The Complete Guide to Cashmere Care: Making Your Knitwear Last a Lifetime

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Investing in quality cashmere knitwear is a decision that pays dividends for years to come. At Diamond Knitland, we craft each piece with meticulous attention to detail using the finest Himalayan fibers. But even the highest quality cashmere needs proper care to maintain its luxurious softness and timeless beauty. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your cashmere pieces remain as stunning as the day you first wore them.

Understanding Your Cashmere

Before diving into care instructions, it's helpful to understand what makes cashmere so special. Cashmere fibers come from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, primarily found in the Himalayan region. These ultra-fine fibers are incredibly soft, lightweight, and naturally insulating. However, this delicate structure also means cashmere requires gentle handling to preserve its quality.

Washing Your Cashmere: Less is More

How Often Should You Wash?

One of the biggest mistakes people make is washing cashmere too frequently. Unlike synthetic fabrics, cashmere doesn't need washing after every wear. In fact, over-washing can damage the fibers and cause premature wear.

General Rule: Wash your cashmere every 3-5 wears, or when you notice visible soiling or odor. Between washes, simply air out your garment for a few hours.

Hand Washing Method (Recommended)

Hand washing is the gentlest and safest method for cleaning cashmere:

  1. Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water (never hot, as it can cause shrinkage)
  2. Add a specialized cashmere wash or gentle, pH-neutral detergent. Avoid regular laundry detergents, which contain harsh chemicals that strip natural oils
  3. Submerge your garment and gently swish it through the water for 3-5 minutes. Never wring, twist, or scrub
  4. Soak for up to 10 minutes if dealing with stubborn odors
  5. Rinse thoroughly with cool water until all soap residue is gone
  6. Press out excess water gently by pressing the garment against the basin sides—never wring or twist

Machine Washing (If You Must)

While hand washing is ideal, modern washing machines with delicate cycles can work if you're careful:

  • Use a mesh laundry bag to protect your cashmere
  • Select the delicate or wool cycle with cold water
  • Use minimal specialized cashmere or wool detergent
  • Ensure the spin cycle is on the lowest setting
  • Never use fabric softener, which can coat fibers and reduce breathability

Drying: Patience is Key

Improper drying is where most cashmere damage occurs. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Lay flat on a clean, dry towel after washing
  2. Roll the towel with the garment inside to absorb excess moisture
  3. Unroll and reshape the garment to its original dimensions
  4. Transfer to a fresh, dry towel or drying rack
  5. Lay completely flat in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources
  6. Allow to air dry naturally for 24-48 hours, flipping halfway through

Never:

  • Hang wet cashmere (it will stretch)
  • Use a tumble dryer (heat damages fibers)
  • Place near radiators or in direct sunlight (causes fading and fiber damage)
  • Attempt to speed up drying with heat sources

Removing Stains: Act Quickly

When accidents happen, quick action prevents permanent staining:

For fresh stains:

  • Blot immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth (never rub)
  • Work from the outside of the stain toward the center
  • Use cool water and a tiny amount of cashmere wash
  • Rinse thoroughly and dry flat

For oil-based stains:

  • Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain to absorb oil
  • Let sit for several hours or overnight
  • Brush off gently and hand wash if needed

For stubborn stains:

  • Consider professional dry cleaning rather than risking damage with home remedies

Dealing with Pills (Bobbles)

Pilling is a natural occurrence when cashmere fibers rub together. It's not a sign of poor quality—even the finest cashmere will pill slightly with wear.

How to remove pills safely:

  • Use a specialized cashmere comb or fabric shaver
  • Lay the garment flat on a hard surface
  • Gently work in one direction with light pressure
  • Never use scissors, razors, or pull pills with your fingers
  • Remove pills after every few wears to prevent buildup

Storage: Protecting Your Investment

Proper storage during off-seasons is crucial for maintaining cashmere quality.

Folding vs. Hanging

Always fold cashmere—never hang it. The weight of cashmere will cause shoulders to stretch and distort on hangers, ruining the garment's shape.

Seasonal Storage Tips

  1. Clean before storing: Always wash or dry clean cashmere before putting it away for the season. Moths are attracted to body oils and food particles
  2. Use breathable storage: Store in cotton storage bags or acid-free tissue paper. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture
  3. Add natural moth deterrents: Cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or eucalyptus leaves work well
  4. Choose a cool, dry location: Avoid damp basements or hot attics
  5. Check periodically: Inspect stored items every few months for signs of moth activity

Daily Storage

When wearing cashmere regularly:

  • Fold and store in drawers or on shelves
  • Allow garments to rest between wears (24-48 hours helps fibers recover their shape)
  • Keep away from rough surfaces that increase pilling
  • Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading

Moth Prevention: Your Cashmere's Biggest Enemy

Moths are attracted to natural fibers and can destroy cashmere quickly. Prevention is essential:

Natural deterrents:

  • Cedar wood (blocks, balls, or hangers)
  • Lavender sachets
  • Eucalyptus leaves or oil
  • Rosemary sprigs

Prevention strategies:

  • Keep storage areas clean and vacuumed
  • Avoid overcrowding in drawers or closets (moths love dark, undisturbed spaces)
  • Freeze items in sealed bags for 72 hours to kill any larvae before storage
  • Use airtight containers for long-term storage
  • Air out stored items occasionally during warmer months

Signs of moth damage:

  • Small holes, often in clusters
  • Webbing or cocoons in folds
  • Tiny larvae or moths in storage area

If you discover moths, take immediate action by washing all affected items, cleaning the storage area thoroughly, and implementing prevention measures.

Refreshing Between Wears

You don't need to wash cashmere after every wear. Instead:

  1. Air out garments by laying flat or hanging briefly in fresh air
  2. Use a fabric steamer on low heat to remove wrinkles and refresh fibers
  3. Spot clean minor marks with a damp cloth
  4. Rotate your pieces to allow fibers to rest and recover

Ironing and De-Wrinkling

Cashmere rarely needs ironing if stored and dried properly, but if wrinkles occur:

  • Steam is best: Use a handheld steamer on low heat, holding it several inches away
  • If using an iron: Set to lowest heat setting (wool/silk), place a pressing cloth over the garment, and use light pressure
  • Never apply iron directly to cashmere
  • Iron while slightly damp for best results, then allow to dry completely

Special Care for Different Cashmere Items

Sweaters and Cardigans

Follow all standard care instructions above. Pay special attention to necklines and cuffs, which experience more wear.

Scarves and Shawls

These items require less frequent washing since they don't absorb as much body oil. Spot clean when possible and wash every 5-10 wears.

Blankets and Throws

Larger items should be professionally cleaned or hand washed in a bathtub. Ensure complete drying to prevent mildew—this may take several days.

Cashmere Blends

Items blended with wool, silk, or bamboo should follow the care instructions for the most delicate fiber in the blend. When in doubt, treat as pure cashmere.

When to Seek Professional Help

While home care works for most situations, professional cleaning is recommended for:

  • Heavily soiled items
  • Stubborn stains (wine, ink, grease)
  • Vintage or heirloom pieces
  • Items with complex construction or embellishments
  • Large items like coats or blankets
  • When you're unsure about proper care

Choose a reputable dry cleaner experienced with luxury knitwear and specify that your item is cashmere.

Repairing Minor Damage

Small snags or holes can often be repaired:

For snags:

  • Use a crochet hook or tapestry needle to gently pull the snag to the inside
  • Secure with a small stitch if necessary

For small holes:

  • Consider professional reweaving services for valuable pieces
  • For minor holes, carefully stitch using matching thread and small, invisible stitches

For loose seams:

  • Reinforce with matching thread using a whip stitch or running stitch

Reviving Old Cashmere

If your cashmere has lost its softness over time:

  1. Hand wash with hair conditioner: Add a tablespoon of conditioner to the rinse water
  2. Soak for 30 minutes to allow fibers to absorb moisture
  3. Rinse thoroughly and dry flat
  4. Use a fabric steamer to help restore loft to flattened fibers

The Diamond Knitland Commitment

At Diamond Knitland, every cashmere piece we create is designed to last for generations when properly cared for. Our Himalayan cashmere, combined with ethical manufacturing practices and meticulous craftsmanship, produces knitwear that becomes more beautiful with age.

By following these care guidelines, you're not just maintaining a garment—you're preserving a piece of Nepalese heritage and supporting sustainable fashion practices. Quality cashmere is an investment in timeless style, comfort, and responsible consumption.

Quick Reference Care Checklist

✓ Wash every 3-5 wears with specialized cashmere wash ✓ Always hand wash in cool water or use delicate machine cycle ✓ Never wring or twist—press out water gently ✓ Dry completely flat on a towel, away from heat ✓ Always fold, never hang ✓ Remove pills gently with a cashmere comb ✓ Store clean items in breathable bags with natural moth deterrents ✓ Air out between wears for 24-48 hours ✓ Steam rather than iron when possible ✓ Seek professional cleaning for stubborn stains

With proper care, your Diamond Knitland cashmere will remain luxuriously soft, beautifully structured, and elegantly timeless for decades to come. Treat it well, and it will reward you with years of warmth, comfort, and style.

Have questions about caring for your specific Diamond Knitland piece? Contact our team at biju@diamondknitland.com—we're always happy to help you protect your investment.

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