Hand-washing is the gentlest method of cleaning a cashmere sweater, and will add years to the life of your cashmere garment. Cashmere tends to become softer with each washing, which allows the yarns to bloom.

Follow these four simple steps and your cashmere purchase will give you years of luxurious comfort and wear.

1. Gently wash in lukewarm to cool water with a mild soap (shampoo will do) and thoroughly rinse in water of the same temperature. Special care must be taken as wet cashmere fabric can weaken and stretch out of shape. Never wring or twist. Gently press excess water from garment.
   
   
2. While supporting the weight of the wet garment lay the sweater on a dry towel. Ease the sweater back into shape and roll up in the towel. Press to remove excess water and repeat this step with a second towel.
   
   
3. On a flat surface lay the sweater on a fresh, dry towel, until thoroughly air dried.
   
   
4. Once your cashmere sweater is dry you will want to fold it carefully, avoiding a center crease. Never hang a cashmere sweater as it will stretch the garment out of shape. Lay flat in a drawer or on a closet shelf.
   
   

If stains persist:

In the event of stubborn stains, dry cleaning may be the only solution. For machine washing, secure the garment in a tied pillowcase and set on gentle cycle; cool water. Proceed to steps 3 and 4.

HOW TO STORE CASHMERE

Fortunately, because you can wear cashmere in any season, you probably won't let your cashmere sweater get too far out of sight. However, if you do store your garment, make sure it is clean. Contrary to popular belief, moths are attracted to stained or soiled garments, not to the cashmere sweater itself.

For your convenience, store your cashmere garment using a garment bag.

Keep in mind that you want to repel moths, not poison yourself. So try some of nature's own tried & true methods: cloves, lavender, rosemary, thyme, dried orange peel or cedar.

To avoid staining, always wrap any of these items in a sachet or, simply tie in a handkerchief.

Woven cashmere articles must be dry cleaned only. Woven items include some of our scarves, shawls and throws.