Guide to Caring for Delicate Garments

COMPLETE GUIDE TO CARING FOR CASHMERE AND MERINO WOOL GARMENTS

CASHMERE

The cashmere, a precious natural yarn, represents excellence for its softness and delicacy. Given its unique characteristics, properly caring for cashmere knitwear is essential to preserve its quality over time.

ORIGINS AND CURIOSITIES OF CASHMERE

The cashmere comes from goats found in the Asian regions of Pakistan, Asia Minor, Turkestan, Iran, and the Caucasus. Its main characteristic is its rarity, as the precious fiber is obtained only from the undercoat down, which is significantly softer and finer than the goats' outer layer. The yarn production from each goat is limited, ranging between 100 and 200 grams, giving it an extraordinary value.

For these reasons, giving 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 smooth.

HOW TO HAND WASH A CASHMERE GARMENT

The ideal method to wash a cashmere garment is hand washing.

Before starting the wash, prepare:

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

WHAT NOT TO DO DURING HAND WASHING AND DRYING OF A CASHMERE GARMENT

• Do not wring or rub the cashmere garment during washing;
• Use fabric softener;
• Use bleach;
• Lay the cashmere garment vertically or hang it during drying;
• Use the dryer;
• Expose the cashmere garment to direct sunlight during drying.

HOW TO WASH A CASHMERE GARMENT IN THE WASHING MACHINE

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

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

• Neutral detergent or specific for delicate garments;
• Specific laundry bag;
• Clean towel.

Then follow these steps

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

WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN WASHING AND DRYING A CASHMERE GARMENT IN THE WASHING MACHINE

• Use fabric softener;
• Use bleach;
• Lay the cashmere garment vertically or hang it during drying;
• Use the dryer;
• Expose the  sweater or the cashmere accessory to direct sunlight during drying.

HOW TO IRON A CASHMERE GARMENT

Ironing a sweater or a cashmere accessory is not strictly necessary, as the fibers are very elastic and easily regain their original shape.

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

• Iron with temperature control;
• Clean cotton cloth;
• Water spray bottle.

Then follow these steps:

• Turn on the iron and set the temperature to the lowest suitable level for cashmere or wool following the instructions on the iron;
• Prefer the steam function because moisture reduces the chance of damaging your cashmere garment;
• Lay the garment on the ironing board and place the cotton cloth over your cashmere garment. This will protect your garment from the direct heat of the iron;
• Gently pass the iron over the area covered by the cotton cloth. Avoid moving too much and pressing hard with the iron on your cashmere garment;
• If you notice stubborn wrinkles, spray a little water on the affected area to relax the fibers;
• Repeat these steps until you have completely ironed the garment;
• Let your garment air dry before folding and storing it in the wardrobe.

WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN IRONING A CASHMERE GARMENT

• Over-ironing cashmere garments;
• Using high temperatures to iron cashmere garments.

DRY CLEANING OF CASHMERE GARMENTS

The dry cleaning is not the best choice for washing your cashmere garments.

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

Although dry cleaning is a good option for some fabrics, it is not always the best choice for cashmere garments.

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 if you can dry clean your cashmere garment, always check the care label inside it. The dry cleaning symbols are shown in this image:

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 properly. Here are some useful tips:

• Do not wash the cashmere garment too often. You can simply air the garment after wearing it, to refresh it and let it breathe;
• Do not over-iron the cashmere garment, as heat could damage the fiber;
• Do not expose the cashmere garment to direct sunlight or near heat sources;
• Do not store the cashmere garment in a wardrobe or drawer without protecting it from possible moths, which could damage it. You can use cotton or linen bags, or airtight plastic bags, to isolate the garment. 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 moisture when storing it in the wardrobe;
• Remove pilling (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 is a natural textile fiber of animal origin produced by the merino sheep. 

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

• Wool regulates moisture and body temperature: it 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 stains, did you know? Water-based stains are not absorbed and can be removed more easily. This means fewer washes and a gain for the environment and your wallet;
• Wool is fire-resistant and protects against UV rays, harmful to the skin.

ORIGINS AND CURIOSITIES OF MERINO WOOL

The history of merino wool begins in Spain, where merino sheep were raised for their precious wool as early as the 12th century. Over time, the spread of these sheep extended to various regions of the globe, creating a wool tradition of great importance.

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

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

HOW TO HAND WASH A MERINO WOOL GARMENT

Merino wool, due to its fineness, is considered a delicate fabric that requires extra care during washing, drying, and ironing.

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

Before starting the wash, prepare:

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

Then follow these steps:

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

 

WHAT NOT TO DO DURING HAND WASHING AND DRYING OF A MERINO WOOL GARMENT

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

 

HOW TO WASH A MERINO WOOL GARMENT IN THE WASHING MACHINE

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

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

• Neutral detergent or one specific for delicate garments;
• Specific laundry bag;
• Clean towel.

Then follow these steps:

• Turn the sweater in merino wool inside out;
• Place your merino wool garment in a laundry bag to protect it from rubbing against other clothes;
• If possible, separate merino wool garments from those made of other fibers to prevent felting or pilling;
• Use a delicate liquid detergent specific for wool;
• Set the washing machine to a delicate or wool-specific cycle, with a maximum temperature of 30°C and a low or no spin;
• Once washing is finished, remove the sweater or your accessory in merino wool from the laundry bag and gently blot it with a clean towel to absorb excess water;
• Lay the merino wool garment on another clean towel, in a well-ventilated area.

 

WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN WASHING AND DRYING A MERINO WOOL GARMENT IN THE WASHING MACHINE

• Use fabric softener;
• Use bleach;
• Hang or drape the merino wool garment vertically during drying;
• Use the dryer;
• Expose the merino wool garment to direct sunlight or near heat sources during drying.

HOW TO IRON A MERINO WOOL GARMENT

Ironing a merino wool garment is not strictly necessary, as the fibers are very elastic and easily return to their original shape. If the garment wrinkles, you can hang it in the bathroom while you shower to relax it with the steam.

But if you really don’t want to give up ironing your merino wool garment, you must do it gently and carefully.

To properly iron a merino wool garment without damaging it, equip yourself with:

• Iron with temperature control;
• Clean cotton cloth;
• Water spray bottle.

Then follow these steps:

• Turn on the iron and set the temperature to the lowest suitable level for wool following the instructions on the iron;
• Prefer the steam function because the moisture reduces the chance 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;
• Gently pass the iron over the area covered by the cotton cloth. Avoid moving too much and pressing hard with the iron on your merino wool garment;
• If you notice stubborn wrinkles, spray a little water on the affected area to relax the fibers;
• Repeat these steps until you have completely ironed the garment;
• Let your garment air dry before folding and storing it in the wardrobe.

WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN IRONING A MERINO WOOL GARMENT

• Over-ironing merino wool garments;
• Using high temperatures to iron merino wool garments;

HOW TO STORE AND CARE FOR A MERINO WOOL GARMENT

To preserve the beauty and functionality of your sweater or accessory in merino wool, it is also important to store and care for it properly. Here are some useful tips:

• Do not wash your merino wool garment too often, as the fiber has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that limit odor formation. You can simply air out the garment after wearing it to refresh it and let it breathe;
• Do not over-iron your merino wool garment, as heat could damage the fiber;
• Do not expose your merino wool garment to direct sunlight, as it may fade or yellow. If you need to dry the garment outdoors, choose a shaded and cool area;
• Do not store your merino wool garment in a wardrobe or drawer without protecting it from possible moths, which could damage it. You can use cotton or linen bags, or plastic bags with airtight seals to isolate the garment. 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 a hole or tear, you can repair it with needle and thread, choosing a color similar to the garment. You can also use wool or felt patches to cover the hole and give the garment an original touch;
• Remove the pilling that forms with a comb specially designed for this purpose.

HOW TO REMOVE PILLING FROM YOUR CASHMERE AND WOOL GARMENTS

The sweaters and accessories of wool o cashmere Although warm and comfortable, they often end up developing annoying fabric pills, known as “pilling.”

The main cause of pilling is friction. When we wear a sweater or during washing, wool or cashmere fibers rub against each other and become fuzzy. Tiny yarn balls emerge from the fabric surface, creating unsightly pills.

To prevent pills 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 your wool or cashmere sweaters and wait at least one day before wearing them again;
• Avoid friction: avoid backpacks and shoulder bags that can continuously rub certain areas of the sweater;
• Proper washing: turn garments inside out when washing and prefer hand washing.

To remove pills from your wool, cashmere, or eco-cashmere knitwear, you can use an anti-pilling comb, like this

• Lay the Sweater Flat: 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 stretched and wrinkle-free;
• Position the Comb: Hold the anti-pilling comb at a 90-degree angle to the fabric surface,
• Comb the Fabric: Using short, quick strokes, gently comb the surface of the fabric in the same direction. This way, you will remove the pills without damaging the sweater;
• Gather the Pills: Once you have accumulated a pile of pills, use adhesive tape to remove them from the fabric. Wrap a large loop of tape around your fingers (with the sticky side out) to lift the pills;
• Use a Quality Comb: Make sure to 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 can wash, store, and care for your merino wool or cashmere garment simply and effectively, and enjoy its benefits for a long time.