How to Care for Your Cashmere

At Kenmare Cashmere we want you to enjoy your beautiful cashmere piece for many years to come. We have included below a guide on the right way to care for your cashmere, therefore enhancing it's longevity. Here are our top tips on how to care for your cashmere...

Avoid over-washing!

As Cashmere is a natural fibre it does not tend to hold odours or moisture. Airing your Cashmere garments, either in a well-ventilated room away from direct sunlight, or outdoors on an overcast dry day, is a very effective means of cleaning your cashmere without much effort.

Washing your cashmere - Take it handy!

At Kenmare Cashmere we will always recommend hand washing your cashmere items. Sometimes people can be tempted to use the hand wash cycle on the machine. However, although a gentle wash, the drum can still risk damaging the cashmere fibres.

Turn your cashmere garment inside out before washing, as this can reduce the amount of friction the outer surface of the garment experiences. 

In a basin or sink, add a few drops of a delicate shampoo (we love Clothes Doctor® Cashmere shampoo) or a dash of Woolite® to cool water. Soak your cashmere and gently manoeuvre it within the water. Try not the pull, stretch or wring the garment. Remember, this is a gentle process and should not be rushed!

*Never scrub or twist your cashmere - this can break the fibres and cause damage.

Drying Your Cashmere - Easy does it!

The best way to dry your cashmere is to lie it flat on a towel and remove excess water by rolling it up and gently pressing it. Once you have done this, remove it from the towel and lay flat on a drying rack away from direct contact with heat, such as a radiator, and out of direct sunlight.

Never hang your cashmere on a hanger or clothesline to dry, as it can stretch with the weight of the water and cause the garment to become disfigured and saggy.

We would highly advise against drying your cashmere in a tumble dryer. It most likely will shrink the fibres and cause irreversible damage to your garment.

De-Pilling - keep those fuzzy balls at bay!

Pilling is a natural characteristic of cashmere wool and is completely normal. Keep your cashmere looking fresh using a Kenmare Cashmere de-pilling comb. Remember, comb only in the direction of the weave, otherwise you could damage the garment.

NEVER try de-pilling a wet or dirty garment. 

Storing and Protecting Your Cashmere - Moths will destroy cashmere!

Moths love feeding on natural fibres, and that includes cashmere. We can’t stress enough the importance of storing your cashmere correctly. 

Before storing your cashmere, we recommend washing it. Any skin cells, food, perfume or lotions can attract moths. Store your cashmere in a cotton or breathable sealed bag, so it remains clean and dust free, and to prevent moth infestations.

Cedar balls and lavender sachets can be stored with your cashmere. It is important to note that they are a preventative measure, and less likely to work effectively if moths are already actively infesting the home.

If there are moths active in your home, we advise placing your cashmere in a sealed ziplock bag, and popping into the freezer for 8 days. This will kill off any larvae (moth eggs) on your cashmere.

You should also air out your cashmere from time to time to make sure clothes moths haven’t had a chance to make themselves at home in the folds of your precious pieces.

Follow these simple steps and you will keep your cashmere looking beautiful for years to come.