How to wash wool and cashmere

THE EASY AND NATURAL WAY TO CLEAN CASHMERE AND WOOL.

Wool is a very durable and sustainable fibre that will last a very long time if cared for properly. Hand washing or gentle machine washing with a natural detergent is the best method to clean wool and cashmere clothing to ensure they stay beautiful for longer.

Can I wash wool clothing in the washing machine?

Yes you can wash both wool and cashmere in the washing machine. This is also the simplest method. Most front loader washing machines today have a gentle cycle or even a specific wool wash cycle. Key is to ensure the temperature is warm enough to shift dirt but not so hot it will shrink your garment (no more than 30 degrees). Always select a slower spin cycle, which is gentler on clothes.

Follow these steps for washing wool and cashmere in the washing machine

1. Turn garment inside-out then place in machine, using a garment bag if you like. Avoid washing one jumper alone if you can, firstly, it’s a waste of water and secondly, it’s better if the garment has something soft to bounce against as it goes around.
2. Add Ms BROWN Wool & Cashmere Wash to detergent section of machine, following directions on bottle, and press start.
3. Once the cycle is finished, depending on your machine, you might need to remove excess moisture by lying your garment flat on a towel and rolling, like a sleeping bag, squeezing gently as you go. Gently pull your garment into shape, if required. Lie flat on a towel or rack to dry.

Follow these steps for washing wool and cashmere by hand

1. Half-fill a bucket or the bathroom sink with lukewarm water. Add approximately one capful of Ms BROWN Wool & Cashmere Wash to the water and swish around to disperse detergent (our wash has excellent moisturising properties so your hands will love it!) 
2. Immerse your garment in the water, gently swirling around for a moment, paying extra attention to any soiled patches like cuffs and armpits. Leave to soak for ten minutes or so, longer if very dirty.
3. Empty the bucket and fill again with clean water, moving the garment around in the water to rinse off any excess product.
4. When removing from water, gently press the item in a ball against the side of the bucket to remove moisture. Never wring the garment as it will stretch it out of shape.
5. To dry, lie item flat on a clean towel and gently roll like a sleeping bag. You may need to repeat this process for a very thick or very wet garment. Gently pull your garment into shape, if required and lie flat on a fresh towel or drying rack until dry.

HOW TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF WOOL AND CASHMERE

Never hang your woollens, as the weight of the garment will stretch it out of shape
Instead, store wool and cashmere folded in a drawer or on a shelf
Always wash your garment before putting away to prevent moths and bugs which are attracted to dirt
The Eucalyptus and Lavender essential oils in the Ms BROWN Wool & Cashmere Wash will help to naturally deter moths and bugs
During summer, when garments are not being worn, store in fabric bags, not plastic.

HOW TO REMOVE CASHMERE PILLING

Pilling occurs as a result of the cashmere fabric rubbing against itself or another surface, which is why you'll notice it most on the sides of your jumper and the sleeves, where your arms, desk or even hand bag will rub. Unfortunately pilling can occur on basically any cashmere sweater, designer cashmere is not necessarily less prone to pilling. Finer, tighter weaves will pill less but it can be difficult to tell one from the other in a store.

It sounds quite strange, but giving the garment a "rest" in between wears, can help reduce pilling. When not being worn, the fibres in the fabric are able to bounce back to their original shape, helping them to be more resilient and pill less.
Being careful when you wash it will also help. Using our Wool & Cashmere Wash will nourish the cashmere fibres, helping to keep them strong and pill less.
Washing inside out will also reduce the rubbing of the outside of the garment while washing. Gentle hand or machine washing will be better for it than dry cleaning or just throwing it in a normal wash cycle.

Pills can be easily removed using Ms BROWN Wool & Cashmere Comb  — never use a razor or scissors as you'll damage the fibres and make it worse. After washing, simply lie the garment flat and use the comb, brushing in one direction to gently remove pills. Your garment will look as brand new as the day your bought it after this process.