If you’re like me and shopping more consciously and sustainably these days, then chances are you are adding silk, wool or cashmere into your closet. These special investment pieces require a little extra care and I’m here to help you take care of them so they’re in your wardrobes looking their best for years to come.
Before I get into the details, I will say this is a guide only and you should reference your garment’s care labels before doing any cleaning method. If you are using any new cleaning products, it is recommend that you try testing them on a discrete part of the garment before going all in.
The first thing you need to know is that you will need a special wool or delicates detergent. This is because animal fibres like silk, wool and cashmere are protein based and most regular detergents have enzymes called proteases that break down protein based stains. Unfortunately this means that they also will slowly break down the proteins in the your animal fibre garments. Wool washes do not have these enzymes and are pH neutral so not as harsh on your delicate fibres.
The next thing to consider is if your item really needs to be washed every time you wear it. For these delicate items, it is recommended to only spot clean when necessary. Instead of washing you can air your garments out if they don’t have any visible marks. If you do need to wash them, hand washing is recommended, or if necessary washing on delicate in your machine on a short cycle with the lowest spin possible only in cold water. It is important to note you should as well separate dark and light colours when washing, and also when drying and the garments are still wet, to prevent colour bleeding.
When it’s time to dry your garment, do not wring it. Use a towel to blot as much excess moisture out of the garment, and then roll up like a burrito in the towel and press it lightly to absorb more water before choosing the main drying method based on your garment. For knit items it is always best to dry flat on a towel or over a drying rack as this prevents the garment from stretching under the weight of the water. Some lightweight woven items can be hung on the line, but try to avoid heat or too much direct sunlight for extended periods.
If your garment requires pressing, ensure you use steam and a low heat, and use a pressing cloth to protect your garment. Do not iron on dry as this can shrink the garment (same as heat from washing or the tumble dryer - please do not use the tumble dryer on your delicate items!)
Storing your delicate garments is an essential part of caring for them. A good rule of thumb is to fold knits and hang wovens, and that goes for anything - not just wools, cashmeres and silks. Make sure garments are clean before storing for extended periods of time. Use natural deterrents like cedar or lavender to protect your garments from moths and other hungry insects such as cockroaches and silverfish. Padded or flocked or velvet hangers are best for preventing unwanted dints and misshaping of the shoulders in your garments.
If you are in doubt when it comes to washing a delicate garment, refer to the care label or take it to your local dry cleaner, they are experts in excellent garment care.
I hope this has helped you to feel more confident in caring for your special garments in a way that will help them last for a long time and serve you for many seasons.