Caring for Wool, Cashmere & Blends with The Laundress

Winter is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to get ready for breaking out the woollen jumpers and warm fluffy blankets. Keeping woollen and woollen-like synthetic fibres soft and comforting takes some extra care, and The Laundress and the Butler have the products and the guide to help you keep them in their best condition.

Wool, wool blends, and wool-like synthetics should all be cared for like wool. Some examples of wool yarns include cashmere, sheep, lamb, merino, pashmina, angora, mohair, camel hair, and alpaca. Wool-like synthetics are any synthetics make to look like wool, such as acrylic.

 

Pretreating

• Stain removal: Target areas such as underarms, necklines, and cuffs with the Stain Solution or Wash & Stain Bar.
• Odours: Add ¼ cup of vinegar to a cool water bath and soak item for 30 minutes.
• Wash with the like colours only

 

Handwashing

• Handwashing is always the best and safest method for treating woollens.
• Prepare a “bath”: Fill a wash basin or sink with cool water and add 2 capfuls or a squirt of Wool & Cashmere Shampoo
• Submerge item: gently agitate so your item will be evenly soaped and wet.
• Soak for 30 minutes.
• If there’s colour in the water: this is normal; the yarn dye is simply releasing color. You will not notice any loss of color post wash.
• Rinse well: run cool water through items until rinse water is no longer soapy. Do not wring. Instead, press the water out of your item.

 

Machine Washing

• Set machine to the woollens/delicate cycle. Make sure the water is cold.
• Place item in a Mesh Washing Bag, inside out. Add the appropriate amount of Wool & Cashmere Shampoo according to the label
• Remove promptly form the washer to reduce creasing. Do not put in the dryer!

 

Dry/Finish

• Pre-dry item using a towel: with the item in its original shape, lay flat on a towel. Roll up the item in the towel (like a sleeping bag) to remove excess water.
• Lay item flat in its natural shape on a drying rack or clean towel.
• Steam if needed. Do not iron!

 

Pills & Lint

• De-pill delicate knits with a Sweater Comb; the comb is ideal for fine gauge items such as knit sweaters, blankets, and upholstery, glide the Sweater Stone over affected areas. Always work tools in one direction.
• Remove lint, fuss, and hair with the Cashmere Brush. Brushing between wears will release natural oils that rejuvenate yarns.

 

Added Care & Storage

• Freshen items between wearing and washing with the Wool & Cashmere Spray.
• Always store knits folded to prevent stretching or distorting.
• Prevent bug and moth infestation by storing in a breathable cotton/canvas bag with a zip closure.
• Always store items clean to avoid inadvertently providing a “food source” for bugs.