Washing Cashmere Scarves

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#31
Thank you so much for bringing this up~~ I've been debating on whether or not to send my tohu bohu to the dry cleaners~ I think I will give it a try on my own and see how it turned out~ thank you so much for sharing your epxerience ladies~
 
#32
gina_b said:
hello, I wash my H cashmere scarves and shawls by hand in a tub of cold water with a drop of baby shampoo or Dawn dishwashing liquid (which apparently lifts out grease/oil). Agitate only very gently, rinse, then squeeze (not wring) water out, rinse again, squeeze, then dry flat on a towel and sweater drying rack (though any flat surface will do). Once dry I iron them but leave the rolled edges alone.

I don't recommend dry cleaning any cashmere items (or silk, for that matter) since the chemicals will deteriorate the fibers over time. (And I also hate the idea that safety pins might be used on the scarves to hold them in place for dry cleaning!)
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Same here. :tup:

I will only add to rinse, rinse, rinse, and when you think you've rinsed for the last time, rinse again.
 
#33
thanks for the info, all. Went to a party over the weekend where there was a lot of smoking. Now my Tiger shawl smells like cigarettes. I feel more confident about the idea of washing it. Still hoping I can just air it out, though...I couldn't take the dye runs and all that jazz :sweatdrop:
 
#35
I bring mine to the local dry cleaner. They are still in good condition, though I try not to clean them too often as they loose a bit their softness and "shine".
 
#36
doreenjoy said:
I will only add to rinse, rinse, rinse, and when you think you've rinsed for the last time, rinse again.
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Absolutely! :tup:
I give them at least 3-4 warm / lukewarm rinses, and 2 cold ones. (I wash them all - cashmeres & silks alike - in warm water). Also, I always iron them (with full steam) while they are wet, straight out of the towel.
 
#38
I wash my GM cashmere/silk shawls the same way I wash all my silk scarves, including mousselines: in my Miele washing machine, on the wool cycle, in cold water, using a tiny amount of Woolite. I remove the scarf/shawl sopping wet, pat dry between clean cotton towels, and spread on dry towels to dry. At a later drying stage I fold it the original way and leave it on the rack to dry completely. No ironing involved, except for the odd touch-up.
 
#40
Two things about washing cashmere or any wool by hand:

- Do not move the item too vigorously in the water - just pat gently and squeeze the suds through lightly.

- Keep the temperature of the water (cool) constant the entire time as temperature changes can "shock" the fibers and make them matted.
 
#41
markova said:
Two things about washing cashmere or any wool by hand:

- Do not move the item too vigorously in the water - just pat gently and squeeze the suds through lightly.

- Keep the temperature of the water (cool) constant the entire time as temperature changes can "shock" the fibers and make them matted.
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This has worked for me on every cashmere/silk I've ever washed. I've even washed GMs with good success.

I have an early Plumes that runs like *crazy*, even in cold water. I toss a Shout Color Catcher in the water and have never had a problem.
 
#43
gina_b said:
^^ Sure whatever works. I also enjoy caring for my own scarves, so it's never a chore.

[edit] hello, if you can get your hands on a Eurosteam iron, you won't have to worry about burning either your silk or cashmere scarves even if you rest the iron directly on the fabric. (You can leave the iron directly on even mousselines without damaging them, even on the highest heat setting!)
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Hello, i really need a new iron ! Is this as good as it reads ? Does it really do all it claims without leaking water,leaving a shine on fabric,and dealing with heavy fabrics as well as pressing silks etc ? any problems or difficulties? I would really appreciate any feedback before investing !!:D
 
#45
What a timely thread! I was thinking just yesterday how I would tackle washing my shawls when it becomes necessary. I hand wash all my wool sweaters so I figured it would be similar, but this thread gives me courage!
 
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