I take really good care of my clothes and accessories. Clothes are hung up, bags go back in their dust bags, shoes are wiped down-you get the idea. Well, one of the closets in my house has caused some weird spots on my daughter’s clothes so I worry about protecting everything, especially my cashmere.
Enter Cashmere Kiwi Sweater Storage Bags. Each bag is 15″ x 11″ x 9” and made with 100% cotton to ensure breathability. They’re washable and come with natural aromatic cedar chips to keep moisture away. Each storage bag has a nylon mesh window so you can see what’s inside and can fit at least three thick cashmere sweaters. I was able to fit 8-10 thinner cashmere sweaters in each bag. It also has handles and zips along two sides.
While storing your cashmere in Cashmere Kiwi Storage Bags will help protect your beautiful sweaters, scarves, etc., it’s also important to care for your cashmere correctly before you store them away. Here are some tips from Cashmere Kiwi on how to care for your cashmere.
Storing Cashmere: Fold or Hang?
When storing cashmere, especially sweaters, always fold never hang! If you hang a sweater, you’ll end up with distortion from the hangers, you’ll have horns on your shoulder, or your arm gets stuck in the hanger and stretches it. Instead, fold sweaters and store them in a cotton bag in a dresser or on a closet shelf.
How to store your cashmere
Cashmere is best stored in a 100% breathable cotton bag with cedar balls or a similar natural moth repellant. For long-term storage, avoid plastic bins, where moisture and bugs can happily thrive. Cotton storage bags are recommended because bugs can’t eat through cotton, and it’s breathable, so you’re not going to have that retained moisture.
How to stop pills from taking over
Contrary to popular belief, pilling on cashmere is not a sign of poor quality. Pilling is a natural characteristic of the long fibers. A seat belt, purse strap, or even the synthetic lining of a jacket can all contribute to pilling. To stop pills from taking over, de-fuzz as you go, but make a special effort before storing your sweaters. You can do this by using a sweater stone for a heavier gauge yarn, and a sweater comb for a thinner weave. These are two tools that just remove the pill, versus a shaver that won’t discriminate between the pill and the textile. Another tip: Always work the tool in one direction.
How to remove stains from your cashmere?
Is that ketchup on your cashmere? Don’t freak out and dab like crazy-that will just make it worse. The recommendation is to work a stain remover into the area before the next wash. But go easy with the application. If you’re scrubbing it with your fingers or a scrub brush, you’re going to have a visual result. You’re either going to disrupt the weave or cause it to be super fuzzy. Gently massaging it in will do the trick.
Should you dry clean your cashmere?
Because it’s a delicate yarn, many cashmere items are labeled “Dry Clean Only.” But cashmere comes from goats, and goats’ fur, like human hair, gets fluffier and more lustrous after it’s washed. By contrast, dry cleaning will damage and break down the fibers over time. When to make an exception? If your item has special buttons, metals, embroidery, or beading, follow the care instructions on the label.
How often should you wash your cashmere?
Washing or dry cleaning your cashmere after every wear isn’t good for the yarns that make up your sweaters, just how often you do is up to you. It depends on your rotation and if you wear a t shirt under your cashmere. It is recommended that you wash your cashmere in the beginning of the season and towards the end of the season. If you have a pile of sweaters in your closet that you don’t wear on heavy rotation, then one or twice a season is perfect.
How to hand wash your cashmere
- Clean the washing basin to ensure there are no other cleaning products in there that may damage your cashmere.
- Fill your sink or basin with lukewarm water.
- Add the recommended amount of fine-garment detergent or baby shampoo and briskly run your hand through the water to mix in the detergent and create suds (bubbles).
- Submerge your cashmere garment in the water and gently squeeze the suds through it. Spot treat any problem areas and allow the garment to soak for a few minutes.
- Drain the basin and rinse your sweater with cool water until the water rinses clear. To remove excess water, gently press the garment against the side of the basin. Never twist or squeeze your sweater when wet as, just like human hair, this is when the fibers are at their most delicate and therefore most likely to break.
Can you machine wash your cashmere?
When it comes to cashmere, hand-washing is always recommended over machine wash. However, you can still wash your cashmere in your washing machine, just make sure to follow these instructions:
- Place your cashmere garment, inside out, in a mesh washing bag.
- Select the delicate or wool cycle on the machine, and make sure the water temperature is cold and the spin is on low.
- Once the cycle is complete, promptly remove your cashmere to reduce creasing. And dry as per instructions below.
How to dry your cashmere
To dry your cashmere after a wash:
- Lay the wet garment on a towel on a flat surface.
- Roll up the towel and press with your palms to squeeze out excess water – do not wring or twist.
- Remove the garment from the towel and smooth it out into its original shape.
- Lay the garment flat on a dry towel and allow it to air-dry, or use a drying rack if you have one.
- Button up cardigans and pull pockets straight and ensure that sleeves and hems are laid flat to avoid unsightly wrinkles.
How to remove creases from cashmere?
If unsightly creases persist just give a simple blow of steam with the iron, at a distance of 5 cm from the garment or if necessary, iron the inside of the sweater protected by a cotton cloth at minimum temperature. We pay a lot for our cashmere, and it’s worth it! Following these tips and storing them in a Cashmere Kiwi Storage Bag will help to prolong the life of your garment.
Protecting your cashmere from moths
Moths are the #1 cashmere lovers and will go to great lengths to ensure they find your favorite sweater and chump right down the middle. That’s why its important to store your cashmere in a mothproof storage bag.
This storage bag is perfect for your cashmere sweaters as well as other clothes you want to protect and keep in excellent condition. It’s also going to make moving easier for me as my sweaters are now neatly packed away and will be protected as they are put into the moving boxes! I’m so happy to know my clothes will arrive in their new home in perfect condition, and stay safe as they remain safely in the Cashmere Kiwi Storage Bags.
SHOP CASHMERE KIWI
Very thorough explanation on safely storing cashmere. I have a total of ONE cashmere sweater..lol! Rarely ever wear a sweater in South Florida, but I still found this so helpful.
Xx Melanie
I was just in Florida Melanie, so I get why you don’t need many sweaters!! 🙂 The storage bags are actually great for storing any type of clothes. I love the handles, easy to move around, and clear window on the front so it’s easy to see what’s inside! Thanks for reading xo, Michele
Love the detailed post. If I ever have any cashmere, I will know how to take care of it!
Kim, I’m so glad you found this helpful! Thanks for reading. xo, Michele