I have a cashmere/silk pashmina that is in desperate need of cleaning,when I took it to my local dry cleaners they said they would clean it at my own risk,they have cleaned others where the silk tassles came unravelled.I really want it cleaned but I don't want it ruined.Has anyone ever had one cleaned,is there somewhere i can go that will clean it without ruining it? Help!
Viv.
+++++++++++++++
Viv.
06-12-02, 09:46 AM
MrsS
I hand wash mine and have had no trouble. If you want to try to wash it yourself, test a corner by wetting it and laying it on a clean white cloth. If there is no color on the cloth after an hour, then your pashmina is colorfast. Use cool water and very mild soap/detergent(I like Johnson's lavender baby bath stuff) rinse carefully,do not wring,dry it by laying it flat on a towel in a warm place.
If you can't or do not want to wash it, look for someone who specializes in wedding gown PRESERVATION, a bridal shop could probably offer references. A preservation specialist has more training and better equipment for the care of delicate and/or complicated items.
Good luck.

06-12-02, 11:00 AM
VivienneHa
Thanks MrsS, I was wondering if I could wash it,i'll try the colour fast test.Also it has got rather 'fluffy' someone told me you should comb it,have you heard of this? If so what should I comb it with?

06-12-02, 11:37 AM
MrsS
You're very welcome...I have lots of clothes that say "Dry Clean Only" and only 6 or 7 pieces that really must be dry cleaned...as for the combing, I don't know but I would ask at a yarncraft or spinning/weaving shop.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

I have found that you can wash cashmere in a washing machine and I've used the cashmere care guidelines at www.cashmereshopping.co.uk. If you are worried about washing your cashmere in a machine then try washing gently by hand - this has worked for my knitwear and pashmina which are both in beautiful condition and have never been dry cleaned.

I really, really wouldn't machine wash it! There's some good instructions for hand-washing and a video at http://cashmereclothing.org.uk/

Hand washing needn't be too scary if you are careful.

If you want to get rid of the 'fluff' you need a de-pilling comb, I think Lakeland Plastics do one. It gently shaves the fabric, but be really careful using it!!!