Designer Finds: moths and cashmere don't get along

Friday, November 22, 2013

moths and cashmere don't get along

HAVE YOU SEEN YOUR FAVORITE CASHMERE SWEATER LATELY?

"Mr. Greenberg says not to store your clothes for months or longer without cleaning them. His basic guidelines: Wash or dry clean all your clothes before you store them away in a separate closet from the in-season clothes you're wearing now. Invest in a hand steamer, which will "sterilize garments and kill bacteria because of the heat," he says.

And understand that even a single wearing (or probably a lot of try-ons with your new sweater) means your natural-fiber clothes (wool, silk, cotton, cashmere, fur—including blends) are no longer sterile when it comes to insects. The clothing fibers carry fragrance, perspiration, hair, invisible food stains, all of which over time can turn into protein that attracts insects that lay eggs and will chew up your clothes."

via DF

Alpaca wearing persimmon alpaca scarf

via

"Tips and Tricks:

• When storing for the season, spray with The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Spray and place in a breathable cotton bag with a zip closure such as The Laundress All Purpose Storage Bag.

* Also store with a natural bug repellent such as Lavender, The Laundress Scented Squares.

• Hand washing will lengthen the life of colored garments.

• Clean your washer monthly with The Laundress Machine Cleaner to protect fibers and fading from machine build up, lime scale and rust. Add (1/2 cup, 4 oz, 120 ml) to your machine dispenser and run a long load with hot water. Run a second load with just water and you’re ready to go! "