Pashmina is a fabric that is synonymous with luxury, finesse, and class. Whether a shawl or a scarf, pashmina can be accommodated in our wardrobes in many ways. They are known to be silky, with fine texture, and delicate. Hence, they deserve some extra care to keep them looking luxurious for long. From experience, care and frequent washing should be done to ensure the beauty and durability of pashmina fibres and the patterns. Here, we will provide you with all the necessary information on how to wash pashmina and other pashmina care necessities.

Understanding Pashmina

First things first, let us understand the basics about the fabric and what pashmina is so that it is clear why it is so special before exploring further details. Pashmina is obtained from the fine under fur of a special goat found in the snowy ranges of the Himalayas, the Changthangi goat. It is hand-spun and woven and turned into goods, like scarves, shawls, or ponchos. Since so much hand labour goes into making a final product, they are so unique. For the same reason, it is quite delicate and it demands gentle care to ensure its longevity. 

How to Wash Pashmina

Pashmina fabrics should be washed carefully because the fabrics have thin fibres that can be easily ruined. The recommended method of washing pashmina is by hand since this way of washing does not affect the fibres of the fabric adversely. First of all, you need to take a basin and add cold water to it so that the pashmina does not shrink or turn out to be too bulky. Dissolve a tiny bit of a gentle washing detergent for sensitive skin or if not available, you may use a baby shampoo. Dip your pashmina shawl or your pashmina scarf in water and make sure you don’t rub it or scrub it as this is capable of causing pilling and thus damaging the fibres. Allow pashmina to remain in water for approximately 15-20 minutes and with slow movements, wash out any dirt or oil on the fabric.

Wash them in warm water and soap, then rinse them in cold and clean water to remove the soap’s residue. Wash and ensure all the pashmina is removed from the detergent whereby this may take several rounds of washing. Twisting and wringing the pashmina should be avoided at all costs, as this will only alter the shape of the fabric; instead, press out the excess water in the material by gently squeezing it. Wring out the water from the pashmina and spread it on a clean, dry towel and roll the towel with the pashmina inside for further absorption of the water and then spread it again on a dry towel or a drying rack allow it to dry naturally. Do not expose it to direct sunlight or heat as this is likely to cause fading of the fabric as well as shrinking. This gentle washing method will assist to sustain the pashmina soft and elegant.

Pashmina Care Tips

It is not just the washing of the Pashmina shawl or the Pashmina scarf that one needs to consider in caring for them. To ensure that it remains as beautiful as when it was first purchased and to ensure its durability, it has to be kept well and appropriately handled. Do not hang your pashmina, as this will stretch out the fibres and compromise its overall form. Rather, you should fold it, and keep it in a drawer or on a shelf out of sight. Store it in breathable cotton or muslin bags so that it will not be attacked by dust and moths and do not store it in plastic bags as this may result in mould formation due to the moisture trapped in the plastic bag. It is also important not to expose the pashmina to direct sunlight because this causes the fabric to lose its colour; it is best to store it in a cool and dry place.

It is advisable to handle your pashmina gently without exposing it to jewellery or surfaces that are likely to pull the fine material fibres. Less friction against rough fabrics to avoid formation of pills. However, in case of pilling it is recommended to use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to gently remove the pills. If you try out these tips, then your pashmina shawl or your scarfs will continue to be elegant and classy accessories for many more years to come.

Pashmina Shawl Maintenance

From time to time when you are not using your pashmina it is advisable to let it be uncovered for some time but do not let it be exposed to direct sunlight for a long time as this may make it fade. In the case of formation of small stains or spills, washing of that particular area with soft water and a small amount of dish washing soap is enough. Instead of rubbing it hard, wipe the fabric and avoid wringing the fabric; it is recommended to let the garment dry on its own.  

Pashmina Cleaning Guide

It is recommended that pashmina be hand washed , however, professional washing may be required in some cases particularly in cases whereby the pashmina has a lot of stains or it has been embroidered. When hiring professional cleaners, make sure to select one that has an understanding over fabrics such as pashmina or cashmere since they will be better stocked on the necessary cleaning solutions and techniques to clean the garment without causing damage. Always tell the cleaner about any special stains or spots you want removed so that they can follow the appropriate approach. In terms of cleaning, depending on the usage, it is recommended that you take your pashmina shawl or scarf to be cleaned by professional cleaners, maybe once or twice annually to maintain its fresh and clean state.

Some of the mistakes that should be avoided are using hot water while washing since it has an adverse effect of shrinking the fibres found on them. Wash your pashmina carefully without vigorous rubbing and do not wring the cloth for its fabric tends to pill and lose its form when washed roughly. Don’t hang it on the washing line and wait for it to dry as this will lead to it becoming too stretchy. With reference to these guidelines and awareness of times when professional help is desirable your pashmina will stay fresh for years.

Pashmina Fabric Care

Pashmina must be handled gently so that the fabric remains soft and classy as it was when bought. In order to maintain your pashmina in its finest condition, do not let it come into contact with chemicals. Do not wear perfumes or lotions that you may have put on your body before putting on the pashmina because they are hazardous to the fabric. When washing, use gentle soaps that are suitable for delicate fabrics because strong soaps might reduce the fabric’s glazing. To maintain its pleasant fragrance, it has to be aired regularly, but do not let it come into contact with strong smells such as smoke from cooking or cigarettes. Also, once in a while use a soft bristle brush to dust your pashmina gently and make sure the fibres lie flat and face the same direction to maintain that luxurious feel. 

Caring for Pashmina Scarves

Pashmina scarves are worn more often than the shawls and therefore require additional measures to ensure that they are always in the best shape. For daily usage, you should wear your scarf and then shake it in order to remove some dust and dirt on the surface of the fabric. If the pashmina scarf is not in use the best place to keep it is in the breathable bag because it prevents it from getting dirty by dust and moths. 

Travel care is also important: when packing your pashmina scarves, you should fold it neatly so that it does not get squashed and should be stored in breathable travel bags to keep it fresh. Another effective method of cleaning your scarf is by gently spraying a fabric freshener suitable for sensitive skin on the scarf and allowing it to dry. With these suggestions on how to wash and care for your pashmina, you can prolong its quality thus making it a fashionable and useful accessory.

Conclusion

If adequate care is taken, pashmina shawls and scarves will maintain their elegance for years without losing their softness and fine texture. Through these specific guidelines on washing and proper handling of your pashmina, you are guaranteed to preserve the softness, classy appearance, and wear-resistance of your shawl. Regardless of choosing hand washing, spot cleaning or professional dry cleaning your pashmina shall be dealt as carefully as possible in order to maintain its superior quality and durability. Accept these pashmina care tips and feel the eternal beauty that these marvellous extras add to your collection.