Pashmina and silk are considered to be the most luxurious and expensive fabric types in the world. While Pashmina comes from goats, silk comes from silkworms, and both are reared to produce these respective fabrics. As the fabrics are delicate and pricey, one often believes that washing them might be a task. Surprisingly, it is not. Here is the ABC of washing silk and Pashmina.

Washing Pashmina

Washing Pashmina is the biggest concern when it comes to taking care of this luxury wrap. Pashmina scarves or shawls are delicate and gentle, and one mistake during their washing can lead to their complete destruction. Hence one either gives it to the laundry or else, to dry cleaners who can take care. But this is not always the case. At times, these services are not available, and it becomes necessary to take the matter into one's own hands. 

Why does Pashmina need special care?

Pashmina scarves are one of the finest in the world. These are made from Cashmere wool from Ladakh which is known for its quality all over the world. Cashmere is acquired from Ladakh and spun over a spinning wheel which yields fine yarn. This yarn is just 12-16 microns in diameter, which at times makes it difficult to see through the naked eye. It is the sheer skill and expertise of these women artisans of Kashmir who make it seem easy to do. This yarn is later hand-woven over a traditional handloom and converted into luxury shawls and scarves. 

The entire process is manual. That is because Cashmere fibre is so gentle that it even breaks while hand spinning and hand weaving. Hence, if it faces severe treatment, it will destroy the entire piece. Also, being handcrafted makes it quite expensive. Hence you do need to take special care of it. 

How to wash Pashmina?

There is a difference of opinion as far as the best method to clean a Pashmina scarf is concerned. Some say that hand washing Pashmina scarves at home is the best method, while some say that dry cleaning is the safest. Nevertheless, we believe that hand washing is better than dry cleaning Cashmere. Even though dry cleaning is not a problem, hand washing with a mild detergent is the best method to clean a Pashmina scarf or shawl. 

Can I machine wash my Pashmina?

Yes, washing a Pashmina scarf or shawl in a washing machine should be the last thing on your mind. If you're washing your Pashmina wraps in a machine, follow these simple instructions.

• Select the woolens or delicate cycle on the washing machine, 
• Set the water temperature is cold 
• Set the spin on low.
• Use Cashmere shampoo or the mildest detergent liquid for washing it.
• Place your Pashmina scarves and shawls in mesh bags before washing them
• As soon as they are washed, remove them from the machine immediately to avoid wrinkles. 
• Air dry Pashmina scarves and shawls. 
• Store them properly in tissue bags, and not in plastic bags. 

Dry cleaning

Even though some argue that dry cleaning is the most preferred method for cleaning Pashmina shawls and scarves, we believe that dry-cleaning solvents and enzyme-containing detergents might degrade the fine yarn, and harm the quality of this timeless fabric. If you send your Pashmina shawl for dry cleaning, make sure you tell them about the fabric and its qualities. One has to be extremely gentle with this fine fabric. 

Also read: HOW DO YOU PICK A CASHMERE SCARF?

Washing Silk in Washing Machines

• A large number of silk fabrics have lost colour in washing machines. One should always check on the tag if a particular silk fabric is machine washable or not before washing
• One should always avoid washing silk fabric with heavy fabrics like jeans or thick wool
• A much possible abrasive damage can be avoided if one washed silk by placing it in a mesh bag.
• Do not overload the washing machine when you are washing silk. Keep enough space.
• Add a delicate detergent or a silk wash which is easily available in laundry stores
• Put on a delicate cycle. Choose the shortest spin cycle and a hand wash (or delicate wash) setting. Check the fabric care label for the right temperature
• Always use a towel to soak up water after you wash silk fabric.
• Hang the silk garment or lay it flat to dry. It completely depends on the garment whether you will want to hang it up or lay it flat.
• Do not dry silk in direct sunlight. 

Washing Silk at Home

Silk can be hand washed at home by following these easy steps:

• Take a tub and fill it with cold or lukewarm water
• Submerge the silk garment in this tub
• Add a few drops of any delicate detergent or silk wash into the tub and mix it thoroughly
• Leave your silk garment in this detergent water mix for 3 to 4 minutes
• Now use your hands to gently wash the garment with your hands
• Now rinse the garment with plain cold water thoroughly. Let all the soapy water run clear
• Use a towel to soak up extra water from the garment. Do not tumble dry it.

Also read: WHAT IS A PASHMINA AND SILK?