Guide to the Care of Delicate Items

COMPLETE GUIDE ON THE CARE OF CASHMERE AND MERINO WOOL GARMENTS

Guida alla cura dei capi in cashmere e lana

THE CASHMERE

The cashmere, a prized one natural yarn, represents excellence for its softness and delicacy. Given its unique characteristics, take good care of knitwear in cashmere appropriately is essential to preserve its quality over time.

ORIGINS AND CURIOSITIES OF CASHMERE

The cashmere it comes from goats present in the Asian regions of Pakistan, Asia Minor, Turkestan, Iran and the Caucasus. Its main characteristic is its rarity, since the fine fiber is obtained only from the down of the undercoat, which is noticeably softer and thinner than the upper layer of goats. The production of yarn from each goat is limited, ranging between 100 and 200 grams, giving it extraordinary value.

For these reasons, give the right attention to a Sweater in cashmere during washing, drying and ironing is essential so that it can last over time while remaining soft and soft.

HOW TO HAND WASH A CASHMERE GARMENT

Come lavare a mano un maglione di cashmere

The ideal method for washing a garment in cashmere it is hand wash.

Before starting the wash, have:

  • Basin;
  • Neutral detergent specific for cashmere or delicate garments;
  • Clean towel;
  • Cold or lukewarm water.

Then follow these simple steps:

  • Fill the basin with cold or warm water;
  • Turn your cashmere garment inside out;
  • Add a small amount of neutral or delicate detergent;
  • Make sure the detergent is well dissolved in water;
  • Immerse your cashmere garment in water;
  • Leave your garment to soak for 10-15 minutes, massaging it gently;
  • Rinse with cold or lukewarm running water until you see no detergent residue;
  • Spread the towel out on a flat surface;
  • Place your cashmere garment on the towel;
  • Leave to air dry.

WHAT YOU MUST NOT DO WHEN HAND WASHING AND DRYING A CASHMERE GARMENT

  • Wring out or rub the cashmere garment during washing;
  • Use fabric softener;
  • Use bleaches;
  • Lay the cashmere garment vertically or hang it while drying;
  • Use the dryer;
  • Expose the cashmere garment to direct sunlight while drying.

HOW TO WASH A CASHMERE GARMENT IN THE WASHING MACHINE

Come Lavare in lavatrice un maglione in cashmere

Before washing one in the washing machine sweater o one accessory in cashmere, make sure that the care label inside indicates that it is possible to do so. You should find at least one of these symbols:

Simbolo lavaggio delicato a 30 gradi

In this case, to wash your cashmere garment in the washing machine, equip yourself with:

  • Neutral detergent or specific for delicate items;
  • Specific bag for washing;
  • Clean towel.

Then follow these steps

  • Turn your cashmere garment inside out;
  • Close all zips if they are present;
  • Place your cashmere garment inside the bag (not essential but preferable) and then into the washing machine;
  • Put a small amount of neutral detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions;
  • Start a short program (no more than 30 minutes), specific for delicate items at a temperature no higher than 30°, preferably cold;
  • Do not spin. At most you can do a short spin cycle that does not exceed 400 rpm;
  • Spread the towel out on a flat surface;
  • Place your cashmere garment on the towel;
  • Leave to air dry.

WHAT YOU MUST NOT DO WHEN MACHINE WASHING AND DRYING A CASHMERE GARMENT

  • Use fabric softener;
  • Use bleaches;
  • Lay the cashmere garment vertically or hang it while drying;
  • Use the dryer;
  • Expose to direct sunlight the sweater o l'accessory in cashmere during drying.

HOW TO IRON A CASHMERE GARMENT

Come stirare un capo in cashmere

Iron one sweater o one accessory in cashmere it is not strictly necessary, since the fibers are very elastic and easily return to their original shape.

To iron a cashmere garment correctly without damaging it, equip yourself with:

  • Iron with temperature regulation;
  • Clean cotton cloth;
  • Water sprayer.

Then follow these steps:

  • Turn on the iron and set the temperature to the lowest level suitable for cashmere o to work following the instructions on the iron;
  • Prefer the steam function because humidity reduces the possibility of damaging your cashmere garment;
  • Lay the garment on the ironing board and place the cotton cloth over your garment cashmere. This will protect your garment from the direct heat of the iron;
  • Pass the iron delicately over the area covered by the cotton cloth. Avoid moving too much and pressing the iron hard on your cashmere garment;
  • If you notice that the garment has stubborn creases, spray a little water on the affected area to relax the fibres;
  • Repeat these operations until you have finished completely ironing the garment;
  • Let your garment air dry before folding it and placing it in the wardrobe.

WHAT YOU MUST NOT DO WHEN IRONING A CASHMERE GARMENT

  • Iron cashmere items excessively;
  • Use high temperatures to iron cashmere items.

DRY CLEANING OF CASHMERE GARMENTS

The dry wash it is not the best choice for washing your cashmere items.

Dry cleaning is a cleaning process that uses chemical solvents instead of water to remove dirt from fabrics.

While dry cleaning is a good option for some fabrics, it's not always the best choice for cashmere items.

The chemical solvents used in the dry cleaning process can damage the delicate fibers of cashmere, causing shrinkage, loss of softness, and even permanent damage to the fabric.

To be sure whether you can dry clean your cashmere garment, always consult the care label found inside. Dry cleaning symbols are shown in this image:

Simboli lavaggio a secco maglie in cashmere

HOW TO STORE AND CARE FOR A CASHMERE GARMENT

To preserve the softness, beauty and characteristics of your cashmere garment, it is also important to store and care for it in the right way. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Don't wash your cashmere garment too often. You can simply air the garment after wearing it, to refresh it and let it breathe;
  • Do not iron the cashmere garment excessively, because the heat could damage the fibre;
  • Do not expose the cashmere garment to direct sunlight or near heat sources;
  • Do not put the cashmere garment in a wardrobe or drawer without protecting it from possible moths, which could make holes in it. You can use cotton or linen bags, or airtight plastic bags, to insulate the item. You can also use natural repellents, such as lavender or cedarwood, to mask the smell of wool and keep moths away;
  • Insert a sheet of tissue paper inside the garment to protect it from humidity when you store it in the wardrobe;
  • Delete the pilling (i.e. those annoying little balls that form on your cashmere sweater) from your Sweater in cashmere using a comb specially designed for this purpose.

MERINO WOOL

The merino wool it's a natural textile fibre of animal origin which is produced by merino sheep. 

Merino wool has many characteristics that make it unique compared to other textile fibres:

  • La lana regulates humidity and body temperature: absorbs water vapor when there is high humidity and releases it when the climate is dry; wool is a natural insulator against cold and heat. All this contributes to the comfort and well-being of the wearer;
  • Wool is resistant to staines, did you know that? Water-based stains are not absorbed and can be removed more easily. This means less washing and a profit for the environment and your wallet;
  • Wool is fIREPROOF and protects from UV rays, harmful to the skin.

ORIGINS AND CURIOSITIES OF MERINO WOOL

The history of work merino It began in Spain, where Merino sheep were raised for their valuable wool as early as the 12th century. Over time, the spread of these sheep has spread to various regions of the globe, creating a wool tradition of great importance.

Currently the main merino sheep breeders are located in Australia and China.

Merino wool is the fashion industry's favorite fiber. Thanks to its fineness, merino wool does not cause itching or irritation on the skin, making it perfect for underwear, everyday clothing and high fashion.

HOW TO HAND WASH A MERINO WOOL GARMENT

The work merinoDue to its fineness, it is considered a delicate fabric that requires some extra attention during washing, drying and ironing.

Come lavare a mano una maglia in lana merino

Hand washing is the preferred method for a merino wool garment.

Before starting the wash, have:

  • Basin;
  • Neutral detergent specific for wool or delicate garments;
  • Clean towel;
  • Cold or lukewarm water.

Then follow these steps:

  • Fill a basin with warm water (not higher than 30°C);
  • Add a small amount of detergent delicate liquid, specific for wool;
  • Turn yours inside out Sweater or accessory in work merino and close all zips if present;
  • Soak yours sweater merino wool in the water and leave it to soak for about 10 minutes, without rubbing or twisting. You can gently press the garment with your hands to let the detergent penetrate;
  • Empty the basin and rinse the garment with cold water until all the detergent has been removed;
  • Dab yours Sweater gently with a clean towel to absorb excess water;
  • Lay the merino wool garment on another clean towel, in a well-ventilated area.

 

WHAT YOU MUST NOT DO WHEN HAND WASHING AND DRYING A MERINO WOOL GARMENT

  • Use fabric softener;
  • Use hot water;
  • Wring, rub or twist your merino wool garment;
  • Hanging your merino wool garment could cause it to deform;
  • Leave your merino wool garment to dry in direct sunlight or near heat sources;
  • Use the dryer.

 

HOW TO WASH A MERINO WOOL GARMENT IN THE WASHING MACHINE

Come lavare in lavatrice una maglia di lana

If you prefer to wash your merino wool garment in the washing machine, check that there is one of these symbols on the internal care label of your garment:

Simboli lavaggio in lavatrice a 30 gradi

In this case, to wash your merino wool garment in the washing machine, equip yourself with:

  • Neutral detergent or specific for delicate items;
  • Specific bag for washing;
  • Clean towel.

Then follow these steps:

  • Turn the sweater in work merino;
  • Put your boss in work merino in a laundry bag, to protect it from possible rubbing with other clothing;
  • If possible, separate merino wool items from those made of other fibres, to prevent them from felting or becoming filled with lint;
  • Use a liquid detergent delicate, specific for wool;
  • Set your washing machine to a delicate or wool-specific cycle, with a maximum temperature of 30°C and low or no spin;
  • Once the wash is finished, take out the Sweater or yours accessory merino wool from the laundry bag and pat it gently with a clean towel to absorb excess water;
  • Lay the merino wool garment on another clean towel, in a well-ventilated area.

 

WHAT YOU MUST NOT DO WHEN MACHINE WASHING AND DRYING A MERINO WOOL GARMENT

  • Use fabric softener;
  • Use bleaches;
  • Lay the merino wool garment vertically or hang it while drying;
  • Use the dryer;
  • Expose the merino wool garment to direct sunlight or near heat sources while drying.

HOW TO IRON A MERINO WOOL GARMENT

Iron one item in work merino it is not strictly necessary, since the fibers are very elastic and easily return to their original shape. If the item gets wrinkled, you can hang it in the bathroom while you shower to let it relax with the steam.

Come stirare un capo in lana merino

But if you really don't want to give up ironing your garment in work merino you have to do it with delicacy and care.

To iron a garment correctly in work merino without damaging it, equip yourself with:

  • Iron with temperature regulation;
  • Clean cotton cloth;
  • Water sprayer.

Then follow these steps:

  • Turn on the iron and set the temperature to the lowest level suitable for the work following the instructions on the iron;
  • Prefer the steam function because humidity reduces the possibility of damaging your merino wool garment;
  • Lay the garment on the ironing board and place the cotton cloth over your merino wool garment. This will protect your garment from the direct heat of the iron;
  • Pass the iron delicately over the area covered by the cotton cloth. Avoid moving too much and pressing the iron hard on your merino wool garment;
  • If you notice that the garment has stubborn creases, spray a little water on the affected area to relax the fibres;
  • Repeat these operations until you have finished completely ironing the garment;
  • Let your garment air dry before folding it and placing it in the wardrobe.

WHAT YOU MUST NOT DO WHEN IRONING A MERINO WOOL GARMENT

  • Iron merino wool items excessively;
  • Use high temperatures to iron merino wool garments;

HOW TO STORE AND CARE FOR A MERINO WOOL GARMENT

To preserve the beauty and functionality of yours sweater O accessory in work merino, it is also important to store and care for it in the right way. Here are some helpful tips:

  • Don't wash your merino wool garment too often, because the fiber has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which limit the formation of odors. You can simply air the garment after wearing it, to refresh it and let it breathe;
  • Do not over-iron the merino wool garment, because the heat could damage the fibre;
  • Do not expose your merino wool garment to direct sunlight, as it may fade or yellow. If you need to dry your garment outdoors, choose a shaded and cool area;
  • Do not put your merino wool garment in a wardrobe or drawer without protecting it from possible moths, which could make holes in it. You can use cotton or linen bags, or airtight plastic bags, to insulate the item. You can also use natural repellents, such as lavender or cedarwood, to mask the smell of wool and keep moths away;
  • If your merino wool garment gets holes or tears, you can repair it with a needle and thread, choosing a color similar to that of the garment. You can also use wool or felt patches to cover the hole and give an original touch to the garment;
  • Delete the pilling which is formed with a comb designed specifically for this function.

HOW TO REMOVE PILLING FROM YOUR CASHMERE AND WOOL GARMENTS

sweaters and accessories Of work O cashmere despite being warm and comfortable, they often end up with annoying balls of fabric, known as "pilling".

The root cause of pilling it's the rubbing. When we wear a Sweater or during washing, the wool or cashmere fibers rub together and become tangled. The tiny balls of yarn emerge from the surface of the fabric, creating the unsightly balls.

To prevent spots from forming on wool or cashmere sweaters, it is important to take care of your garments. Here are some simple tips:

  • Alternate the use of yours wool or cashmere sweaters and let at least a day pass before wearing them again;
  • Avoid friction: avoid backpacks and shoulder bags that can continuously rub certain points of the sweater;
  • Proper washing: Turn clothes inside out when you wash them and prefer hand washing.

To remove the dots from your wool, cashmere or eco cashmere sweater you can use a anti-pilling comb, in this way

  • Lay out the sweater: place the sweater on a flat surface, such as a table or ironing board;
  • Keep the fabric taut: Make sure the affected part of the sweater is taut and without wrinkles;
  • Place the Comb: Hold the anti-pilling comb at an angle of 90 degrees relative to the surface of the fabric,
  • Comb the fabric: Using short, quick strokes, gently comb the surface of the fabric into the same direction. This way, you will remove the balls without damaging the sweater;
  • Collect the Balls: Once you have a bunch of balls, use tape to remove them from the fabric. Wrap a large ring of tape around your fingers (sticky side out) to lift the balls;
  • One first Comb quality: Make sure you use an anti-pilling comb specifically designed for this purpose. Its teeth are smaller and closer together than a hair comb.

By following these tips, you will be able to wash, store and care for your merino wool or cashmere garment simply and effectively, and enjoy its benefits for a long time.