Caring for your Cashmere in summer
There is nothing more disappointing than pulling out your favourite cashmere from the wardrobe and finding the leftover lunch of a clothes moth! Cashmere is 100% natural and contains lots of protein called Keratin. The moth’s larvae find Keratin particularly tasty, making it the perfect place to lay their eggs. The moth season occurs between April and September, this is when they are most active, so it is important to stay vigilant, beginning preparation in early March. But these little critters aren’t the only threat to your clothes, bacteria, sunlight and heat can also affect the quality.
Get prepared!
We’ve put together a handy little guide to help you protect your cashmere (and wool!) So your clothes and accessories reappear in the same state they were put away in.
Inspection
It is very important to examine your garments before placing them in storage. Any damage such as loose threads or snags should be repaired to prevent them from worsening.
Washing
Before popping your natural fibres away for summer they should be washed to ensure there are no residual stains or natural body oils on the fabric. Perfumes and antiperspirants can damage the garment if left for extended periods of time while natural body oils attract bacteria and moths.
A cool wash with a gentle detergent that is suitable for wools should be used to prevent damage. For stubborn marks do not bleach or use harsh chemicals, instead spot treat the area with cool water and gently blot the wool-safe detergent in place. Alternatively soak the garment for 10-30 minutes before rinsing.
It is also important to note colour fastness, this relates to how much colour loss occurs during washing and the risk of transfer to other garments. To test this, wash a small inside seam and dab with a clean, light-coloured cloth. It is always best to try and wash each item separately to avoid any unwanted mishaps!
The fibres are in their weakest state when wet so it’s really important to handle your soggy items with care. Squeeze any excess water out against the side of the bowl before lifting it out and then dry flat to avoid stretching and misshaping. For best results place between two towels to dry.
If you’d like to be extra cautious steaming can kill off any bacteria, but be sure your item is 100% dry before folding or putting away, and always check the label to ensure it is suitable for steam.
Storage
Folding and placing cashmere flat in a zip-locked garment bag, then into the cupboard is the best way to store your woollies. Keeping them in the dark away from direct sunlight or heat will stop discolouration.
Hanging can cause stretch due to the weight of the knit over an extended period of time which is often difficult to then reshape. Placing tissue paper between the layers of folds will also stop compression damage, reduce pilling (bobbling) and prevent moths from burying deeper into the fabric.
Prevention
To ensure your bundle is still safe and secure we recommend checking inside your bag every 3 months. It is important to allow your cashmere fresh air to breathe from time to time and double check no unwanted visitors have set up shop!
It is also good practice to wash the storage bags after everything season too.
There are also a few handy products you can use to deter moths, anti-moth sachets can be placed between folded garments or moth box traps that release strong pheromones to attract the males. Don’t worry this produces no odour and is completely safe to use!
More natural remedies include cedar blocks and lavender, but be sure the oils are fresh otherwise, they won’t work as effectively, so replace them regularly.
Should you find any nasties in your cashmere place the item in a zip lock freezer bag and place in the freezer. The minus temperature will kill any moths and their larvae so you don’t have to worry about them spreading to the rest of your wardrobe.
Helpful Tip:
To prolong the life of your cashmere don’t wash the item after every wear. Its natural properties will keep it fresher for longer and too much washing can damage the fibres. We also recommend using a wool comb or fabric shaver to remove any pilling and keep your jumpers and accessories in tip-top condition!