How to Store Your Precious Cashmere

Cashmere is luxuriously soft, undeniably delicate, and, if taken care of, it is reliably durable. One cashmere goat can only produce 200 gms of wool annually, which is why cashmere is expensive and rare. If you own a cashmere sweater, scarf, or coat, you are in possession of an heirloom.

You must take care of your cashmere and store it properly if you want to preserve it for decades. With cashmere, prevention is better than cure. In this blog, we will explore the process of storing and maintaining your cashmere treasures to ensure their long lifespan.

What ruins your cashmere pieces?

Since cashmere is an expensive product, it requires special care for preservation. Here are three things that can ruin your precious cashmere garments.

Mishandling cashmere. Cashmere garments must be handled with care. If you are not careful, you can misshapen the garment’s silhouette. Always hand-wash your cashmere products even if the label says to machine-wash.
Moths. Moths are attracted to the residual protein found in natural fabrics like wool and silk that comes from your body oil and skin cells. A moth infestation works fast and can ruin your garments beyond repair. Always clean your cashmere garments thoroughly before storing them.
Improper storage. Over-exposure to heat and light can ruin your cashmere garments. Always store your cashmere properly to extend its lifespan.

How to properly store cashmere

Before we get into the process of storing your cashmere garments, here is a list of things you will need. Most products can be easily found online but do your due diligence before buying any product.

Cedar chest. Cedarwood protects cashmere from insects like moths, absorbs bad odor, and lasts a lifetime. Investing in a cedar chest will be worth your money if you have a lot of cashmere and woolen garments. You can also buy cedar balls as a budget-friendly alternative. Place a few cedar balls in cloth bags and leave them in your closet to keep moths and stinks away from your precious cashmere.
Good quality washing products. Invest in products that are designed explicitly for cashmere. A mild cashmere shampoo works best. You can also use baby shampoo as an alternative. Don’t wash your cashmere garments after every wear, but ensure they are clean before lengthy storage.
Cashmere storage bag. Many cloth storage bags are available in the market according to size, quality, and purpose. You can buy storage bags specially designed for cashmere. Remember never hang your cashmere garments; always fold and store them in a clean, well-ventilated closet.

Most cashmere garments will be worn during winter. Which means you have to store them for the better part of the year. To begin the storage process, gather your cashmere garments. Next, follow the steps below.

Repair. If your cashmere garments require any repair, keep them aside. You can take them to a sewist for minor repairs, such as de-pilling the garment, which may require a fabric shaver. You may do it yourself with a steady hand and a pair of fine-tipped scissors.
Wash. Cashmere is a delicate wool, so do not use harsh chemicals like bleach to wash and clean them. You must use a gentle fabric cleaner. If there are stains on your cashmere- try using the spot removal method. You can easily find cashmere stain-removal products online.
Use softener. Invest in good quality wool-safe softeners for your cashmere garments. Even a mild detergent can damage the delicate yarn. So research before you buy any cleaning products.
Have patience. When washing cashmere, you have to wash each piece separately. Read the washing instruction on each garment to avoid color bleeding, shrinkage, and tearing.
Dry. The number one rule for cashmere- is never hang your cashmere garments! When cashmere is wet, the yarn bonds can become mishappen or shrink. Avoid wringing the fabric too much. Use towels to soak up excess water.
Keep moths away. Moths love cashmere just as much as we do. Use lavender if you do not have the budget or space for a full-sized cedar chest. A few drops of essential lavender oil on cotton balls can keep moths at bay. Refresh them every few weeks.
Check for mold. Before you store your cashmere garments- check your wardrobe for mold. Mold is a fungus that grows in moist and dark places. Wipe your closet with vinegar and hot water to eliminate dirt and smell.
Store. Invest in soft-sided and breathable garment bags to store your cashmere. No matter how clean and organized your closet is, you do not want your cashmere garments to touch bare surfaces. Do not use plastic bags as an alternative. Plastic can trap moisture which leads to mold and a musty smell.
Check up. Once you store your cashmere away, it does not mean you forget about them. You must keep a check on your cashmere garments and take them out once in a while to check for mold, moths, and smells. Allow your cashmere to breathe a little before you restore them. You can conduct your cashmere check-ups every three months.

Cashmere is a valuable treasure, almost like your favarite book which you can return to time and again. Learning to care for your cashmere garments may seem tedious, but it is well worth it. You can pass down your precious cashmere pieces as an heirloom to the younger generation in your family because cashmere can last for decades. So isn’t it worth your time and effort to learn how to store your cashmere properly?