Anyone had success with hand washing cashmere that is dry clean only?

GIRLPOWER_2

Got DH a lovely marcus Law 100% cashmere jumper from TK Maxx for christmas , However just gone to throw it in the sink and it says Dry clean only.

I really want to try and hand wash it but before i do any tip's/ horror stories I should know?

Cheers.

lofty_cherrytree

Hi there, I have a black polo neck cashmere jumper which must be over 20 years old which I have successfully handwashed using a gentle handwashing product(eg, Woolite) It doesn't appear to have suffered despite the label saying dry clean only! This item was given to me so although I crossed fingers it wouldn't have been the end of the world if not successful.
Gently squeeze the item in the suds, don't rub or wring and dry flat ( I even use a slow spin to get the bulk of water out.

Good luck! X

Jillinoz

I actually machine wash my cashmere knitwear on a 30-degree delicates cycle, making sure not to use detergent that contains biological enzymes (Fairy, or similar, is good). I've never experienced any shrinkages or other problems.

If you're too nervous to risk the washing machine, another tried and tested method is to hand wash in baby shampoo in tepid water. DON'T wring or rub, though.

Once your jumper is washed, spin it in the machine on a low setting and then leave to dry away from a direct heat source (I lay mine flat on a towel on the floor to avoid any possible stretching).

Good luck!

morganlefay

I always wash cashmere and have done so for years. I do it in Woolite, tepid water, let it soak a bit then gently squidge it. Apparently any sort of wool hates big or sudden temperature changes. I sometimes do a gentle rinse and spin programme and it has always been fine and smells nice too. But BEWARE of any labels sewn in - I once hand washed a white silk shirt which was absolutely fine except the nasty little (black) label saying 'Dry Clean Only' ran and left a black mark (thankfully on inside of collar). Good luck !

TKP_3

I always handwash cashmere (I use Woolite). Do not wring. Gently wash and rinse them dry flat away from heat - same as the others really

Toxic_Lemon

I always handwash cashmere, too. Definitely reshape and dry flat.

Debt_Free_Chick

AFAIK, cashmere is generally intended to be washed by hand.

When it has a label on saying "dry clean only" that merely signifies that the manufacturer didn't bother to test how it would wash and stated "dry clean only" to be on the safe side.

I hand wash all my woollens using either pure soap flakes or a specific handwashing product like Woolite.

Wash by hand and gently rinse several times. Then, place the garment in a clean stocking or popsock (depends on the size. Gently roll the garment so it will fit inside). Spin the garment in the washing machine, but still inside the stocking.

Then gently reshape and dry it flat away from a direct source of heat. I spread mine out on a clean towel placed on the back of a spare sofa - or a spare bed would do. Turn the garment so it dries evenly.

Nicki

Another machine washer I'm afraid. If I had to HW I'd never wear it, and even less if I was dry cleaning it. My machine has two programmes for woollens, one is 30 degrees and the other is just marked cold. I use the cold programme and dry over a radiator rack. I've done this about half a dozen times with 3 or 4 cashmere dry clean only jumpers (all from TK Maxx too) and they all look like new.

GIRLPOWER_2

Many thanks...very suprised to find no horror stories:T

Will hand wash it tomorrow and let you know how I got on.

Only have one more question before I brave it.. Would you use fabric conditioner before you rince it?

Kittykat_3

I have bought several cashmere jumpers (Gap sale and Tesco in their sale - v good value) and have taken the plunge and washed them all in the machine. Wool wash at 40 degrees! No disaster stories, just making sure that they are stretched back into shape afterwards and dry flat.

I use fabric conditioner too with no problems. Good luck Girlpower!!!

SAP_Saver

I have a few cashmere jumpers and have not worn/washed them because of this - I will now give them a go on the 30 degree cycle as we only ever use the 30 degree cycle anyway... of course remembering to stretch back into shape and dry flat