How to handwash a cashmere sweater?

Question

okay i just bought this gorgeous ivory cashmere sweater.
but it's handwash in cold water only.
how do i wash it without ruining it?
what soap do i use?

Answer 1

Contrary to popular opinion, hand washings won't ruin a cashmere sweater--in fact, it will last longer and smell fresher than if you take it to the dry cleaner.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps
1 Read the garment's care label to make sure it can be handwashed. Some sweaters have trim or finishes that do require dry cleaning.
2 Use a detergent that's safe for delicate fabrics.
3 Pour detergent in a clean sink, measuring out the amount suggested on the bottle. By adding the detergent before the water, you'll make sure it's evenly dispersed once you fill the sink.
4 Fill the sink with cool to lukewarm water.
5 Place the sweater in the sink. Swish it around and lightly squish the suds through the fabric. Leave the sweater in the sink for about 15 minutes.
6 Let the sudsy water drain out of the sink. Fill the sink with clean water that's cool to lukewarm.
7 Squeeze the sweater gently in the clean water. Repeat, refilling the sink with clean water as necessary, until you've removed all the soap from the sweater.
8 Lightly squeeze (but don't wring) the sweater to begin removing the water.
9 Roll the sweater in a bath towel, pushing down on the towel to press out more water. If the sweater is fairly large, you may need to use a second towel after the first one becomes soaked through.
10 Unroll the sweater, and reshape it to its proper size.
11 Place the sweater flat on a dry towel, on a drying rack if possible. Keep it away from direct sun to protect the color.
12 Flip the sweater once or twice a day if necessary so that it airdries thoroughly.

If you don't have a detergent made for fine fabrics, such as Lanowash or Woolite, baby shampoo makes a fine substitute.

Answer 2

Here's an article that describes how I do it: http://www.ehow.com/how_7805_wash-cashmere-sweater.html

I like Woolite because it's easy to find. Many department stores carry other brands in their lingerie section that smell nice & work well. Tocca is a brand I've heard about. http://shop.tocca.com/pl/c/7.html


Related article: how to store http://www.boutiquejewels.com/howtocaforca.html

Answer 3

Use Woolite only.