An Heirloom for Generations: Caring for Precious Kashmiri Pashmina
At Art Asia Handicrafts, we specialize in authentic Kashmiri Pashmina shawls woven from rare Himalayan cashmere and embellished with delicate hand embroidery passed down through generations of artisans. When properly cared for, our investment-worthy wraps only increase in their softness and beauty over time.
Given the painstaking handicraft behind genuine Kashmiri pashmina, new owners often ask us—how exactly should it be washed and stored to protect my cherished textile heirloom? Follow our essential care guidelines to keep your pashmina looking and feeling fabulous for years of cozy wear.
The Cardinal Rule: Hand Wash
Unlike standard wool blends, the fragile fibers that form the featherweight luxury of cashmere must only be cleaned by hand in cool water to prevent damage from heat or machine agitation. Select a gentle soap without additives, like baby shampoo, diluted well before use. Soak the pashmina first so soil is loosened. Move in sections rather than bunching, massaging lightly in the sudsy bath. Avoid vigorously scrubbing or stretching; cashmere is delicate.
Rinse is Key: Eliminate All Soap Residue
After washing pashmina fibers, rinse repeatedly in fresh cool water 4-5 times to fully eliminate all soap. Trapped soap residue oxidizes over time, degrading delicate cashmere. Work systematically from one end to the other, floating and sinking the textile to lift debris away rather than brushing roughly. This process removes grime without stripping the cashmere of essential protective lanolin oils.
Precise Drying Prevents Unevenness:
Just as crucial as washing is proper technique while drying handmade pashmina. Twist gently to remove weighty water. Refold onto dry cotton towels, gently rolling inward to press out excess moisture rather than wringing or twisting which could misshape embroidered edges. Unroll and move shawl to fresh dry sections as needed. Shape back to original dimensions using your hands, never pulling. Dry flat away from direct light, smoothing and adjusting form periodically over 4-6 hours. Rushed or uneven drying can set wrinkles permanently.
Year-Round Storage Protects from Damage:
To prevent pests and dust from degrading delicate pashmina during warmer months, store folded shawls in breathable light cotton or linen, not plastic which traps humidity. Use cedar chips, sachets & nepthalene balls to repel moths naturally. Allow the textile to fully air out before placing into storage each season. Never store while even slightly damp as residual moisture breeds mildew over time.
Does Dry Clean Work:
Proper Care Routine Lets You Cherish Your Shawl Longer With a gentle consistent care routine using proper hand washing, precision drying, and seasonally protective storage, your investment-level pashmina from Art Asia Handicrafts will only increase in its exceptionally soft luxury and dazzling artisan details. Just 5-10 minutes devoted after each wearing means you can cherish the shawl for a lifetime and pass down through generations who will appreciate the stunning craftsmanship of authentic Kashmiri pashmina.
Still have pashmina care questions? Reach out to our team for personal recommendations tailored exactly to your new heirloom textile. And explore our exclusive collection of luxury wraps woven from the world’s finest cashmere, today at www.artasia.shop
Also Read: Where to buy a Pashmina Shawl