To avoid being cold when it snows or when the temperature is around zero degrees, it is best to wear your best winter clothes. And this season, you are spoiled for choice: between tweed jackets, ultra-trendy oversized coats, sweater dresses, moccasins to wear with or without socks or even the famous Uggs. But the real star item of every wardrobe remains the knitted sweater. You can choose it close to the body, XXL, colorful or even in a more neutral color, it doesn’t matter, it goes perfectly with all your everyday looks.
The only downside to the knitted sweater is its maintenance. In fact, it cannot be stored just any way: opt for the folding method to keep this fragile piece in your wardrobe. To wash your precious one, you can use the steamer technique, which avoids damaging the scales of the garment. For the most fragile sweater materials, it is necessary to be even more vigilant about maintenance. The French brand Eric Bompardwhich specializes in cashmere clothing, has revealed its tips for washing this rare and expensive wool.
Care of cashmere sweaters: can cashmere be washed?
How to wash a 100% cashmere sweater in the washing machine?
Cashmere comes from the deep hair of the goat and it is not the easiest to take care of this material. To maintain it in the best possible way, you must understand its needs. First, this delicate fabric needs water to maintain its softness and prevent pilling, which is why it is advisable to wash it after wearing it two to three times. For cleaning, it is entirely possible to use the washing machine, provided you carry out a cold program with spinning at less than 500 revolutions and choose specific products (a detergent for wool or a shampoo dedicated to cashmere). “Slip your cashmere sweater into a cover (a pillowcase closed with elastic, without buttons or zip will do the trick, or better, a washing bag), to prevent it from being damaged or deformed during washing., explains the Eric Bompard brand. If you don’t have a cover available, fashion influencer @sarah.kassmi gives another tip in a TikTok video : wash your delicate clothes inside out so as not to damage them. Then, let your piece dry flat on a clean towel, in a place away from light and heat. Sarah Kamssi also recommends banning the dryer for delicate sweaters.
How to clean a cashmere sweater by hand?
If you prefer to wash your knitwear by hand, use the same type of detergent as for washing in the washing machine. In a basin, soak your mesh, tap and rinse it with clean water. Wring your cashmere sweater gently using a terry towel, then let it dry on another clean, dry towel flat. Please note that it is not recommended to use fabric softener when cleaning your cashmere clothes.
Can you iron cashmere sweaters?
You can iron your cashmere knit under certain conditions. In fact, to finish the maintenance, you can iron your goat’s wool without pulling on the fiber of the sweater, using a gentle iron and a jet of steam on the back of the sweater.
Tips for maintaining your cashmere pieces and eliminating pilling
Even if you love your clothes made from cashmere, it is recommended not to wear them for more than two to three consecutive days. The fiber of clothing needs to “rest” between each use to be able to replenish itself. This way, your knitwear will be at its peak of beauty every time you wear it.
To avoid unwanted pilling which appears very easily on sweaters, the Eric Bompard brand recommends using a cashmere comb. Simply brush the sweater scales gently in the direction of the fiber. This step should be carried out occasionally. Fashion influencer Sarah Kamssi, for her part, prefers to opt for an anti-pilling device to maintain her delicate sweaters on a daily basis.
Source: “Taking care of your cashmere”, Eric Bompard