Maintaining the luxurious feel of your cashmere sweaters involves more than just washing them properly; how to store cashmere significantly impacts its longevity. Acid-free tissue paper, a common material found in packaging from retailers like The Cashmere Company, prevents fiber damage. The moth-repellent cedar wood adds a natural deterrent against pesky insects. Expert advice from textile conservators, specifically guidelines often shared by the Victoria and Albert Museum, emphasizes the importance of breathable containers for long-term storage, ensuring your favorite pieces remain pristine.
Image taken from the YouTube channel ExpertVillage Leaf Group , from the video titled How to Store Cashmere Sweaters .
Cashmere Care: Store It Right, Keep It Pristine
The best way to maintain the luxurious feel and longevity of your cashmere garments is to store them properly. Moths are a cashmere’s worst enemy, and improper storage can also lead to stretching, misshaping, and pilling. This guide will walk you through the best practices on how to store cashmere, ensuring your pieces stay in pristine condition for years to come.
Preparing Your Cashmere for Storage
Before you even think about putting your cashmere away, you need to prep it. This is a crucial step often overlooked, but it significantly impacts the long-term health of your garments.
Washing or Dry Cleaning
- Why it matters: Dirty cashmere attracts moths. Body oils, food particles, and even just environmental dust provide a feast for these pesky insects.
- The right approach: Always wash or dry clean your cashmere items before storing them, even if you only wore them briefly.
- For washing, hand washing with a gentle detergent formulated for delicates is preferred.
- If dry cleaning, choose a reputable cleaner who understands delicate fabrics.
Ensuring Complete Dryness
- Why it matters: Dampness breeds mold and mildew, which can permanently damage cashmere fibers.
- The right approach: Whether you hand wash or dry clean, make absolutely certain your cashmere is completely dry before storing it.
- After hand washing, gently roll the garment in a clean towel to remove excess water.
- Lay it flat on a clean, dry surface, away from direct sunlight and heat, to air dry completely.
- If dry cleaned, allow the garment to air out of the plastic bag for a day or two to ensure any remaining chemicals have dissipated.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
The environment where you store your cashmere plays a significant role in protecting it.
Temperature and Humidity
- Ideal conditions: A cool, dry, and dark environment is ideal.
- Avoid: Attics, basements, and garages are generally not suitable due to fluctuating temperatures and potential humidity.
Protecting from Sunlight
- Why it matters: Direct sunlight can fade colors and weaken fibers.
- The right approach: Choose a storage location that is out of direct sunlight. A closet or drawer is usually the best option.
Selecting the Proper Storage Method
How you physically store your cashmere is just as important as where you store it.
Folding vs. Hanging
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Folding: Generally, folding is the preferred method for storing cashmere.
- Why: Hanging can stretch the garment, especially heavier sweaters, out of shape.
- How: Fold your cashmere neatly and gently. Avoid creating sharp creases that can damage the fibers.
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Hanging (with caution): If you must hang cashmere, use wide, padded hangers specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
- Suitable items: Lightweight cashmere scarves or shawls might be hung without significant risk.
Storage Containers
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Best options:
- Breathable Cotton Bags: These allow air to circulate, preventing moisture buildup while protecting against dust and insects.
- Acid-Free Tissue Paper: Wrap delicate items in acid-free tissue paper before placing them in bags or containers.
- Cedar Chests/Drawers: Cedarwood is a natural moth repellent. Ensure the cedar is properly maintained (sanded annually) to retain its effectiveness.
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Avoid: Plastic bags or containers. These trap moisture and can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Organizing Your Storage Space
- Clear Labeling: Label storage bags or containers so you know what’s inside without having to open them unnecessarily.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Don’t cram too many items into one container. This can wrinkle or misshape your cashmere.
- Grouping Similar Items: Store similar items together (e.g., all sweaters in one container, scarves in another).
Protecting Against Moths
Moths are the biggest threat to your cashmere collection. Taking proactive measures to prevent infestation is essential.
Natural Repellents
- Cedar: As mentioned before, cedarwood is a natural and effective moth repellent. Use cedar blocks, balls, or hangers in your storage area.
- Lavender: Dried lavender sachets are another natural option. Place them in drawers or storage bags.
- Herbal Sachets: Sachets filled with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and cloves can also deter moths.
Mothballs (Use with Extreme Caution)
- Effectiveness: Mothballs are effective at killing moths and their larvae, but they contain harmful chemicals.
- Risks: They have a strong odor that can be difficult to remove from clothing and can be toxic to humans and pets.
- Alternatives: If you choose to use mothballs, place them in a sealed container away from your clothing and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Consider the natural repellents above as better, safer alternatives.
Regular Monitoring
- Why it matters: Even with preventative measures, it’s important to check your stored cashmere regularly for signs of moth damage.
- What to look for: Holes, webbing, or unusual dust.
- Action: If you find any signs of infestation, immediately isolate the affected garment and take appropriate action (e.g., wash/dry clean, freeze, or discard the item).
Summary Table of Cashmere Storage Best Practices
| Action | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Wash or dry clean before storing | Removes oils and dirt that attract moths |
| Ensure complete dryness | Prevents mold and mildew | |
| Location | Cool, dry, dark environment | Prevents fading, damage, and infestation |
| Method | Fold (generally preferred) or hang with care | Prevents stretching and misshaping |
| Container | Breathable cotton bags, acid-free tissue paper | Allows air circulation and protects against dust and insects |
| Moth Protection | Cedar, lavender, herbal sachets | Deters moths naturally |
| Regular Monitoring | Check garments regularly | Catches infestations early |
Cashmere Care FAQs: Keeping Your Knitwear Pristine
Storing your cashmere correctly is essential for longevity. These FAQs address common questions about how to protect your investment pieces.
Why is proper storage so important for cashmere?
Cashmere is a natural fiber that attracts moths. Poor storage creates a breeding ground for these pests, leading to holes and damage. Proper storage, especially during the off-season, prevents this.
What’s the best way to store cashmere sweaters?
The best way to store cashmere is folded, not hung. Hanging stretches the fibers and distorts the shape. Fold neatly and place in breathable storage bags or containers with cedar or lavender sachets.
Can I store cashmere in plastic containers?
Avoid storing cashmere in airtight plastic containers for extended periods. They trap moisture, which can lead to mildew. Opt for breathable cotton or linen bags. If you must use plastic, ensure the cashmere is completely dry and add a desiccant packet.
How often should I clean my cashmere before storing it?
Always clean your cashmere before storing it for the season. Moths are attracted to body oils and odors. Hand washing or gentle dry cleaning ensures your cashmere is clean and less appealing to pests before you store it.
And there you have it! Knowing how to store cashmere properly is really the key to enjoying it for seasons to come. Happy cashmere keeping!