Wool/Cashmere Care Guide: The Essentials of Washing and Storing Fine Knits for a Lifetime

🐑 Cozy Luxury, Wool & Cashmere: The Secret to Wearing Them a Lifetime Without Shrinking

Wool and Cashmere are called the kings of winter wear thanks to their excellent warmth and soft texture. However, since they are both composed of protein fibers, incorrect washing can cause fatal damage: shrinking or the fibers becoming entangled and felting. I will share the essentials of washing and storing wool/cashmere to keep your luxury knits and coats looking new forever.

💧 1. The 3 Major Taboos of Wool/Cashmere Washing

Wool and Cashmere are extremely sensitive to friction, temperature changes, and alkalinity during washing.

1. Absolutely No Hot Water:

Hot water (over 40°C / 104°F) opens the scales of the wool fibers, causing them to tangle. They must be washed with cold or lukewarm water (below 30°C / 86°F).

2. Absolutely No Wringing/Friction:

Spinning in a washer, wringing by hand, or rubbing causes felting (the fabric shrinks and stiffens). When washing, gently press the garment, and when removing water, press it with a towel.

3. Absolutely No Regular Alkaline Detergent:

Regular detergents (mildly alkaline) damage the protein fibers. You must use a wool-specific neutral pH detergent (wool shampoo).

🧺 2. How to Hand Wash Luxury Knits Without Shrinking

1. Dissolve Detergent and Soak:

Fill a basin with lukewarm water and dissolve the wool shampoo completely to create suds.
Submerge the knit for a short time, no more than 10 minutes.

2. Wash by Gently Pressing:

Gently press the garment in the water to release dirt. Carefully pat the collar and cuffs with your fingers.

3. Rinsing and Water Removal:

Repeat the process of refilling with new water and gently pressing to remove detergent foam 2–3 times.
Lay the knit on a clean towel, roll it up, and press to remove as much water as possible. (If using a washing machine spin cycle, use the lowest speed for less than 30 seconds).

🌡️ 3. Storage and Care Know-How

Reshape When Drying: Drying must be done by laying flat in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Hanging on a hanger will stretch the shoulders due to the garment's weight, causing permanent distortion.
Pill Management: When pilling occurs, use a fabric shaver or razor carefully, ensuring it does not directly touch the fabric to prevent fiber damage.
Storage: Always fold and store in a low-humidity area. For long-term storage, include moth repellents to prevent damage from clothes moths.