Washing cashmere - what do you do?

[Notcontent]

I have a couple of jumpers I have not washed yet but really need to. They are quite good ones so I want to make sure I don't get in wrong!!

Years ago I think I used to dry clean, but have since heard that this is not great for cashmere and washing is better. Should I just use the wool cycle in my washing machine?

What do you do?

[Fantasticmissfoxy]

I use cashmere shampoo, mix about a capful into a sink of warm water and soak the jumpers / scarves or whatever for about 15 minutes.

Then press the water through them really gently (no rubbing or wringing) let the soapy water out and rinse them in running (body temp) water.

Press the excess water out of them once it's running clear and then lie them on a clean towel. Roll the towel up with the jumper inside and press the rolled up towel to get rid of excess water. I dry them draped over the top of my hanging airer (not on one rail but draped over the top of the whole thing) . It's a bit of a faff so I always try to wear a layer underneath so I don't have to wash them too often.

[iknowimcoming]

I put them in the machine on the wool cycle with some Persil hand wash liquid and dry them on my airer thingy, they seem fine

[CharlieSierra]

I do mine inside out in the machine on a wool cycle but cold water, using a cashmere shampoo and no fabric conditioner. Then dry on the airer.

[Blueemeraldagain]

Each jumper inside a tied up pillow case (tie it with a shoe lace or ribbon so the space for the jumper is small). In the machine with a towel (to lessen the movement further). Cold wash and no spin. Dried on an air dryer.

[CointreauVersial]

I put them in the washing machine, inside out, on a wool cycle, using Woolite detergent.

Then reshape and dry flat.

Never had any problems.

[pericat]

I wash them in my machine on a wool cycle with no detergent (there is enough residual detergent in the machine to clean them). I usually put them individually in a wash bag first (from Lakeland).

Dry flat.

[CountFosco]

I buy my cashmere from Boden which is machine washable. I just bung it into the wool cycle in my washing machine with non-bio washing powder.

[Notcontent]

Fantasticmissfoxy - that's what my mum does!

Thanks all.

[BlueEyedWonder]

M&S cashmere is machine wash. I've also washed Pure Clothing cashmere in the machine.
Use a wool detergent, wool/delicates setting, wash cold or on 20.
Reshape whilst damp.
Very light press to remove any wrinkles when dry

[P1nkP0ppy]

Mine go into a fine net washing bag, wool washing liquid and the wool cycle in the washing maching. I dry them on the clothes rack. Never had any problems.

[Wolpertinger]

I use Eucalan for all cashmere and handknits. Very cautious after a depressing felting incident using the handwash setting in the machine.

Capful in warm water, soak, swish about a bit carefully. Doesn't need rinsing.

Squeeze out water (will in future use Fantastic's method).

Then reshape and dry flat on a sweater drier I got from Lakeland.

[Mominatrix]

I put all of mine in the washing machine on the wool cycle and use Woolite - even Hermes. Dry flat, stem iron if necessary. Never had any problems.

[RogueStar01]

if you really love it though, hand wash. I've ruined boden and shrunk pure and possibly brora by putting in the machine even on the delicate cycles. Tread cautiously. I agree with ironing, makes it look more finished. I try not to wash it unless it really needs it as it doesn't really do it any good.

[Fantasticmissfoxy]

I probably should have said, my 'good' cashmere (johnstons, Hawick, Brora) gets the TLC treatment, the TK Maxx cashmere gets fired into the washing machine and i don't expect it to last longer than a year

[Judydreamsofhorses]

Another fit the washing machine, in a net laundry bag. Take it out immediately the cycle completes and dry it flat on the clothes horse.

[Isitjustmeorisiteveryoneelse]

I wash it delicately in the tears of fairies, and in the first few rays of morning sunshine, I have it dried by the gentle beating of butterfly wings.
Alternatively, I chuck it in the machine on a 'hand wash' and hope for the best.

[onthelevel]

I always wash mine successfully in my machine, cold wool wash with Persil silk/ wool detergent.

[Notcontent]

Thanks again everyone.