Cashmere sweaters are expensive and nice, so you should take good care of them. Even if you take good care of your cashmere sweaters, they can still shrink, which can be disappointing and frustrating. This article will tell you how to shrink a cashmere sweater without ruining it.
Understanding Cashmere
The undercoat of the cashmere goat is made of a fine, soft fiber called cashmere. The fiber is well-known for being very warm, light, and soft. Cashmere is a high-quality material that needs special care and attention to keep it in good shape.
Factors That Cause Cashmere to Shrink
Cashmere can shrink because of things like the temperature of the water, agitation, and friction. When heat and water hit the fibers, they can get squashed and lose their shape and size. Cashmere can also get smaller if washed incorrectly, like with harsh detergents or in a washing machine.
How to Wash Cashmere and What Not to Do
Follow these dos and don’ts when washing your cashmere sweater to keep it from shrinking. First of all, you should always wash cashmere by hand in cold water with a mild detergent. Don’t use hot water because it can make the fibers shrink. Also, don’t twist or wring the sweater because that can damage the fibers.
Steps to Shrink a Cashmere Sweater
Follow these steps to make your cashmere sweater smaller:
- Step 1: Pour hot water into a bathtub or basin.
- Step 2: Add a little bit of mild soap to the water.
- Step 3: Soak the sweater for 10 to 15 minutes in water.
- Step 4: Pour out the water and rinse the sweater with cool water.
- Step 5: Gently squeeze out the water without twisting or wringing the sweater.
- Step 6: Lay the sweater flat and shape it to the size you want.
- Step 7: Let the sweater dry on its own, away from direct heat or sunlight.
How to Take Care of Cashmere Sweaters
Follow these tips to keep your cashmere sweater in good shape:
- Cashmere sweaters should always be washed by hand in cold water with gentle soap.
- Don’t wash your clothes in hot water or with harsh detergents, because this can damage the fibers.
- Squeeze out the extra water gently and lay the sweater flat to dry.
- Don’t dry the sweater in a dryer or hang it up because this could cause the fibers to stretch.
- Cashmere sweaters should be kept in a cool, dry place, like a drawer, where they can be folded.
- Don’t put cashmere sweaters in plastic bags because that can flatten the fibers out and lose their shape.
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FAQs
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Can You Wash a Cashmere Sweater in a Washing Machine?
No, you shouldn’t wash cashmere sweaters in a washing machine. The machine’s shaking and rubbing can make the fibers shrink and get damaged.
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Can Fabric Softener be used on my Cashmere Sweater?
No, it would be best if you didn’t use fabric softener on your cashmere sweater because it can coat the fibers and change how soft they normally are.
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How Often Should I Wash My Cashmere Sweater?
Cashmere sweaters don’t have to be washed as often as other kinds of sweaters. To keep your cashmere sweater in good shape and soft, you should wash it every three to five times you wear it.
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Can I Press my Cashmere Sweater?
No, it would be best if you didn’t iron your cashmere sweater because the heat can damage the fibers. Instead, give the sweater a new shape while it is still wet and lay it flat to dry.
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How do I get the little balls of wool off my cashmere sweater?
Use a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver to get the pills out of your cashmere sweater. Move the comb or shaver over the area gently to get rid of any loose fibers and make the sweater smooth again.
Conclusion
Cashmere sweaters are expensive and luxurious. If you take care of them and keep them in good shape, they can last for years. Follow the steps in this article if you want to shrink your cashmere sweater so that it doesn’t lose its quality or softness.