Cashmere scarf

[Pink22m]

I had a rather unfortunate accident and dropped my cashmere scarf (thankfully my Banana Republic one, and not one of my Burberry's) on my driveway while I was getting stuff out of the back seat of my car. The scarf fell into a puddle of water on the driveway, as it had been raining that day. I quickly took it in and dryed it off. It seems to be perfectly normal now, but I am concerned that there could have been some oil that it picked up or something from the driveway. Should I dry clean it like I was thinking of, or should I try to hand wash it with some Woolite? If handwashing is the ticket, how should I go about doing this? Your suggestions would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[Mitch D]

I don't know if this helps,but I found this,on a website that sells cashmere (although it doesn't mention scarves specifically): http://www.allola.com/cashmerecare.html Easy Tips for Cashmere Care Most stores would recommend or even request professional dry clean when it comes to clean your cashmere garments, but actually this is not the best way. Thinking of the way you care for your own hair, this also applies to your cashmere sweaters, because they are all Natural fibers. So as true savvy cashmere lovers, we would like to share our Easy Tips with you. Those tips are easy to follow, You do not have to spend a lot of time and money on professional dry clean again. How to wash -- Hand wash in lukewarm water using your hair shampoo. Be sure to dissolve the shampoo thoroughly,then put the sweater into water. Rinse with hair conditioner; this will make your cashmere sweater softer. Wash colored garments separately. -- Do not bleach. -- Squeeze gently, do not twist or wring. Twisting the wet sweater will stretch the shape of your sweater. -- Dry flat after removing excess water, away from direct heat and sunlight. -- Press with damp cloth, using a cool iron. Iron from the inside of the garment. ------------------------------------------------------------ Additionally,this from the CCMI (Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute): The best way to make sure cashmere and camel hair garments last is to handle them carefully. Cashmere and camel hair should be cared for like any other fine woolen. To keep them looking new, follow these steps: Hand wash knits with cold water, using a fine washable soap. Woven garments should be dry cleaned. Fold knitwear with tissue and store flat in a drawer; do not hang on hangers. Hang woven garments on padded hangers, zippered and buttoned with pants and shirts on hangers designed for them. Give garments a rest between wearings for at least 24 hours; wrinkles will vanish. Treat stains as quickly as possible; rinse immediately with cold water; hot water may set the stain. If garments get wet, allow to dry away from direct heat, then brush with the nap. At season's end, clean and store garments in an uncrowded garment bag in a cool, dry place; fold knits and store in a chest or drawer; moth crystals or spray will help protect garments from moths.

 

[Pink22m]

Mitch, thanks for the link to the website. Do you think that using Woolite or any other Fine Fabric detergent is ok for cashmere?

 

[hermes]

i've used woolite and/or zero hand wash/delicate wash detergent for all my fine fabrics without problem

i've even washed my cashmere in the gentle cycle of my washing machine without problem

 

[bengal-stripe]

I do wash cashmere sweaters (knitted), but I would not wash a scarf (woven). You might well end up with a tiny, little scarf to fit a Ken or Action-man doll.

If there are no visible stains, I wouldn't do anything. Otherwise have it dry cleaned. Oil stains should go out quite easily.