<aside>
🌿 Credit: The Spruce (this is an abridged verison)
</aside>
How to Hand-Wash Wool and Cashmere Clothes
- Pretreat Stains: Pretreat stains following the guidelines for the specific type of stain. However, before you pretreat, read the product label carefully to ensure it can be used on wool or cashmere clothing. Stain-removal products should be tested in an inconspicuous spot, such as an inside seam, before using.
- Fill a Washbasin: Fill a washbasin or sink with cool water. Following the product label's directions, add wool and cashmere shampoo to the water.
- Soak the Garment: Submerge the item of clothing in the water. Agitate the water surrounding the garment—not the garment itself—to distribute the soap. Let the item soak for up to 30 minutes.
- Rinse the Garment: Run cool water over the item of clothing until the soap has rinsed out. Press the water out of the item, but do not wring it. The item may release excess dye into the water, so don't panic if there is water is colorful when you remove the garment. You're unlikely to notice any color loss once the item is dry.
- Allow to Air-Dry: Lay the garment flat on a clean towel and roll it up to remove the extra water. Transfer the item to a drying rack or a dry towel and lay it flat to allow it to air-dry. Place it away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can damage, shrink, or yellow the clothes.
Storing Wool and Cashmere Clothes
Store wool and cashmere garments in a cool, dry location. Heat and humidity, such as in an attic or basement, can cause damage to the fabric. For the most part, the items should be folded carefully and placed in a breathable cotton garment bag. For an extra layer of protection, wrap the pieces in acid-free tissue paper and add silica gel sachets. Avoid plastic storage bags, which trap moisture and increase the risk of mildew and discoloration.
Pests, particularly moths and silverfish, love to lay eggs in and nibble on the natural fibers of wool and cashmere. Ward them off by storing the clothing with cedar balls or herb sachets that contain lavender, mint, rosemary, thyme, or cloves.
Ironing
Both wool and cashmere fibers can be damaged by the high heat of an iron. Use a steamer to get rid of wrinkles.
If you must use an iron on wool or cashmere, turn the item inside out and use a pressing cloth. Apply low, moist heat to the top of the pressing cloth for no more than 10 seconds at a time.
Tips for Washing Wool and Cashmere Clothes
- To help wool clothes keep their shape, always empty pockets and remove any accessories that might pull on the fibers like belts and jewelry.
- If you have a two-piece ensemble, always wash both pieces at the same time. This will keep the color and wear more consistent.
- Button or zip clothes to help them keep their shape and prevent wrinkles.
- Spot-clean stains as they happen so the garment might be worn a few more times. Every time you clean a wool garment, a little bit of damage is done to the fibers. Prolong the time between cleanings as long as possible.
- For heavier wool clothes, use a soft-bristled garment brush after wearing to remove surface dust and soil.
- Allow at least 24 hours between wearings so the fibers can dry from any moisture from the body or outside sources and relax back into their original shape.