Wool & Cashmere: Trusty Tips

January and February are without a doubt the two coldest months in Tennessee. The temperature drops well below freezing almost every night, and the 30-second walk to the car in the early morning frost is just about enough to call in sick. It’s the perfect time of year to pull out those thick, wool and cashmere suits and sweaters that keep warmth in and the wind out. However, these two comfy and cozy materials will easily wear away if not properly cared for.

Worrisome Wool

·       Wooden Hangers: Wool is an extremely heavy material. When hung on metal hangers wool can actually loose its shape or stretch in the shoulder area. Hanging wool garments on wooden hangers helps them maintain their shape and fit, so they always look and feel just the same as the day you brought them home!

·      Blot, Never Rub: Most people’s first reaction to a sudden spill or setting stain is to rub, rub, rub. What many people don’t know is rubbing wool is the most effective way to set the stain for life. If you happen to slosh a bit of red wine onto your grey wool sleeve always blot, blot, blot! The stain will lift immediately and your sweater will be good as new. Hot water is another sure way to set that nasty stain so always, always use cold water to blot away the stain.

·      Resting Required: After being dry cleaned wool should be given a minimum of 24 hours to set. That means do NOT wear it the next day! Giving the fabric some time to sit helps eliminate wrinkles, keeping your suits and sweaters looking nice and crisp all day long.

·      Let It Breathe: The same way wool requires time to rest it also needs some space to breathe. Never pack your wool garments too tightly. Crowded drawers or closet shelves can cause the wool’s fine quality to deteriorate. Fold or hang your wool garments in spacious places with plenty of ventilation to maintain their superior quality.

Careful Cashmere

·      One or Two, That’ll Do: The divine quality of Cashmere garments are created from the delicate hair of the Kashmir goat. To keep this luxurious material in immaculate condition never wash it more than one or two times per year.

·      Definitely Dry-Clean: Unfortunately cashmere is a material that moths find highly desirable. Moths are often attracted to your favorite fine garments because of various odors. If you wore your cashmere out for pizza and the Italian scents still linger when you put them away for the summer moths are sure to munch on it. Having cashmere dry-cleaned every few wears and at the end of the season is a great way to keep luring odors out of the material and the moths away.

·      Cedar Says: Cashmere is a very delicate and particular fabric. The best and most protective way to store cashmere clothing is in cedar drawers. Something about this particular wood helps maintain the pristine quality of the soft fabric. However, you probably won’t be running to the store for a new dresser, so just grab some cedar chips, put them in a candleholder and set it in the drawer with your cashmere.

·      Wrinkle Free, Fold by Three: It’s almost impossible to keep cashmere from wrinkling when hung, and creases often form when the material is folded incorrectly. The most effective way to prevent wrinkles and creases in cashmere is to fold your garments into thirds.

McPherson Cleaners in Nashville has the perfectly trained staff to adequately handle all of your wool and cashmere clothing. McPherson Cleaners is proud to offer excellent customer service and fulfill any special customer requirements. Click here to see McPherson’s special offers!

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