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Caring for your Pashmina

Most stores would recommend or even request professional dry cleaning when it comes to cleaning your Pashmina shawl, but actually that's not the best way. The way you look after your hair also applies to your Pashmina, because they are both natural fibres.

So as genuine Pashmina shawl lovers, we would like to share our easy to follow tips with you. You do not have to spend a lot of time and money on professional dry cleaning again!

How to wash

Hand wash in lukewarm water using your hair shampoo. Be sure to dissolve the shampoo thoroughly then put the Pashmina shawl into the water. Rinse with hair conditioner, this will make your Pashmina softer. Wash coloured garments separately.

  • Do not bleach.
  • Squeeze gently, do not twist or wring. Twisting the wet shawl would stretch the shape.
  • Dry flat after removing excess water, away from direct heat and sunlight.
  • Press with damp cloth, using a cool iron, iron from the inside of the garment.

How to store

Before storing your precious Pashmina shawl in a basement or attic, check carefully for leaks, dampness and sunlight. Fold the Pashmina shawl, pack them neatly in tissue paper or a plastic bag, and store them in the closet away from light, dust and dampness.

Cleaning before storage is recommended, as fresh stains that may not yet be visible will oxidize and become fixed during storage, they may also be food for moths. Moths have a discerning palate, they feast only on natural fabrics. Mothballs (naphthalene) and cedar chips are standard protection from moth infestation of woolens.

To store a Pashmina shawl during summer, the most important thing is to keep moisture away, so please do not store cashmere in a damp place. A well-sealed plastic storage box (available in most stores) is good enough (a see-through one is better as you can notice if there is any moisture inside).

Make sure the box is dry before you put the Pashmina shawl in. To keep the moths away, the first important thing is to make sure that the shawl is clean before long-time storage.

Pay close attention to any food stains as moths are particularly attracted to our normal food proteins and cooking oils. Those mothproofing products are helpful, or simply spray some perfume on a piece of paper and put the paper next to your sweater inside the box.

Some more tips

  • Do not wear the Pashmina shawl too frequently, allow it two or three days rest after one day's wearing.
  • Do not wear the Pashmina shawl next to rough clothing, metal necklaces, bracelets, belts and rough leather such as crocodile leather bags.
  • Pilling is caused by abrasion during regular use, it often develops on elbows, on the seat of skirts, and in areas rubbed by a bag or briefcase, even a seat belt. Soft, fuzzy surfaces are more susceptible than others. So for Pashmina and silk/pashmina, it is normal when pilling develops in some areas after times of wearing.
  • To avoid pilling, it is important not to rub the garment with rough clothing, metal accessories, bags and all kinds of belts. In case you can not avoid the belts such as seat belts, cover your garment with a silk or synthetic fibres scarf, make sure it is the smooth surface that is next to your garment.
  • To remove pills, just manually pick them off. Do not rub and brush the garment.

 
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