Looking after Cashmere

mavvymoo

I have been very lucky and have been gifted some Cashmere jumpers and cardis I want to look after them and keep them looking nice. I have had one before and it went bobberly under the arms.

Has anyone got tips on washing and looking after them please ? They are all new and I would like to keep them looking that way if I can.

If they do go bobberly (sp) ? whats the best way to remove the bobbles.

I am sure you wise old stylers have some tips so thank you in advance

Mav x

Ballymackeonan

I've got a couple of cashmere jumpers inherited from ny mum (1950s) as well as a number of more recent ones, and they're easy to keep clean, although a bit of effort is required.

I wash them by hand (that means in a basin, not in the hand-wash programme in the washing machine!) in cool water with Woolite or Dreft, rinse a couple of times in cool water, and give them a quick spin-dry. Then I dry flat if possible - although in the winter I cheat and put them over radiators!

Some jumpers seem to bobble more than others, it depends on the maker. But you can just pull the bobbles off gently every so often by hand - I was on a bus trip last week and noticed someone doing this on her cashmere cardi, so I'm not the only one doing it.

As we say here, health to wear!

FairyPrincessk

I do almost exactly the same as above--hand wash in the sink, lay flat to dry and remove any bobbles by hand. The bobbles are a result of the quality of the cashmere fibers used and even some manufacturers will vary between years depending on the supplier.

I also use lavender sachets in the drawers where they're kept--I've never had moth damage, but ceder is another effective moth repeller.

Oh, and knitwear should be stored folded or flat--don't hang them up in your wardrobe.

mavvymoo

Thank you as I thought Will just get picking the bobbles off my older ones. and wash new ones by hand. These will last me a long long time I hope


Mav x

jackel

Been to a rather posh Marks and Sparks today(bought nothing !) where I looked at the label on a cashmere cardi - £85. I recently bought three at a jumble sale in lovely condition at 50p. each so I am thankful for the hints on looking after them. I shall treat them like gold and feel very grand when I wear them after seeing that price tag. jac.xx

mavvymoo

jackel What a good buy I got mine given to me 8 new Cashmere jumpers :eek: I had one already which was a £3 charity shop buy Like you I will be treating them like gold .Which is why I wanted to ask the best way to look after them.Glad its helped you too.Enjoy them they feel wonderful dont they.


Mav x

maddiemay

Hi Mav, I have rather a lot (2 big drawer full) of cashmere jumpers and cardis that I have collected over the last 12 or so years. A few I have bought new, mostly in the sales, but the majority are from CS or clothing agencies.

A few things I have found (just my HO) washing and drying temperature are critical to avoid felting and shrinkage, cool/cold water, no HOT radiators or pipes in airing cupboard, put into wash bags or pillow case to spin dry, drying flat where possible - thick towel on top of folded blanket on floor (away from chickens and other pets LOL, cats love kneading them:eek:), gently re-shape to dry and each time garment is turned whilst drying. If no "proper" washing medium or conditioner it is fine to use a basic shampoo or conditioner (applies to any woollie), but nothing that is loaded with silicone, volumising agent etc.

I do wear a few times between washes, airing each time and always wear a cami or strappy top next to my skin, also prevents "pretty lacy" bras from roughing up the fabric. Having said that, I do not wear while doing dirty or sweaty jobs.

After a while you may find that you can spot a cashmere garment at 50 paces on any sale rail, it is so gorgeous to wear it becomes addictive. Also, as far as I am aware there is no cruelty involved in obtaining the fibre, unlike Angora which I will never buy even second hand, the photos of those poor rabbits appall me. I know that it is a totally different culture, but I could not bear to see how even pet animals were kept in the markets and pet shops in China.

Sorry about the soap box, I did not meant to hi-jack your thread:(

Swampmonster

While we are taking about cashmere, does anyone know if you can dye it?

I got a lovely fitting cashmere shop jumper for £3.50 from a charity shop but it is a rather boring beige:-/

Many thanks

jackyann

I think cashmere would take up dye very well, but my experience of dyeing silk (similar find) was not good, and I "lost" the bargain!

What I would do is:

think about a trim (depending on the style)
wear with a scarf or piece of jewellery that "lifts" it

I have a boring beige silk camisole (remnant!) that I always wear in summer with a gorgeous floral shirt (open) in rich blues & browns and some turquoise jewellery.

Can I add that moths LOVE cashmere and will seek it out - I use serious moth repellent, not just rely on a lavender bag.

maddiemay

jackyann wrote: »

I think cashmere would take up dye very well, but my experience of dyeing silk (similar find) was not good, and I "lost" the bargain!

What I would do is:

think about a trim (depending on the style)
wear with a scarf or piece of jewellery that "lifts" it

I have a boring beige silk camisole (remnant!) that I always wear in summer with a gorgeous floral shirt (open) in rich blues & browns and some turquoise jewellery.

Can I add that moths LOVE cashmere and will seek it out - I use serious moth repellent, not just rely on a lavender bag.

Another vote for serious moth repellent, it is expensive, but worth it, I buy from L*akeland or the R*entokil stuff and put the strips of paper in drawers with jumpers and the hanging things on several hangers in each wardrobe where there is wool/cashmere. I also use it in the boxes containing my wool stash.

mavvymoo

maddiemay

Thank you for your reply excellent info thank you so much.Never thought about the moth problem :mad: and will invest in lakeland as recommended by you.
The Red one I washed (carefully) twice Due to the Chicken prints Have no cats thank goodness for the sake of the Cashmere :rotfl:
Looks really good and I am impressed at all the infomation I have recieved on here so glad I asked the question

I love wearing them so much and do always wear with a strappy top underneth so I am doing that right.
I can also spot them at 100 paces.I have my beady eye on an Orange one next

Thank you all once again

Mav x