It is generally not recommended to wash cashmere in the washing machine as the agitation and spinning can damage the delicate fibers. Hand washing or dry cleaning is usually the preferred method for cleaning cashmere.
If you do decide to machine wash cashmere, be sure to use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent specifically designed for wool and cashmere.
It’s also important to place the garment in a mesh laundry bag to prevent it from stretching or snagging during the wash cycle. Finally, avoid using a dryer and instead lay the garment flat on a towel to air dry.
Key Points
- Agitation and spinning can damage the delicate fibers: The spinning and tumbling motion of the washing machine can cause the cashmere fibers to stretch, shrink, or break, resulting in a damaged or misshapen garment.
- Risk of pilling: Cashmere fibers are prone to pilling, and the friction and abrasion caused by the washing machine can exacerbate this problem, resulting in unsightly pills and fuzz balls on the fabric.
- Loss of softness and sheen: Cashmere is prized for its softness and luxurious sheen, but machine washing can strip the fibers of their natural oils and cause them to become dull and rough.
- Color fading: Cashmere garments are often dyed with natural or synthetic dyes that can fade or bleed in the washing machine, resulting in a discolored or uneven garment.
- Risk of shrinking: Cashmere is a delicate fabric that can easily shrink when exposed to heat or agitation, and washing it in the machine increases the risk of shrinkage.
- Damage to embellishments: If your cashmere garment has any embellishments such as beads, sequins, or embroidery, machine washing can cause them to come loose or fall off.
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