Gorgeous Cashmeres & Wools

• Shampoo can be a wonderful cleaner for your natural fibers such as wool and cashmere, however, just pick one that doesn't strip natural oils. Remember, shampoo is manufactured for human hair, thus, natural oils that may be stripped out during washing and conditioning can be replaced. Your lovely cashmere sweaters and scarves are no longer growing living entities. We recommend rosemary mint shampoo from Aveda. The mint will remove the surface dirt without stripping the oil. Any pure chamomile conditioner rinse is a great treatment for your cashmere, your woolens --and for your hair!
• DO NOT BLEACH...EVER!
• Spot clean your cashmere immediately when you have an accident and always pretreat spots before you wash. Always take the path of least resistance and begin conservatively when working with natural fibers. To safely spot treat your cashmeres, start out with a bit of cold water or club soda and blot it into the spot before washing. Some of the dry cleaning solutions on the market work for more recalcitrant spots also. Do not rub the spot...BLOT! Use a clean paper towel or tissue with NO print or design pattern. You can easily create a hole or worn spot by rubbing, and at the very least, you will disturb the beautiful nap on your fine cashmere sweater or pashmina shawl.
• To properly wash your garment, whether you use a shampoo or cleaner specifically made for cashmere, fill a basin or sink with warm water and completely dissolve the chosen solvent. Immerse the garment into the warm water and squeeze very gently with both hands forcing the warm soapy water in through the strands of the fibers.
• Do not ever twist or wring a wet sweater. PERIOD!
• When you have gently agitated the cashmere or woolen sweater and the water becomes cloudy, empty the water while holding onto the garment with your free hand. When you have removed most of the soapy water, fill the sink or wash basin with slightly warm clean water, replace the sweater in the vessel and gently squeeze the water through the garment. Empty and continue this process until the water in the bowl is clear of cloudy solvents--shampoo, dirt or other detritus.
• Gently gather your precious cashmere or wool sweater into your hands and press the excess water from the piece--ever so carefully. Plop the entire wet garment onto a soft fluffy towl and wrap it securely with the towel being careful not to squeeze or twist!
• Get another clean dry towel and lay it on a flat surface. Spread your cashmere sweater flat onto the towel and away from direct heat and sunlight.
• If you must, you can steam your lovely piece with a good quality steam iron such as a Rowenta. Do not allow the iron itself to touch your garment. You can hold your steam iron in one hand and steam the garment while you gently brush away any wrinkles with your free hand. This method will give you the most beautifully finished cashmere garment that will last for many years!
• I actually learned this technique back in the 60's from a wonderful dry cleaner who used to treat expensive garments for a department store where I did visual merchandising. She used to steam velvet as well as fine natural fibers with a steamer in one hand and a stiff feather in the other brushing in one direction as she worked. This method protected the nap of the piece and is actually part of the difference between a high end garment and one that is of pedestrian quality.
• I would suggest that you wash your good cashmeres and woolens no more than 2x during a season. For wearing guidelines, please see my other recommendations.

It may sound like a lot of work, but it's not once you get the hang of it. The absolute beauty, rarity, quality and softness of cashmere is worth the effort. I by far prefer this method to dry cleaning, which depending upon the cleaner can sometimes just take the life out of your beautiful cashmere.

Enjoy!