Cashmere is soft because the fibres are long and fine. It stays that way with little effort, as long as you keep heat and friction away from it. A jumper worn twice a week needs washing only a few times a season, and airing it overnight between wears will freshen it without water.
Washing by hand
Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of gentle wool detergent. Submerge the jumper and let it soak for ten minutes. Move it gently through the water, then rinse in clean water at the same temperature. Do not rub, and do not leave it to sit in the water for longer than it needs.
Drying flat
Never wring cashmere. Lift it out of the basin with both hands and press the water out against the side. Wash one jumper at a time, and keep heavier things out of the same basin. Lay it flat on a clean white towel on the floor, reshape it to its natural line and leave it to dry away from direct heat and sun. Turn it once after a few hours so the underside dries evenly.
Folding and storing
Fold, do not hang. Hanging stretches the shoulders and the weight of the body pulls the knit out of shape. Fold along the seams, keep the arms straight and store in a drawer or on a shelf. Give each piece a little room, because pressing knitwear flat for months leaves creases that are slow to lift. A cedar block in the drawer keeps moths away without scenting the cloth too strongly. Store the jumper clean, because moths are drawn to marks and food traces.
Pilling and repair
Small pills are normal in the first weeks and are not a fault. Remove them with a cashmere comb, working gently in one direction over a flat surface. Do not pull at them with your fingers. Loose fibres will settle as the garment is worn. If a stitch works loose, stop it with a blunt needle before it runs, and bring the piece to us if you would rather not mend it yourself.
