to wash a sweater after 4-5 uses, unless there are obvious stains. Knowing how to wash a cashmere sweater also means understanding when it's really necessary, respecting the material's washing times and prolonging its life.
Mistakes to avoid when washing cashmere
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Water too hot
Excessive heat can felt the fibers and cause the garment to shrink irreversibly. -
Aggressive spin
High speeds stress the fabric and alter its structure. -
Fabric softener
It can weigh down the fibers and reduce the natural softness of cashmere. -
Hang the wet garment
The weight of the water tends to stretch and deform the mesh.
Caring for cashmere over time
Caring for cashmere means embracing a philosophy based on respect for materials and attention to detail. A quality garment isn't just a purchase, but an investment that lasts over time. In addition to proper washing, it's important to store it properly: always folded, never hung, and preferably in a drawer or on a shelf.
To update your wardrobe with pieces that combine style and quality, you can discover the selection of women's sweaters , explore cardigans in fine yarns or complete the look with t-shirts in natural materials , perfect for everyday and conscious elegance.
Cashmere: a material that rewards those who take care of it
Cashmere is a material that always rewards the care we give it. Washing it properly means preserving its elegance, softness, and identity, allowing each piece to tell its own story season after season. Caring for the materials we wear every day is a gesture of love for our style and what we choose to represent. Discover the cashmere and natural yarn pieces from the Alessia Santi collection and experience lasting quality.