Instead of sending your
cashmere sweater to the dry cleaner, wash it! Many people
don't realize that cashmere can be hand-washed, and that
such care will prolong the life of the garment
Buy a detergent specifically intended
for fine garments.
Fill your sink or basin with lukewarm
or cool water, depending on the garment's washing instructions.
Add the recommended amount of fine-garment detergent to
the basin.
Briskly run your hand through the water
to distribute the detergent and generate suds.
Submerge the sweater and gently squeeze
the suds through it.
Let it soak for 20 minutes.
Drain the sink and rinse your sweater
with lukewarm water until the water rinses clear.
Gently press water out of the sweater
and place it lengthwise on a clean, dry bath towel.
Roll up the towel. Press with your palms
to squeeze out excess water.
Remove the sweater from the towel and
smooth it out so it is back in its original shape.
Lay the sweater flat on a dry towel and
let it air-dry, or use a drying rack if you have one.
Tips & Warnings
Dry-cleaning cashmere is also a viable option. However,
as cashmere is a delicate fiber, excess chemical treatments
may shorten your sweater's life.
Wringing out your sweater may pull it out of shape.
Sunlight can fade your sweater, and other heat sources
may wear fibers prematurely. It's better to let your sweater
dry naturally indoors, away from sunny windows
and heat vents.
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