The soft, luxurious feel of a cashmere sweater or scarf is worth the extra care, but when it comes to cleaning, things can get a little tricky. Whether it’s a luxurious sweater draped over your shoulders on a chilly evening or a cashmere scarf gracing your neck during a crisp fall afternoon, this fabric is revered worldwide for its unparalleled comfort and elegance.
Cashmere can be high maintenance, but at 27 Miles, we like maintaining it. This is why we will take you through the pros and cons of dry cleaning your cashmere, that’ll keep your pieces looking fresh and feeling fabulous for years.
When to Dry Clean Your Cashmere?
Cashmere is naturally resilient, and over-washing it can compromise its softness and lead to unnecessary wear. So, how do you determine the right time to give it a cleanse?
Start by asking yourself,
Is it really time for a wash, or can it go for another round?
As a rule of thumb, wash your cashmere only when necessary, after about 5-7 wears, or when it is visibly soiled. The most obvious signs that it’s time for a dry clean are:
- Stubborn stains or odors that can’t be removed with spot cleaning or airing out.
- If your cashmere piece has been exposed to elements like dust, dirt, or even body oils from frequent wear.
- If your fabric is losing its shape or texture.
Dry cleaning isn’t always necessary for cashmere, but there are certain situations where calling in the pros is the best move.
But beyond convenience, here’s why it might actually be the right choice for your cashmere.
You can find men's & women's cashmere collection from 27 Miles.
Why Dry Cleaning Might Be the Secret to Long-Lasting Cashmere
You know the drill, drop off your delicate garment to the dry cleaners, wait for a while, and your cashmere returns fresh, spotless, and ready to be worn again.
- The Experts Know Best: Professional dry cleaners possess the expertise to care for cashmere without subjecting it to rough handling that might occur while washing it at home. There will be no friction, pulling, or friction-based damage. Just gentle cleaning using solvents specially tailored for delicate fibers.
- No Shrinking Drama: Hot water and cashmere don’t go well together. One should know that a hot washing cycle can turn your most loved garment into a swollen mess. Dry cleaning is a safe option, and above all, there is no risk that your cashmere will shrink or become sloppy.
- A Deep Clean That’s Soothing for Cashmere: The solvents designed to clean dry clothes are made to get rid of dirt, oils, and stains without affecting the structure of the fiber. So, that cashmere piece you've worn close to your skin? It has gotten all the attention it deserves.
- Stains Be Gone: From red wine to makeup smudges, dry cleaning is your secret weapon against stubborn stains. Those tricky spots that just won’t budge with regular washing are no match for professional-grade treatments.
But remember, not all that glitters is gold, which is why you should be aware of,
The Other Side of Dry-Cleaning
Let’s hit the brakes and talk about why dry cleaning may not be as flawless as it seems. For all its perks, dry cleaning does come with some baggage you might not have expected.
- Chemical Concerns: It's no secret that dry-cleaning employs chemicals such as perchloroethylene (PERC) to keep clothes clean. These chemicals are extremely powerful however they are not green. PERC is an organic solvent that has been linked to health issues as well as environmental concerns.
- Potential for Fabric Damage: Although experts have extensive knowledge, some cleaners may use high temperatures. If this happens, the once-perfect sweater may be ruined due to fiber damage, texture issues, or fade. This may not be worth the risk for your cashmere that you love.
- Costly Dry-Cleaning Bills: Dry-cleaning cashmere can be expensive. Particularly if you're cleaning several pieces, or are doing it often. As time passes, it could add up to a substantial cost. While it's certainly convenient but it's also an expense that's difficult to maintain particularly for those who are on a tight budget.
Alternative Methods to Wash Cashmere
If you prefer to skip dry cleaning and choose a more direct approach to garment care, the good news is, yes, you can take care of your cashmere without resorting to professional help.
- Hand-Wash Like a Pro: Hand-washing cashmere isn’t nearly as complicated as it sounds. In fact, it is the gentlest way to care for your precious fabric. Fill a basin with cool water, add a mild detergent, and gently swirl your sweater. Lay flat to dry on a towel and you’re done.
- Air It Out: Cashmere doesn’t need to be washed after every wear. Let it breathe! Hang your sweater in a cool, dry space for a few hours, and it will freshen up on its own. Cashmere is naturally odor-resistant, so most of the time, a simple airing is all it needs.
- Use a Sweater Shaver for Lint and Pills: Let’s face it, after a few wears, your cashmere might start developing fabric bumps or lint. Rather than dry-cleaning again, get yourself a good sweater shaver.
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Store It Right: When the seasons change, don’t just stuff your cashmere in a drawer. Store it properly in a breathable garment bag, and maybe even throw in some lavender sachets to keep moths at bay.
Trust us, proper storage is the key to preserving that authentic look.
So, Should You Dry-Clean Cashmere?
In the end, the choice is yours.
Dry cleaning cashmere certainly has its perks, especially if you are a busy bee who needs things done fast and wants expert care for your favorite sweater.
But if you are eco-conscious or trying to stretch your cashmere’s lifespan, hand-washing and taking proper care of your pieces might be a smarter move.
While dry cleaning may work for the occasional deep clean or stain removal, don’t be afraid to break out the gentle hand wash or air it out between wears.
Conclusion
Caring for cashmere is all about balance.
Dry cleaning has its place when done right, it can be a total lifesaver for those tough stains or when your sweater just needs a professional touch.
But if you are committed to keeping your cashmere in shape while maintaining a sustainable, wallet-friendly approach, it’s time to embrace the DIY methods that work best for you.
Whether you choose dry cleaning or hand washing, the goal is to keep your cashmere looking flawless and feeling even better.
Remember, every little bit of care you put in, will keep that softness, that warmth, and that luxury alive, season after season.
