Washing cashmere properly - simple instructions for long-lasting softness 🧺☁️

Cashmere, the noblest and most luxurious of all materials, enchants with its unsurpassed softness and soothing warmth. However, a certain insecurity often creeps in when it comes to caring for this high-quality cashmere fiber. Especially when there are little whirlwinds in the household who will stop at nothing - the question quickly arises as to how to effectively remove stains without damaging your precious favorite piece. But don't worry, we're here to show you that it's not as complicated as you might think.

Cashmere is naturally stain-resistant and even self-cleaning. With the right care instructions, cleaning is child's play - even in turbulent family life. In this article, we'll tell you how to wash and care for cashmere properly so that you can enjoy your favorite pieces for a long time - without fear of unsightly stains or damage.

As a mom, you know how precious every minute is. That's why we've broken down the most important tips for caring for your clothes into quick and easy steps. No more long instructions, just a short and effective overview so you can focus on the essentials! 🤍☁️

What you need to care for your cashmere clothing:

• A washing machine that works well

• For hand washing: a wash basin or suitable washing bowl

• Mild wool detergent such as our PAPA LOBSTER Cashmere Care Shampoowhich is especially suitable for cashmere

• Space for drying

• Iron or steamer to smooth out the creases

• A quiet, well-ventilated place to store the garments so that they keep their shape

And this is how it works - your step-by-step guide:

1. machine wash

Select a gentle wash cycle with a maximum temperature of 30 °C and reduce the spin speed to 400 rpm to avoid unnecessarily stressing the material. It is important that you use a mild, liquid wool detergent as conventional detergents can attack the fibers and dry them out. A laundry bag can provide additional protection so that your cashmere item does not snag on other items of clothing or become roughened.

2. hand wash your cashmere wool

Use lukewarm water at a maximum of 30 °C and a gentle wool detergent. Do not soak the garment for too long - five to ten minutes is enough. You should then rinse it carefully with clear water without wringing it out too much, as this can damage the fibers. Instead, you can gently squeeze the cashmere item between your hands to remove excess water. 🫧

3. drying

After washing, you should never hang your cashmere item up, as the fabric can warp under its own weight. Instead, lay it flat on a towel or other absorbent surface. Pull it carefully into its original shape so that it dries evenly. Avoid direct sunlight or heating as this can dry out the fibers and make them brittle. Simply leave your cashmere piece to air dry at room temperature - this will keep it soft and supple.

4. steaming and ironing

If wrinkles form after washing, you can gently steam your cashmere or iron it at a low temperature. Run a steam iron over the cashmere at a low temperature and without applying strong pressure. This will help the cashmere pieces to retain their shape and the cashmere fibers to develop their typical fluffiness.

5. remove lint

Pilling - the formation of small pills - is a natural process with cashmere and is caused by friction. This does not mean that your garment is of poor quality! You can use a lint shaver or a special cashmere comb to remove this small fluff. Make sure to run the tool gently and in one direction over the wool so as not to stress the fibers unnecessarily. 🧺

6. store correctly

Cashmere not only needs the right care, but also careful storage. It is best to store your cashmere pieces folded in a well-ventilated cupboard. Do not hang them on hangers, as the material can stretch and lose its shape.

Cashmere knowledge in detail - the background to cashmere care

How often cashmere clothing should be washed

Cashmere regenerates after every wash and retains its original shape thanks to the elastic recovery of the fibers. In addition, cashmere only forms its typical fluff through wearing and washing and thus acquires its fluffy, cuddly soft character. So don't shy away from regular washing, which makes our cashmere items more beautiful and cozier. 🤍

When is washing unavoidable?

Although cashmere is very easy to care for, there are some situations where washing is necessary:

• Stains - liquids such as wine, coffee or oils should be treated immediately to avoid discoloration. It is best to clean the affected area carefully with cold water and a mild detergent.

• Strong odors - If cashmere has been exposed to strong odors (e.g. smoke or perfume) and airing out is not enough, a gentle wash is advisable.

• Frequent skin contact - If cashmere comes into direct contact with the skin, for example with cashmere scarves or sweaters without an undershirt, skin oils can penetrate the fibers. An occasional wash helps to preserve the softness.

With this careful care, you can ensure that your cashmere pieces retain their luxurious softness and beauty for years to come.

Hand or machine wash? 🧺

Although cashmere can also be washed by hand, machine washing on a low-speed wool wash program is the better choice. When washing by hand, there is a risk that the material will be damaged by wringing out the laundry. If a washing machine is not available, a gentle hand wash can be considered.

Low temperatures are important

Cashmere consists of fine, soft natural fibers that contract under heat and mechanical stress. If the material is washed too hot or treated incorrectly, the following happens:

• Matting: The fibers become entangled, making the material hard and scratchy.

• Shrinkage: Cashmere can shrink by several sizes, making the garment unwearable.

• Loss of shape: The fabric loses its elasticity and no longer drapes as softly and smoothly as before.

The right detergent makes all the difference 🧼

Special wool detergents or moisturizing cashmere detergents are suitable for washing cashmere. This preserves the natural protective layer of the fibers and prevents them from drying out. You can also use mild hair shampoo as long as it does not contain any chemicals. Not every detergent is suitable for cashmere - many conventional detergents contain aggressive surfactants, enzymes or bleaching agents that dry out and damage the delicate fibers. To ensure the longevity of the material, you should use special cashmere or wool detergents.

A small amount of detergent (approx. one teaspoon) is sufficient for one wash of your favorite sweater. Too much detergent can dry out the material or leave residues that damage the fibers in the long term.

Which washing program is the right one? 🫧

• Wool wash cycle - This program moves the drum particularly gently and ensures that the fibres are not stressed.

• Delicate wash program - If your washing machine does not have a special wool program, the delicate wash program is the best alternative.

• Hand wash program - Some machines even offer a program that simulates the conditions of hand washing.

If your washing machine has a "cold wash" function, you can use this to provide additional protection for the material.

Temperature & spin speed: protection against shrinkage and felting

The ideal washing temperature for cashmere is a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. Higher temperatures can cause the material to felt or shrink. Also ensure a low spin speed of no more than 400 revolutions per minute to prevent damage to the fibers. If this is not possible, carefully squeeze the garment, such as your cashmere sweater, by hand after washing.

Loading the washing machine: enough space for gentle cleaning

Cashmere needs enough space to move freely in the water during the wash cycle. An overcrowded drum can lead to the material being damaged by friction. 🧺 🫧

How full should the washing machine be?

• Only half full! This gives the garments enough space for gentle movement in the water.

• Wash similar materials together. For example, several cashmere or wool items in one wash cycle, but do not add heavy jeans or towels.

If you only want to wash a single cashmere item, you can add soft towels or other fine wool items to the drum to balance out the wash.

What to do with detergent residues?

• Residues can make your clothes smell rough and unpleasant and damage the fibers. Too much detergent also leads to unnecessary foaming and residues.

• Tip: Make sure you use the right amount of detergent and choose the right program for your laundry.

• program for your laundry. An additional rinse cycle can help to thoroughly remove detergent residues

Cashmerecomes from cashmere goats and is a precious natural material that willretain its softness and beauty for many yearsifcared for properly. With the right washing and care tips, you can ensure that your favorite pieces look like new for a long time. Whether it's gentle cleaning, careful drying or correct storage - all these steps help to protect the fine fibers and self-cleaning properties and preserve the special quality of cashmere. If you give your cashmere the attention it deserves, you will be rewarded with the most beautiful feeling in the world and timeless elegance.

Pssst - do you really want to wash cashmere now, but still have questions? Then get in touch with us here, we're looking forward to helping you!

Sincerely,
Your PAPA LOBSTER team
🦞