A cashmere coat is a luxurious winter wardrobe staple that can last for years with the right care. Generally blended with wool or a similar sturdy fabric, cashmere coats are somewhat less fragile than the delicate sweaters made completely from this high-end material. Nonetheless, these coats do require some additional care compared to the average outerwear garment.
Things You'll Need
Wool and cashmere cleanser
Stain solution
Tub or basin
Towel
Washing machine
Mesh laundry bag
Dry cleaner
Garment bag
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Step 1
Start by reading the care instructions on your cashmere coat before doing anything to it, and make sure to follow those instructions without deviation.
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Step 2
Fill a tub with tepid water and add a few dime-sized drops of cashmere cleanser, then mix the solution with your hands. Meanwhile, treat any stains on your coat with a stain cleanser and blot the solution with your fingers until it penetrates the fabric.
Step 3
Put the coat into the tub of water and move the garment around in the tub using your hand. Note that there may be some color that leaks from the coat's fabric in water. This is perfectly normal.
Step 4
Leave the coat in the tub for at least half an hour to soak.
Step 5
Run more water into the tub to dilute the soapy water until the soap appears to have completely rinsed away. Then remove the coat from the tub.
Step 6
Take the coat and roll it up to get rid of the water (do not wring it out) and lay the garment on a thick towel or a drying rack to dry overnight.
Step 7
Hang or wear your cashmere coat as soon as it has fully dried, storing it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Step 8
Take your coat to a dry cleaner that specializes in delicate fabrics if you are unable to remove a stain. These professionals are generally adept at working with high-value items and have the techniques to care for your cashmere while preserving its original condition.
Tip
If for some reason you are unable to hand-wash or dry clean your coat, you may wash the garment in a machine on a delicate cycle using cool water and a cashmere cleanser. Place the coat in a mesh laundry bag before washing, then air dry. Moth-proof your coat while its in storage for the summer by keeping it in a zip-up plastic bag or other sealed garment storage.