Cashmere is a fiber known for its incredible softness, warmth, and luxurious feel. A cashmere blanket or throw is a valuable investment that, with proper care, can last for many years. However, this delicate material requires specific handling to maintain its quality and appearance. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to care for your cashmere, from daily use to long-term storage, ensuring it remains a cherished item in your home.
Daily and Weekly Maintenance: Keeping Your Cashmere Pristine
Proper care begins with how you use and handle your cashmere on a regular basis. Think of it as a proactive approach to keeping your blanket in top condition, preventing issues before they start.
1. The Gentle Art of Airing Out:
Cashmere, like all natural fibers, benefits from ventilation. Instead of folding it immediately after use, a simple airing can do wonders.
- How to do it: Drape the blanket over a chair, a clean railing, or a non-heated towel rack for a few hours. This allows air to circulate, helping to dissipate any odors and moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the fibers to fade and become brittle over time.
-
Concrete example: After a cozy evening on the couch, instead of tossing your cashmere throw back onto the ottoman, you gently place it over the back of a dining room chair. The next morning, before you start your day, you fold it neatly and put it back in its place. This simple habit keeps the blanket smelling fresh and prevents the buildup of stale air.
2. Spot Cleaning: The First Line of Defense:
Accidents happen. A small spill doesn’t have to be a disaster if you act quickly and correctly. The key is to address the stain before it sets.
- How to do it: Use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel to gently blot the area. Do not rub, as this can spread the stain and damage the fibers. If the stain persists, dampen a cotton swab with a tiny amount of cold water and a specialized wool or cashmere detergent. Work from the outside of the stain inwards. Then, use a new damp cloth to blot away the detergent residue.
-
Concrete example: You’re enjoying a cup of tea and a few drops spill onto your throw. Immediately, you grab a paper towel and gently press it onto the wet spot, lifting the tea without rubbing. The stain is still there, so you take a cotton swab, dip it in cold water with a drop of The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, and lightly dab the stained area. After a few seconds, you use a fresh, damp cloth to blot the area clean. The stain is gone, and the blanket is saved.
3. The Pilling Problem: A Natural Occurrence:
Pilling, the formation of small, fuzzy balls on the surface of the fabric, is a natural consequence of wear and tear, especially in areas of high friction. It is not a sign of poor quality, but rather a characteristic of cashmere.
- How to do it: The most effective way to remove pills is with a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver. Lay the blanket flat on a firm surface. Hold the fabric taut with one hand and gently glide the comb or shaver over the pills in one direction. Be gentle and work in small sections to avoid snagging the fibers.
-
Concrete example: You notice some pilling on the section of your blanket that gets a lot of friction from your elbows while reading. You lay the blanket on a flat, clean table and, using a cashmere comb, gently brush the pills away. The surface is instantly smooth again, without any damage to the underlying fabric.
Deep Cleaning: When and How to Wash Your Cashmere
Despite regular care, your cashmere blanket will eventually need a more thorough cleaning. The right method is crucial to preserving its softness and shape.
1. To Wash or Not to Wash? The Golden Rule:
Cashmere doesn’t need to be washed frequently. Over-washing can strip the natural oils from the fibers, making them brittle and less soft.
- How to do it: Only wash your blanket when it’s visibly dirty or has a persistent odor that airing out can’t fix. For most throws used on a couch, washing once or twice a year is sufficient. For a bed blanket, it might be more frequent depending on use.
-
Concrete example: You’ve had your cashmere throw for eight months, using it almost every night. It doesn’t have any specific stains, but it just doesn’t feel as fresh. This is the perfect time for a deep clean. If you had just used it for a weekend and it felt a little stale, a quick airing out would be the better choice.
2. Hand Washing: The Gentle, Preferred Method:
Hand washing is the safest and most recommended way to clean cashmere. It gives you complete control over the process, minimizing the risk of damage.
- How to do it: Fill a clean basin or bathtub with cool water. Add a small amount of a pH-neutral, specialized cashmere or wool detergent. Submerge the blanket and gently agitate the water with your hands, pressing the water through the fibers. Do not twist, rub, or wring. Let it soak for no more than 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool, clean water until no suds remain.
-
Concrete example: You fill your clean bathtub with cool water. You add a capful of Ecover Delicate Laundry Liquid. You gently place the blanket in the tub, pushing it down so it’s fully submerged. You let it sit for about 10 minutes. You then drain the tub and refill it with clean, cool water to rinse. You repeat the rinse process until all the soap is gone, making sure you never twist or wring the fabric.
3. Machine Washing: When Hand Washing Isn’t an Option:
While hand washing is ideal, some modern washing machines have delicate cycles that can be used for cashmere if absolutely necessary. Proceed with caution.
- How to do it: Place the blanket inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from friction and snagging. Use the machine’s “delicate,” “hand wash,” or “wool” cycle with cold water. Use a specialized detergent designed for wool and cashmere. Do not use fabric softener or bleach. Set the spin cycle to the lowest possible setting to prevent stretching and warping.
-
Concrete example: You have a busy schedule and can’t dedicate time to hand washing. You place your cashmere throw in a large mesh laundry bag and put it in your front-loading washing machine. You select the “hand wash” cycle, set the temperature to cold, and add a dose of a dedicated wool detergent. You double-check that the spin speed is set to its lowest, and then you start the cycle, knowing the blanket is protected.
Drying: The Most Crucial Step
Drying cashmere is where many people make mistakes. Improper drying can lead to irreversible shrinkage, stretching, or damage.
1. The Squeeze, Not Wring Technique:
After washing, your blanket will be heavy with water. The goal is to remove as much moisture as possible without damaging the delicate fibers.
- How to do it: Gently squeeze the water out of the blanket. Do not wring or twist it. To absorb more water, lay the blanket flat on a large, clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up with the blanket inside, pressing gently to transfer the moisture from the cashmere to the towel.
-
Concrete example: You’ve just finished hand washing your blanket. Instead of wringing it out, you gently press it between your hands to get the excess water out. You then lay it on a large bath towel, roll them up together like a jelly roll, and press down firmly to wick away the remaining moisture.
2. The Lay-Flat Method: Preserving Shape:
Cashmere should never be hung to dry. The weight of the water will cause the fibers to stretch and lose their shape.
- How to it: Lay the blanket flat on a clean, dry surface, like a drying rack, a clean towel on the floor, or a bed. Gently reshape it to its original dimensions. Turn it periodically to ensure even drying. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators, heaters, or sunlight. Air drying is the only safe method.
-
Concrete example: After rolling your blanket in a towel, you unroll it and lay it flat on a clean, ventilated drying rack. You carefully smooth out any wrinkles and gently pull the edges to get the blanket back into its original rectangular shape. You check on it a few times, flipping it over to ensure both sides dry evenly and completely.
Long-Term Storage: Protecting Your Investment
Proper storage is key to ensuring your cashmere blanket stays in perfect condition during the seasons you’re not using it.
1. The Power of Cleanliness:
Never store a cashmere blanket that isn’t clean. Moths and other pests are attracted to dirt, body oils, and food particles.
- How to do it: Before storing for the season, ensure the blanket is completely clean and dry. Follow the deep cleaning instructions above. If you’ve just been using it casually, a good airing out and a quick spot check for stains is often enough.
-
Concrete example: As summer approaches, you decide to store your winter cashmere throw. You give it a final hand wash and ensure it’s completely dry. You inspect it closely for any hidden stains or crumbs, making sure it’s pristine before packing it away.
2. Breathable Storage: Avoiding Plastic:
Cashmere needs to breathe. Sealing it in plastic containers can trap moisture, which leads to mildew and discoloration.
- How to do it: Use breathable storage bags made of cotton, canvas, or muslin. These bags protect the blanket from dust and light while allowing air to circulate. Alternatively, you can wrap it in acid-free tissue paper and place it in a lidded cardboard box.
-
Concrete example: You’ve folded your clean and dry cashmere blanket and are ready to store it. You place it inside a large, breathable canvas storage bag designed for blankets. You zip it up, protecting it from dust and potential pests, while still allowing the fibers to breathe.
3. The Pest Repellent Plan: Moth Protection:
Moths are the arch-nemesis of cashmere. Their larvae feed on the natural fibers, causing irreparable holes. Proactive measures are essential.
- How to do it: Use natural moth repellents like cedar balls, lavender sachets, or clove bundles. Place them directly inside the storage bag or box with the blanket. Avoid mothballs, which contain harsh chemicals and leave a strong, unpleasant odor that is difficult to remove.
-
Concrete example: You’ve placed your blanket in its breathable storage bag. Before zipping it up, you add two small cedar blocks and a sachet of dried lavender. These natural repellents will deter moths and their larvae, ensuring your blanket is safe until the next cold season.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with the best intentions, a few common errors can compromise the health of your cashmere. Awareness is the first step to prevention.
1. The Hot Water Trap:
Using hot water is the quickest way to shrink cashmere irreversibly. The heat causes the fibers to felt and tighten, permanently reducing the size and softness of the blanket.
- How to avoid it: Always use cool or lukewarm water for both washing and rinsing. The temperature should feel slightly cool to your hand.
-
Concrete example: When you’re preparing to hand wash your blanket, you instinctively reach for the hot water tap. You stop yourself, remembering that heat is the enemy of cashmere. You turn the tap to cold and proceed with the wash, knowing you’re protecting your blanket from shrinkage.
2. The Tumble Dry Temptation:
Tumble dryers, even on a low heat setting, are a death sentence for cashmere. The heat and agitation will cause felting, shrinking, and damage to the fibers.
- How to avoid it: Never, under any circumstances, put your cashmere blanket in a tumble dryer. Always lay it flat to air dry, as described in the drying section.
-
Concrete example: You’ve just finished the delicate cycle in your machine and you’re tempted to toss the blanket in the dryer to speed things up. You resist the urge, instead choosing to take the extra time to lay it flat on a drying rack, preserving its size and softness for years to come.
3. Harsh Chemicals and Bleach:
Bleach and other harsh chemicals will permanently damage and weaken cashmere fibers. They strip the natural oils and can cause discoloration.
- How to avoid it: Only use a pH-neutral, specialized detergent for cashmere or wool. Avoid any product that contains bleach or is not specifically formulated for delicate natural fibers.
-
Concrete example: A stain has you considering using a strong stain remover. You pause and read the ingredients, noting the presence of bleach. You decide against it and instead turn to your specialized cashmere soap, knowing it will be gentle on the fibers and remove the stain without causing damage.
Final Thoughts: A Lifelong Relationship
Caring for a cashmere blanket or throw is not a chore, but an investment in its longevity. By following these simple, actionable steps, you’ll ensure that this cherished item remains soft, warm, and beautiful for years to come. From gentle airing to proper storage, each action you take contributes to the preservation of this luxurious natural fiber. Treat your cashmere with the respect it deserves, and it will reward you with unparalleled comfort and style for a lifetime.