Can You Spin Dry Cashmere?

Cashmere, renowned for its softness and warmth, is a luxury fabric made from the undercoat of the cashmere goat. When it comes to caring for cashmere, one question often arises: Can you spin dry cashmere?

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The answer isn't as straightforward as yes or no. It involves understanding the fabric's properties and the spin dry process. Let's dive into the world of cashmere and spin drying to provide you with a definitive answer and useful tips.

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Understanding Cashmere and Spin Drying

Cashmere is a delicate fabric that's naturally prone to felting, a process where fibers interlock and create a matte surface. Spin drying, while gentle compared to wringing or tumbling, still subjects clothing to centripetal forces that can lead to felting.

The key factor is the speed and duration of spin drying. High-speed, long spin cycles may cause excessive felting, while low-speed, short cycles might avoid this issue.

Spin Drying on Delicate Cycle

Cashmere sweater. Thrifted cashmere. How wash cashmere.

Modern washing machines have delicate cycles, designed to mimic hand-washing, which is the gentlest method for cleaning cashmere. Using this cycle reduces the risk of felting and damage during spin drying.

Delicate cycles typically use low spin speeds (usually around 600-800 RPM) and shorter spin times. These gentle settings make it safe to spin dry cashmere, provided you follow other care instructions.

Other Factors Affecting Spin Drying

Apart from spin cycle settings, other factors influence whether you can spin dry cashmere safely:

Garment Construction: Pieces with tight or structured designs may fare better under spin drying, as they offer greater resistance to felting.
Pre-wash Treatments: Applying soaking or pre-wash treatments for cashmere can remove oils that cause felting, making it safer to spin dry.
Post-Spin Drying Care: Always lay flat or hang dry cashmere after spin drying to prevent stretching and further felting.

Alternatives to Spin Drying Cashmere

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While spin drying cashmere is possible with the right care, there are alternatives to ensure your cashmere garments remain in pristine condition.

Hand washing, as recommended by many manufacturers, is the gentlest method. It eliminates the risk of felting and damage caused by spin drying or tumble drying.

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22K views · 506 reactions | 6 cashmere life hacks in less than a minute! 1. Mending holes in cashmere The bigger the hole, the harder to mend, so start as soon as you notice one. For our repairs we use cotton thread (it’s more readily available, provides a more discreet repair and is more affordable). Always sew from the BACK of the garment, but look at both the front and back. Secure the hole by sewing in a circle around the hole, then start to sew up and down the knit to rejoin the broke threads together. Pull gently and tie off. 2. Remove stains from cashmere Dilute washing up liquid, damp the stained area then apply the washing up liquid to the stain. Gently rub to work in the washing up liquid and the stain should start to lift. Then wash the whole garment. 3. How to wash cashmere We machine wash all of our 100% cashmere at 20°C on a short (less than 30 minute) cycle and a 1200rpm spin (note: not suitable for toploader machines). 4. How to store cashmere safely Moths are a nightmare. Best practice is to keep your cashmere physically away from moths by storing in sealed boxes or bags. 5. Bonus tip, fold, don’t hang, to prevent unwanted stretching. 6. Cashmere pilling or bobbling Cashmere pills are natural. Simply remove with a gentle fabric shaver, making sure the garment is flat and don’t press too hard. 📍Don’t forget to save this post! | Nearly New Cashmere Co. | Facebook

CASHMERE INDULGENCE BLEND of Superfine Merino, Mulberry Silk and a Touch of Cashmere Fiber, Spinning, Felting & Blending. Pashmina

Hand Washing Cashmere

Follow these steps for hand washing cashmere:

Soak in cool water with a gentle cashmere-specific detergent or baby shampoo.
Avoid wringing or twisting the garment, instead gently squeeze out excess water.
Lay flat to dry. Reshape the garment to its original form and let it air dry completely.

Using a Washing Machine for Cashmere

The delicate cycle is preferable if you must use a washing machine. However, be aware that cashmere can still felt or get damaged, albeit less likely than with a standard cycle.

Consider using a washing bag designed for delicates to protect your cashmere pieces during the wash cycle. Always follow the care instructions on the garment tag for best results.

In the end, understanding your cashmere garment's construction and your washing machine's capabilities is key to determining whether spin drying is safe. While gentle spin drying in delicate cycles is possible, it's essential to keep an eye on the effects of felting and take precautions to maintain your cashmere's quality and beauty.