“Contrary to popular belief, cashmere is actually durable, easy to clean and will last much longer than other materials.”
- Ollia Njibaloh, Founder of Mila Christina
Cashmere is naturally antibacterial, breathable and wicks moisture. Therefore, you do not need to clean it as often as you think. Just air it out for 24 hours in between wears or spot clean if there are any stains.
- How to Wash
When cleaning your cashmere garments, you have multiple options:
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Dry cleaning: It is easy and convenient. If you decide to dry clean your child’s cashmere sweater, opt for a company that uses natural cleaning products.
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Washing machine: Also, easy and convenient. Use the “hand-wash” or “delicate” setting on your washing machine. Turn the garment inside out and put it in a mesh bag for protection
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Hand-wash: I always recommend washing your cashmere clothing by hand. It is more gentle than a washing machine and you have control over the detergents that you use, which is better for little ones with very sensitive skin or that are prone to allergic reactions.
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Step 1: Fill a basin or clean sink with lukewarm water, turn your garments inside out and add a small amount of gentle, dye-free detergent or eco-friendly baby detergent. I love using baby shampoo - it smells so good! Cashmere is a natural fiber, treat it like you would treat your baby’s skin!
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Step 2: Gently swirl for 1 minute, and let it soak for a minimum of 5 minutes to help loosen the dirt. Avoid friction, rubbing, wringing or twisting, as this causes pilling to occur.
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Step 3: Gently squeeze and rinse, first with warm water, and then finish with cold water. Fabric softener can be used if you wish.
- How to Dry
Here is what I recommend when drying cashmere garments:
Step 1 Gently press your cashmere to let out excess water, be careful not to twist or stretch.
Step 2: Lay the sweater flat on a thick, dry towel. Roll the towel up like a yoga mat - pressing as you go.
Step 3: Unroll and lay flat in its natural shape to air dry.
*DO NOT TUMBLE DRY! This is the fastest way to shrink your cashmere clothing, and never wring your cashmere garments.
*A friend told me she uses a salad brisker to dry her cashmere sweaters. Spins until damp! I have never tried this technique so I can’t vouch for it!)
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Dealing With Pilling
Use our Mila Christina cashmere comb which is an essential tool to have for any cashmere owner and will keep your little one’s cashmere looking like new. Never yank pills from your cashmere with your fingers as this will damage the yarn.
Shop our cashmere comb
Pills are very normal with cashmere and appear when groups of short or broken fibers tangle together in a tiny knot or ball - a pill. These can form from rubbing, abrasion or just during normal use.
*You can help reduce pilling by turning the garments inside out before washing and reducing the wash frequency. Always remember to put cashmere garments in an extra-large mesh bag when using the washing machine to avoid friction with other garments.
- How to Store
After cleaning, fold and store it, preferably, in a cotton bag (plastic bags are ok as well, but not for more than 3 months) to keep the cashmere sweater looking like new.
Storing it in a cotton bag also prevents moths from snacking on your child’s cashmere sweater. Toss a cedar ball or a sachet with dried lavender leaves in with your garments (avoid direct contact with the cashmere). These are natural moth repellents. Also ensure that you have removed any dust and that it’s not damp where you store the bag.
Do not hang cashmere - pure cashmere sweaters and accessories have the tendency to grow and lose shape when left to hang.
Click here to buy low maintenance and easy-to-clean cashmere clothing!
