Sweater

Did you know that dry cleaning isn't the best way to keep your cashmere sweater looking like new? Remember, cashmere is made from the hair of goats and goats don't go to the dry cleaner to stay clean. Washing your delicate cashmere will make it softer with each washing and will actually prolong the life of your sweater provided you use the right method for doing it. All that you'll need is a detergent made for fine garments, although some people swear by baby shampoo; Clean, dry towels and stain remover if necessary.

First of all, fill a sink or bucket with cool to luke warm water. Add the recommended amount of fine-garment detergent; It's usually just a capful. Using more detergent won't get your sweater any cleaner any faster. Using your hand, agitate the water to create fine suds. Next, place your cashmere sweater into the water and using a gentle touch, squeeze the sudsy water through it. If you have a stain on your sweater, treat it at this time using either a gentle washing soap such as fels naptha or a very light application of a commercial stain remover. Allow to soak in the soap/water solution for about 20 to 30 minutes.

After soaking, rinse your sweater in cool to lukewarm water until the water rinses clear. Do not wring or twist your sweater, this could damage the fibers and cause your sweater to lose its shape. Gently press the water out of your cashmere sweater and place it lengthwise on a clean, dry bath towel on a flat surface or invest in an overthe tub sweater drying rack and let it lay flat until dry- usually overnight. Do not put your sweater directly in the sun, on a radiator or by a heat vent as this can damage the fibers of your cashmere sweater and cause them to wear out years before their time. Now that you know how easy it is and even better for your cashmere to care for it yourself.

Lower your dry cleaning bill a little and take a little time and keep your cashmere sweaters looking great for a fraction of the cost of dry cleaning.