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

Ytaya

welf_man wrote:

I have several Tesco cashmere jumpers which have been carefully handwashed and dried flat - the shape is perfect but the bobbling is terrible!

Does anyone know how to prevent further problems?

The bobbling is known as 'pilling' and it's due to the length of the fibres and the way they were spun into yarn. Your best bet is to gently and lightly shave the bobbles off with a razor. Lie the sweater flat, stretch it slightly to keep the surface taut (just like you do your calves when you shave!) and lightly run the razor over it. You can keep doing this whenever it pills, and eventually it'll stop doing it.

They're caused by friction, so to prevent it you'd need to avoid rubbing anything against the sweater.

mean_momma

I wash mine on wool cycle (admittedly in a v good machine) at 40 degrees. Used to buy Stergene, but now often just use shampoo or a little washing up liquid. I also dye my cashmere jumpers. Dingy cream ones dye to a lovely shade of turquoise. Have been told by professional dyers that it's not the temperature but the action that causes wool to shrink, although have not dared to put it to the test!

mean_momma

Ytaya wrote:

The bobbling is known as 'pilling' and it's due to the length of the fibres and the way they were spun into yarn. Your best bet is to gently and lightly shave the bobbles off with a razor. Lie the sweater flat, stretch it slightly to keep the surface taut (just like you do your calves when you shave!) and lightly run the razor over it. You can keep doing this whenever it pills, and eventually it'll stop doing it.

They're caused by friction, so to prevent it you'd need to avoid rubbing anything against the sweater.

Sadly, I'm told that the cheaper cashmeres from the Far East bobble much more than the old fashioned, Scottish variety......

mean_momma

Re Bobbling:

Sadly, I'm told that the cheaper cashmeres from the Far East bobble much more than the old fashioned, Scottish variety......

margaretfeb

Ytaya
I agree entirely, use shampoo for woollens and cashmere, as you said wool is only sheep's hair.

MohairMama

I NEVER EVER use woolite to wash any of my woolens.

I don't want to break down the protein in the natural fiber.

Use a gentle shampoo for hair, baby shampoo is a good choice. Never detergents. Also there are several soaps made specifically for Woolens, cashmere and angora fibers. You can locate them online at almost any site selling woolen yarn and knitting supplies or at a local yarn shop, knitting shop.

I'm a knitter and I for sure want to keep that treasured garment looking it's best after all, I spent my time in creating it!

GIRLPOWER_2

Hello. :hello:

Thanks for the tip.

Would you hand wash?

Also would you use a fabric conditioner?

Nikki

frivolous_fay

Bought a pink cashmere scarf for my sis for crimbo... just my luck, I've now noticed grubby marks here and there. (ruddy TKMaxx)

Should I....

attempt to spot clean?
hand wash?
try the machine? (I've got stergene and a decent machine)

Primrose

I think many manufacturers just put a Dry Clean label on their products to protect themselves. I have gently hand washed all kinds of clothing which has had a Dry Clean only label, including a ladies suit (!), woollen sweaters, a silk dress and my husband's silk ties. The trick is to use hand warm water, and soft suds, squeeze gently to remove surplus water and dry flat if possible. However, I have occasionally used a light spin on the washing machine for heavy items and then patted flat. I think the occasions to beware of washing a "Dry Clean Only" garment are when it contains two different types of material, possibly in a lining, where on layer might shrink in water and the other doesn't. But generally I think most woollen are safe with washing, although long term, they could tend to shrink a little.

BallandChain

I have washed cashmere scarves on the handwash cycle in the washing machine (the model I have has this facility) and they have come out great. Also I've just bought some gel filled bras which are hand wash only and on the same wash cycle have had no problems.