How to Care for Cashmere

CASHMERE CARE GUIDE

Cashmere is the epitome of luxury, known for its exceptional softness, warmth, and timeless elegance. Whether it’s a sumptuously soft cashmere sweater, a classic cashmere scarf, or a cardigan, cashmere garments are a cherished investment that will see you through seasons of capsule dressing. To ensure that your cashmere pieces remain in impeccable condition for years, careful attention to garment care is essential.

At Jac + Jack, our women’s cashmere and men’s cashmere range both feature meticulously crafted pieces that combine modern style and luxurious comfort. To help you care for your cashmere garments, we’ve prepared this detailed guide, covering everything from washing to drying and more.

How to care for cashmere

The delicate nature of cashmere fibres requires gentle handling to ensure your garments remain soft and luxurious over time. At Jac + Jack, we offer a range of premium cashmere pieces for men and women and understand how important it is to have an informed approach to extend the longevity of your cashmere garments for years to come. Follow the below steps from our guide to perfect the art of cashmere care.

How to wash cashmere clothes

Cashmere is a delicate fabric that benefits from careful washing practices. Always start by checking the product care label on your cashmere garment to determine the recommended cleaning method.

How to hand wash cashmere

Hand-washing is the preferred method for cleaning cashmere clothing, as it helps preserve the delicate fibers. We recommend following these steps for a gentle wash: Turn inside out: Begin by turning your cashmere garment inside out to protect the outer surface.

Use cold water: Fill a basin with cold water, adding a small amount of mild cashmere or wool detergent. The Leif x Jac + Jack everyday cashmere wash, with its gentle, plant-based formula, is an excellent choice. It is a gentle pH-neutral fabric wash designed to cleanse and condition natural fibres, offering up to 60 hand washes.

Soak and swirl: Gently submerge the cashmere garment in the water, allowing it to soak for about 10-15 minutes. Swirl the garment gently to cleanse it, avoiding any vigorous scrubbing or wringing.

Rinse thoroughly: After soaking, rinse the garment thoroughly in cold water to remove all detergent. Gently press out excess water without wringing the fabric.

How to machine wash cashmere

Some cashmere garments can be machine-washed, but it’s crucial to proceed with caution. Always check the care label before opting for this method:

Select a gentle cycle: Choose the wool or delicate cycle on your washing machine, using cold water. If your machine doesn’t have a specific wool cycle, opt for the most gentle cycle available.

Use a mesh bag: Place your cashmere garment in a mesh laundry bag to protect it during the wash.

Use mild detergent: Add a small amount of mild cashmere or wool detergent. The Leif x Jac + Jack cashmere wash provides up to 30 machine washes, ensuring your cashmere stays fresh and soft. It is a gentle pH-neutral fabric wash that delivers a light Ylang Ylang sweet scent to your clothing after wash.

Avoid overloading: Wash cashmere garments separately or with similarly delicate items to prevent stretching or pilling.

How to dry cashmere

Drying cashmere correctly is crucial to maintain its shape and softness. Follow our recommended process to dry cashmere.

Press out water: After washing, gently press out excess water by rolling the garment in a clean, dry towel. Avoid wringing, as this can damage the delicate fibers.

Lay flat to dry: Lay the garment flat on a fresh towel in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Reshape the garment to its original dimensions, carefully smoothing out any wrinkles.

Avoid hanging: Never hang cashmere garments to dry, as the weight of the water can cause stretching and distortion of the fabric.

How to steam cashmere

Steaming is a safe and effective way to remove wrinkles from cashmere without the risk of direct heat. Use a garment steamer: A handheld garment steamer is ideal for cashmere. Fill the steamer with water and let it heat up according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Hang the garment: Hang your cashmere garment on a padded hanger to ensure it stays in shape while steaming. Steam gently: Hold the steamer at a safe distance from the garment, allowing the steam to relax the fibers and smooth out wrinkles. Move the steamer in gentle, downward strokes, avoiding prolonged exposure to one area. Smooth by hand: After steaming, smooth out any remaining wrinkles with your hands, reshaping the garment as needed. Allow the garment to cool and dry completely before storing or wearing.

How to dry clean cashmere

Dry cleaning is an option for cashmere, particularly for items that are heavily soiled or labeled as dry clean only: Choose a reputable cleaner: Select a dry cleaner that specializes in delicate fabrics and has experience with cashmere. Inform them of any stains or specific concerns. Frequency of dry cleaning: While cashmere can be dry-cleaned, it’s best to limit the frequency to avoid chemical exposure. Reserve dry cleaning for special occasions or when hand-washing isn’t suitable.

How to remove stains from cashmere

Cashmere is prone to staining, so it’s important to act quickly. Blot, don’t rub: If the stain is fresh, blot it gently with a clean, white cloth to absorb as much of the stain as possible. Cold water rinse: Rinse the stained area with cold water, applying it from the backside of the fabric to push the stain out. Use a wool-safe cleaner: Apply a wool-safe stain remover or a mild detergent diluted with water. Gently work the solution into the stain using a soft cloth. Rinse and dry: Rinse thoroughly with cold water, then lay the garment flat to dry as usual. Properly caring for your cashmere garments helps you preserve their luxurious feel and elegant appearance for years to come. The key to extending the life of your cashmere lies in gentle handling and mindful maintenance. Embrace the art of cashmere care, and relish the timeless elegance of this exquisite natural fibre season after season.

How to iron cashmere

Ironing cashmere is generally not recommended, but if necessary, it should be done with extreme care: Cover the ironing board: Set up your ironing board and cover it with a smooth, clean cloth to protect the cashmere fabric. Set the iron to low heat: Preheat the iron to the lowest heat setting suitable for wool. Use a pressing cloth between the iron and the garment to prevent direct contact with the fabric. Dampen the garment: Lightly dampen the garment using a spray bottle or a damp pressing cloth placed over it. This helps generate steam and protect the cashmere. Iron carefully: Iron the garment in gentle, straight strokes, following the fabric's weave. Avoid pressing too hard or moving the iron back and forth, as this can cause damage.