What To Know
- You might be tempted to throw it in the washing machine and hope for the best, but that’s a recipe for disaster.
- You can add a few tablespoons of white vinegar to the warm water to help set the cashmere fibers.
- If you don’t have a steamer, you can try hanging the sweater in a steamy bathroom after a hot shower.
Ah, cashmere. The luxurious, soft, and oh-so-expensive fabric that makes us feel like royalty. But what happens when your beloved cashmere sweater starts to feel a little too roomy? You might be tempted to throw it in the washing machine and hope for the best, but that’s a recipe for disaster. Fear not, my fellow cashmere lovers! This guide will teach you how to shrink cashmere sweater safely and effectively, so you can enjoy your favorite sweater for years to come.
Why Cashmere Shrinks: Understanding the Fabric
Cashmere is made from the soft undercoat of the cashmere goat, a fiber known for its exceptional softness and warmth. However, this delicate fiber is also quite prone to shrinkage. Here’s why:
- Natural Fibers: Cashmere is a natural fiber, and like most natural fibers, it can shrink when exposed to heat and water.
- Loose Structure: The fibers in cashmere are loosely woven, which allows them to expand and contract more easily than tightly woven fabrics.
- Washing Errors: Using harsh detergents, hot water, or machine drying can all contribute to shrinkage.
The Gentle Art of Shrinking Cashmere: Methods and Tips
Now that you understand why cashmere shrinks, let’s explore the safe and effective ways to shrink your sweater to the perfect fit.
1. Hand Washing and Controlled Shrinking
Hand washing is the gentlest way to shrink cashmere. Here’s how:
- Fill a basin with cool water. Use a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
- Submerge the sweater and gently agitate. Avoid twisting or wringing the sweater, as this can damage the fibers.
- Rinse thoroughly. Make sure all of the detergent is removed.
- Gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring or twist.
- Lay the sweater flat on a clean towel. Roll the towel up to absorb excess moisture.
- Reshape the sweater. Carefully pull and stretch the sweater back into its original shape.
- Air dry flat. Avoid direct sunlight or heat.
Tip: If your sweater is still a bit too big after hand washing, you can try a gentle steam to encourage further shrinkage.
2. The Warm Water Soak
This method is slightly more aggressive than hand washing, but still safe for cashmere.
- Fill a basin with warm water. The water should be lukewarm, not hot.
- Submerge the sweater and soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Gently agitate the sweater. Avoid twisting or wringing.
- Rinse thoroughly. Make sure all of the detergent is removed.
- Gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring or twist.
- Lay the sweater flat on a clean towel. Roll the towel up to absorb excess moisture.
- Reshape the sweater. Carefully pull and stretch the sweater back into its original shape.
- Air dry flat. Avoid direct sunlight or heat.
Tip: You can add a few tablespoons of white vinegar to the warm water to help set the cashmere fibers.
3. The “No-Wash” Option: Steam and Reshape
This method is perfect for those who want to avoid washing their cashmere sweater altogether.
- Hang the sweater on a hanger. Make sure the hanger is padded to avoid stretching the shoulders.
- Use a steamer. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the sweater and gently steam all areas.
- Reshape the sweater. Carefully pull and stretch the sweater back into its original shape.
- Allow the sweater to air dry completely.
Tip: If you don’t have a steamer, you can try hanging the sweater in a steamy bathroom after a hot shower.
Shrinking Mistakes to Avoid: Protecting Your Cashmere
While shrinkage is sometimes a desired outcome, there are several mistakes that can permanently damage your cashmere sweater.
- Avoid the Washing Machine: The agitation and high temperatures of a washing machine can cause irreversible shrinkage and damage.
- Skip the Dryer: The heat of a dryer will shrink cashmere beyond repair.
- Don’t Use Bleach: Bleach will damage the delicate cashmere fibers.
- Be Mindful of Detergents: Use only mild detergents designed for delicate fabrics. Harsh detergents can strip the cashmere of its natural oils, leaving it dry and brittle.
Post-Shrinkage Care: Keeping Your Cashmere in Tip-Top Shape
Once you’ve successfully shrunk your cashmere sweater, it’s important to take proper care of it to prevent further shrinkage and maintain its softness and longevity.
- Store Properly: Fold the sweater and store it in a breathable garment bag or drawer. Avoid hanging cashmere sweaters, as this can stretch them out.
- Professional Cleaning: For deep cleaning, consider taking your cashmere sweater to a professional dry cleaner. Make sure they specialize in delicate fabrics.
- Protect from Moths: Cashmere is a favorite food source for moths. Store your sweater in a cedar-lined chest or use mothballs to deter these pesky insects.
Shrinking Success: Enjoying Your Perfectly Fitted Cashmere
Shrinking cashmere can be a delicate process, but with a little patience and care, you can achieve the perfect fit for your favorite sweater. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and always avoid harsh treatments that can damage the delicate fibers. By following these tips, you can keep your cashmere sweaters looking and feeling their best for years to come.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: Can I shrink a cashmere sweater in the dryer?
A: Absolutely not. The heat of a dryer will shrink cashmere beyond repair and can also damage the fibers.
Q: Can I shrink a cashmere sweater by ironing it?
A: Ironing can be used to reshape a cashmere sweater, but it should never be used to shrink it. The heat of an iron can damage the delicate fibers.
Q: What if I accidentally shrink my cashmere sweater too much?
A: If you’ve shrunk your cashmere sweater too much, there’s not much you can do to stretch it back out. However, you can try to reshape it by gently pulling and stretching the fibers. You can also try using a steamer to loosen the fibers and make them more pliable.
Q: How often should I shrink a cashmere sweater?
A: You should only shrink a cashmere sweater if it’s too big. If you’ve shrunk it once, it’s unlikely to shrink again unless you wash it in hot water or use harsh detergents.
Q: Can I shrink a cashmere sweater that has been dry cleaned?
A: It’s not recommended to shrink a cashmere sweater that has been dry cleaned, as the dry cleaning process can make the fibers more brittle. If you need to shrink a dry-cleaned sweater, hand wash it using a mild detergent and follow the instructions above.
