Spring Cleaning: Storing Your Cashmere
Every year when switching closets from Winter to Summer clothes we must pack up our cashmere. Moths are the biggest pest and concern that must be addressed when storing woolens. After many years of trial and error, we have put together a guide for you of our tips and tricks to making sure your garments come out of storage in the Fall just as great as they did when they went in.
WASHING
Hand wash your garments using White + Warren Cashmere Care. Washing will rid your garments of perfume, body oils, and food from wearing, which can leave stains behind and become a potential food source for moths.
SMART STORAGE
Once completely dry, carefully fold your garments and place them in the cotton dust bags that they were shipped with. Cotton pillowcases will work if you don't have dust bags.
Put dust bags in an air-tight bin (we like this one from Muji) with cedar chips or lavender sachets. Cedar and lavender are natural moth repellants, plus the lavender will leave behind a pleasant scent, unlike moth balls which are toxic and impossible to remove the odor. Whichever you choose, make sure to place between the cotton and the container, not directly on the garments.
Store your bins in a dry, cool place to avoid condensation and moth breeding.
SOLVING AN EXISTING PROBLEM
If you find moth holes in your garments, you will need to wash everything in the exposed areas, including clothes, drawers and storage bins. You can put your garments in air-tight bags in the freezer for a few days, which will eradicate pests. Make sure to throw away the bags afterwards.
REPAIRS + MENDING
You might throw out the most damaged clothing, but for small holes you can contact Customer Service at 877-887-7707 to see if we have extra yarn in the color of your item. We will be happy to send you some for you to mend yourself or to take to a local specialist to re-weave for you.
