Cashmere is a beautiful and luxurious fiber, but it can be quite fragile. With proper care, your cashmere headbands and hair accessories will last for years. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about caring for your cashmere, from washing to storage.
The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Cashmere Headbands and Hair Accessories
Cashmere is a fiber known for its softness and warmth. A headband or hair accessory made from this material is a lovely addition to any wardrobe, but its delicate nature means it requires special attention. Improper care can lead to pilling, stretching, or damage to the fibers, ruining your cherished pieces. This comprehensive guide provides practical, actionable steps to ensure your cashmere accessories remain as beautiful and luxurious as the day you bought them.
Hand-Washing: The Gold Standard for Cashmere
Hand-washing is the safest and most recommended method for cleaning cashmere accessories. It allows for gentle handling and prevents the harsh agitation of a washing machine that can damage the delicate fibers.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, ensure you have the right tools. You will need:
- A basin or a clean sink.
-
Lukewarm water.
-
A pH-neutral, gentle wool and cashmere wash. Do not use regular detergent, as it can be too harsh and strip the natural oils from the fibers. Look for products specifically labeled for cashmere, wool, or delicates.
-
A clean, white towel. Using a colored towel may risk dye transfer to your accessory.
-
A mesh laundry bag (optional, but useful for small pieces).
Step 2: Prepare the Water and Detergent
Fill your basin or sink with lukewarm water. The temperature should be comfortable to the touch, not hot. Hot water can cause the cashmere to shrink and become matted. Add a small amount of the gentle cashmere wash to the water, following the instructions on the bottle. Swirl the water with your hand to distribute the soap evenly and create a gentle lather.
Step 3: Submerge and Soak
Carefully place your cashmere headband or hair accessory into the soapy water. Gently push it down to ensure it is fully submerged. Allow the item to soak for no more than 10-15 minutes. A short soak is sufficient to loosen dirt and oils without causing damage. Avoid letting it sit for hours, as this can be detrimental to the fibers.
Step 4: Gentle Agitation
After soaking, gently squeeze the item to work the soapy water through the fibers. Do not rub, twist, or scrub the cashmere. This can cause the fibers to felt and pill. Instead, use a very light, squeezing motion. For areas with specific stains, such as makeup on a headband, you can gently dab the spot with a clean, soapy cloth or a soft-bristled brush (like a new, soft toothbrush), but be extremely cautious.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the soapy water from the basin. Refill it with clean, lukewarm water. Place the cashmere item back into the water and gently squeeze to rinse out the soap. Repeat this process, changing the water as needed, until the water runs clear and all the soap is gone. Leaving soap residue can make the cashmere feel stiff and attract dirt.
Machine-Washing: When You’re Short on Time
While hand-washing is the preferred method, a gentle machine wash can be an option if done correctly and with the right precautions. This method is not suitable for all cashmere items, especially those with delicate embellishments like beads or intricate knots.
Step 1: Use the Right Settings
Your washing machine must have a “delicate” or “wool” cycle. This cycle uses cold water, a slow spin speed, and minimal agitation. Using any other cycle will almost certainly damage your cashmere.
Step 2: Choose the Right Detergent
Just as with hand-washing, you must use a pH-neutral, gentle detergent formulated for wool or delicates. Never use bleach or fabric softener. Bleach will destroy the fibers, and fabric softener can leave a waxy coating that reduces the softness and breathability of the cashmere.
Step 3: Protect Your Accessory
Place your cashmere headband or hair accessory inside a mesh laundry bag. This acts as a protective barrier, preventing the item from getting snagged or stretched during the wash cycle. It also keeps it from tangling with other clothes if you are washing a small load.
Step 4: Add Other Items (Strategically)
Wash cashmere accessories with a very small load of other delicate items. Avoid washing with heavy items like jeans or towels, which can be too abrasive. Small, lightweight items like socks or other delicates are acceptable.
Step 5: Follow Through with Drying
Once the wash cycle is complete, promptly remove the cashmere item from the machine. Do not leave it to sit in the drum, as this can cause it to become misshapen.
Drying Cashmere: A Crucial Step
How you dry your cashmere is just as important as how you wash it. Incorrect drying methods can lead to irreversible stretching or shrinkage.
Step 1: Remove Excess Water
After washing, gently press the cashmere item between your hands to squeeze out the excess water. Do not twist or wring it, as this can permanently stretch the fibers.
Step 2: The Towel Roll Method
Lay a clean, dry, white towel on a flat surface. Place your cashmere headband or hair accessory flat on one half of the towel. Roll the towel and the cashmere together, like a jelly roll. As you roll, gently press down on the towel to absorb more of the water.
Step 3: Reshape and Air-Dry
Unroll the towel and remove your cashmere item. Lay it flat on a fresh, dry towel or a mesh drying rack, away from direct sunlight or heat. Direct heat can cause the fibers to shrink and become brittle. Gently reshape the item to its original form. For a headband, make sure the loops or seams are aligned correctly. For a hair tie, ensure the elastic inside is not twisted.
Step 4: Flip for Even Drying
As the item dries, flip it periodically to ensure even drying on both sides. This will prevent one side from drying faster than the other, which can lead to a misshapen finished product. The entire drying process can take 24 hours or longer, depending on the humidity and the thickness of the cashmere.
Spot-Cleaning and Stain Removal
Sometimes, a full wash isn’t necessary. For small spills or makeup marks, a quick spot-clean can save the day.
For Makeup Stains (Foundation, Lipstick):
- Dampen a clean, white cloth with a gentle, pH-neutral soap solution.
-
Gently dab the stained area. Do not rub, as this can spread the stain.
-
Use a fresh, damp cloth to dab away the soap residue.
-
Allow the area to air-dry completely before wearing.
For Oil or Grease Stains:
-
Immediately blot the area with a clean paper towel to absorb as much oil as possible.
-
Apply a small amount of a gentle, solvent-based stain remover designed for delicates. Follow the product’s instructions.
-
Gently work the product into the stain with your finger.
-
Rinse the area with cool water.
-
If the stain persists, a full hand-wash may be necessary.
De-pilling: Keeping Your Cashmere Smooth
Pilling is a natural occurrence in cashmere and other wools. It happens when short fibers on the surface of the item rub against each other, forming small balls. Pilling doesn’t mean your cashmere is of low quality; it’s simply a fact of life for this fiber. The good news is that it is easy to remove.
Step 1: Use a Cashmere Comb or Fabric Shaver
A cashmere comb is a specialized tool designed to gently lift and remove pills. Lay your accessory on a flat surface and hold it taut. Gently comb the pills away in one direction. A fabric shaver can also be used, but be extremely careful not to press too hard or hold it in one place, as it can snag and create a hole.
Step 2: The Old-School Method: Manual Removal
For a few scattered pills, you can gently pull them off with your fingers. Be careful not to tug on the fibers themselves. You can also use a small pair of scissors to carefully snip them off.
Step 3: The Tape Method
For a quick fix, you can use a strong packing tape. Wrap a piece of tape around your hand (sticky side out) and gently dab the pilled areas. The pills will adhere to the tape. This method is less precise than a comb, but it works well in a pinch.
Proper Storage: Protecting Your Investment
Correct storage is vital for the long-term health of your cashmere accessories. Storing them improperly can lead to damage from moths, dust, and crushing.
Step 1: Ensure Items Are Clean Before Storage
Never store cashmere that is not freshly cleaned. Moths are attracted to human oils and perfumes, making dirty items a prime target. A single moth larva can do significant damage to a valuable accessory.
Step 2: Fold, Don’t Hang
Cashmere headbands and hair accessories should always be folded, not hung. Hanging them, even for a short period, can cause them to stretch and lose their shape due to the weight of the fibers.
Step 3: Choose the Right Storage Container
Store your cashmere items in a breathable container, like a canvas bag or a drawer lined with acid-free tissue paper. Do not use plastic bags or airtight containers, as this can trap moisture and cause mildew.
Step 4: Use a Moth Repellent
Moths are the number one enemy of cashmere. Use a natural moth repellent like cedar balls or lavender sachets. Place them near your stored items. Avoid using mothballs, as they have a strong, unpleasant odor that can be difficult to remove. The chemicals in mothballs can also be toxic.
Step 5: Rotate and Inspect
If you are storing cashmere for a long period, it’s a good idea to periodically take it out, air it, and inspect it for any signs of moth damage. This is also a good opportunity to give the items a fresh shake and refold them to prevent permanent creases.
When to Seek Professional Cleaning
While you can handle most cashmere care at home, there are times when it’s best to call in the professionals.
- Heavily Embellished Items: If your headband has intricate beading, sequins, or delicate metalwork, a professional cleaner is the safest bet to avoid damage.
-
Deep, Stubborn Stains: For red wine, ink, or other tough stains, a professional cleaner has access to specialized products and techniques that can save your accessory.
-
When in Doubt: If you are unsure about the best course of action, it’s always better to consult a professional. They can provide expert advice and services tailored to your specific item.
The Anatomy of a Flawless Finish
Maintaining your cashmere headbands and hair accessories is more than just a chore; it’s a practice in preserving beauty and quality. By following these detailed, practical steps, you are not just cleaning an item—you are extending its life, ensuring it retains its luxurious feel and appearance for years to come. From the gentle art of a hand wash to the strategic placement of a cedar ball in your drawer, every action you take is a testament to the value of your possessions. These aren’t just accessories; they’re investments in style and comfort. Treat them with the care they deserve, and they will, in turn, continue to elevate your look with their unparalleled elegance. The result is a flawless, lasting accessory that feels as good as it looks.