Cashmere sweater cleaning in Tomball, TX

Why sweaters and cashmere need careful cleaning

A knit is made of interlocking loops, not woven threads, so it stretches when wet and heavy and can dry longer or wider than before. Cashmere and merino have fine, scaly fibers that lock together under heat and rubbing. That is felting, and it cannot be undone. A sweater that goes through a warm wash and a dryer can come out a size or two smaller and stiff to the touch. Ribbed cuffs and hems lose their spring when stretched on a hanger. Cable knits and chunky knits hold a lot of water and dry slowly. Sweaters with beads, sequins, leather trim or mixed yarns can bleed color or snag.

Reading the care label

Cashmere labels often say Hand wash cold, Dry clean, or both. Dry clean on a knit usually means it is the recommended method, not the only one. Dry clean only, often seen on blends and embellished sweaters, means washing was not tested and the maker expects trouble. The drying symbol of a square with a horizontal line across the middle means lay it flat to dry.

Before you bring them in

• Point out any small holes now, since a hole in a knit can run if it is snagged.
• Remove brooches and pins, which leave holes in fine knits.
• Mention deodorant marks or yellowing at the underarms.
• Bring matching pieces together, like a twin set, so they are cleaned the same way and stay alike.

Care between cleanings

• Fold sweaters on a shelf or in a drawer. Hangers stretch the shoulders and leave pointed bumps.
• Air a sweater out overnight after wearing before you fold it away.
• Wear a thin layer underneath fine knits so less body oil reaches the sweater.
• Store clean sweaters in breathable bags with cedar, since moths go for soiled wool first.
• Use a cashmere comb lightly on pills instead of pulling them off with your fingers.