Cashmere care?

[ny biker]

While out shopping recently I found some cashmere cardigans for a good price. So I bought one in black and one in purple. I figure I'll wear them forever -- they'll never go out of style.

Although I already own a ridiculous number of sweaters, this is my first foray into the world of cashmere. What do I need to know to keep them looking good? E.g., should I hang them on padded hangers or fold them on a closet shelf? How best to store them during the summer? Currently I just fold my wool sweaters and put them in big rubbermaid storage bin during the off-season.

Thanks!!

[shootingstar]

Fold the sweaters and store them flat in those containers that you have. Otherwise they will stretch over time on hangers.

Since living here in Vancouver, I don't seem have had the opportunity to wear all my wonderful wool sweaters. Am relunctant to give some up. ie. one of them is from Iceland.

[VeloVT]

must dry clean.

and keep away from moths .

[Selkie]

I love cashmere! In the winter, I keep my cashmere and other wool sweaters/tops in a cedar drawer (folded, of course), and in summer, in a cedar chest.

Dry clean, definitely.

[Veronica]

Almost all my sweaters are cashmere (It was an obsession!) and I never dry clean them. I put them through the wash on gentle cycle and air dry. They don't get washed every time they get worn - I hang them over a chair to air out for a day or two and then do the "sniff" test.

Veronica

[nc tam]

Agree with fold, don't hang. And don't wash every time you wear unless soiled or sweaty.

To get wrinkles out I use a steamer or steam with the iron while sweater is hanging.

I hand wash the higher quality sweaters and dry flat. I have had bad experiences with the gentle cycle on my washer. The lower quality sweaters and the "unknown" brands get dry cleaned because I'm worried about shrinkage. I have read that it's better not to dry clean because the solvents are not good for the cashmere fibers... don't know if that's true though.

Old cashmere sweaters can be felted and then used to make toy animals or cute little fabric boxes if you're crafty. Same for old wool sweaters. So if you end up with a holey faded sweater at some point don't just dump it.