Knitwear Care: A Guide to Preserving Natural Fibres

Caring for natural fibres is easy, provided you understand their nature.

Our knitwear is crafted from premium natural yarns - cashmere, mohair, alpaca -  that are designed to last a lifetime. Because these fibres are naturally resilient, antibacterial, and self-regulating, they actually require less maintenance than synthetic alternatives.

This guide is designed to simplify the process, helping you preserve the beauty and 'halo' of your pieces with minimal effort and material intelligence.

The Golden Rule: Airing Over Washing

Natural fibres like Mohair, Wool, and Cashmere possess inherent antibacterial properties and a natural protective coating. They do not need frequent laundering.

After wearing, lay your knit flat outside, away from direct sunlight.
This allows the fibres to breathe, shed odors naturally, and recover their original "spring" and shape.

Washing Your Knits: A Step-by-Step Guide

When a deep clean is necessary, hand washing is recommended, to protect the delicate scale structure of the yarn.

  • Lukewarm water (around 20-25°C): Fill a basin with cool water (max 30°C). Heat can cause natural fibres to "felt" or shrink.
  • Gentle Agitation: Submerge the garment and gently squeeze the suds through the fibres. Do not soak for more than 5–10 minutes.
  • Rinse & Press: Rinse in cold water. Never wring or twist the garment, as this permanently distorts the yarn’s elasticity.
  • The Towel Method: Lay the wet garment on a clean towel, roll it up like a sleeping bag, and press firmly to remove excess moisture.

Selecting the Right Detergent

Not all wool washes are created equal. Choosing the wrong one can "suffocate" the yarn.

For Mohair & Yak: Use Lanolin-Free Detergent

Mohair and Yak fibres are valued for their "halo" and airy lightness.
Lanolin (wool fat) can coat these fine fibres, causing them to clump together and lose their signature fluffiness.
A lanolin-free detergent maintains the "loft" and transparency of the knit.

For Wool & Cashmere: Use Lanolin-Enriched Detergent

These sheep-based fibres benefit from the replenishment of natural oils.
Lanolin helps maintain the elasticity and softness of the wool, preventing it from becoming brittle over time.

How to Store and Protect Your Knitwear

Proper storage is just as important as washing.

  • Fold, Don't Hang: Gravity is the enemy of knitwear. Hanging causes "shoulder nipples" and vertical stretching. Always store your pieces folded flat.
  • Breathable Storage: We provide complimentary cotton bags with every purchase. These allow for airflow while acting as a physical barrier against dust and pests.
  • Moth Prevention: Use natural deterrents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Avoid direct contact between the deterrent and the yarn.

Maintenance: Managing Pilling and Friction

Pilling is a natural characteristic of high-quality long-staple yarns and is not a sign of poor quality.

  • De-pilling: Use a dedicated pilling comb or fabric shaver specifically designed for wool. Gently "shave" the surface while the garment is flat.
  • Friction Awareness: To preserve the "halo" of Mohair, avoid wearing heavy, abrasive backpacks or crossbody bags with rough straps, which can cause premature matting.

FAQ

Is it normal for my Mohair sweater to shed?

Yes, some shedding is expected with long-fibre yarns. Periodic airing and a gentle shake will help loose fibres release. This typically decreases after the first few wears.

What do I do if my sweater loses its shape?

The best time to "reshape" a knit is while it is damp. Gently nudge the ribbing and seams back to their original measurements while laying it flat to dry.

Should I Dry Clean (P) or Hand Wash my knitwear?

Both have their place. Your garment may feature the(P) symbol, which indicates professional dry cleaning is safe and recommended for removing tough, oil-based stains. However, for regular refreshing, a gentle hand wash in cool water often preserves the natural oils and "bloom" of the yarn better than chemical solvents.

Can I use the "Hand Wash" or "Wool" cycle on my washing machine?

Yes, modern advanced washing machines often feature highly sophisticated cycles designed for natural fibres. If you choose this method:

  • Is recommended to use a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging.
  • Keep the temperature at 30°C or lower.
  • Select the lowest possible spin speed (max 400–600 RPM) to prevent the garment from stretching against the drum.

Can I machine wash my mohair knitwear on a wool programme?

For mohair specifically, washing requires a bit more caution than standard wool. Because mohair is famous for its "halo" (those long, fluffy fibres), the primary goal of washing is to keep those fibres from tangling or matting.

Method

Recommendation

Why for Mohair?
Hand Wash Gold Standard Best for preserving the "halo." You have total control over the agitation, ensuring the long fibres don't mat together.
Machine (Wool Cycle) Acceptable Efficient for heavier knits or blends. However, even the gentlest cycle can slightly "compact" the fluffiness over time.

Machine washing - wool cycle (The "Safe" Way)

If you have a high-end machine and want to use the wool programme for your mohair knitwear, you must follow these rules to avoid ruining the texture:

  • The Mesh Bag is Non-Negotiable: Place the mohair item in a large mesh laundry bag. This prevents the long mohair fibres from rubbing against the drum or other clothes, which causes pilling and matting.
  • Turn It Inside Out: This protects the "face" of the knit.
  • Low Spin (Critical): Set your spin speed to 400 RPM or the "No Spin" / "Drip Dry" setting. High spin speeds "plaster" the mohair fibres against the garment, making it look flat and dull once dry.
  • Lanolin-Free Detergent: use a lanolin-free detergent

The Post-Wash Brush

Whether you hand wash or machine wash, mohair often looks a bit "sad" and flat when it comes out of the water. How to bring it back to life:

  • Once the mohair knitwear is completely dry, give it a gentle shake to wake up the fibres.
  • If it still looks flat, you can use a soft clothes brush (or even a clean, soft baby hairbrush) to very gently lift the halo.
  • Brush in the direction of the fibre to restore that "cloud-like" appearance.