How do you care for a Pashmina shawl?

Pashmina is the traditional name for the finest of luxury wraps made from Cashmere wool. Pashmina, basically, is the unique art of converting fine Cashmere wool into luxury apparel and wraps or accessories. The best use of Cashmere wool is the world-famous Kashmiri Pashmina shawl, which is acquired from Kashmir, North India. Pashmina shawls haven't been famous just recently, but have a rich and glorious history of over 5 centuries. It was the 15th century when Cashmere wool was discovered in Ladakh, India. Since then, the wool has been continuously acquired and processed for months and at times for years to bring into existence Pashmina shawls. 

The Allure of Luxury Pashmina

Due to its unique softness and pleasant warmth, the Pashmina shawl is also known as the diamond fabric of Asia. It is one of the softest, finest, and most warm wraps ever to be found. For this reason, special care is to be taken with regard to its washing and storage. The way we wash it, the way we dry it or store it, all decide its future life and condition. When good care is taken of Pashmina, it looks forever fresh and graceful and acquires an heirloom look. 

How do you care for a Pashmina shawl?

When it comes to caring for a Pashmina shawl, every little step has to be taken into consideration. It starts with buying a pure piece from authentic vendors. Later, washing, drying, ironing, and storage all come into the realms of responsible Pashmina care. In fact, the way one wears a Pashmina shawl also accounts for its careful handling. Pashmina shawls are gentle and hence need a gentle treatment. This means washing it gently, drying it carefully, and storing it properly for using it the next time. This is how a Pashmina shawl will last for decades.

How to wash the Pashmina shawl?

Washing a Pashmina shawl needs extra care. You can send it for dry cleaning, but washing it at home with your hands gently is a better method. To do this, one has to be extremely careful. Start by soaking the Pashmina shawl in lukewarm water in which a Cashmere soap or shampoo of a good brand is mixed. After soaking for about 30 minutes, rinse it gently with your hands. Do not wring, just gently squeeze the water out by gently pressing it between your hands. Harshly washing Pashmina will reduce its life and give it a withering look after a few years of use. Rinse the shawl a couple of times and when you feel the water is running clear, prepare it for drying.

How to dry shawls made from Cashmere?

Drying a Pashmina shawl too needs special attention and care. The shawls should not be dried like other fabrics. They should never be tumble dried. Automatic dryers will ruin them of their natural sheen and smooth texture. These shawls should not even be hung from a wire or hook. This can lead to a permanent change in their shape and damage the look of the shawl forever. Instead, follow this step-by-step guide to drying a Pashmina shawl which might seem a bit tiring but worth the effort:

• As soon as you wash the shawl, lay it flat on a clean and dry towel.
• Roll the towel along with the shawl so that the towel absorbs all the excess water.
• Take this semi-dried Pashmina shawl, and lay it flat on another clean and dry towel. Let it stay like that (in a flat position over the towel) till the time it completely dries. 
• Do not place Pashmina in direct sunlight. Instead, place it inside the room or wherever direct sunlight doesn't fall. 

Ironing a Pashmina Shawl

If you need to iron a Pashmina shawl, choose professional ironing experts for the same. However, if this service is not available, one can do it at home, albeit carefully. If you are using an iron, make sure you put the heat on low, and place a cotton fabric in between the iron and the shawl. Iron the shawl carefully on a low heat setting and you’re good to go.

Also read: WHICH COUNTRY HAS THE BEST CASHMERE?

Storing a Pashmina Shawl

Storing a Pashmina shawl this year dictates its condition for the next season. If you carefully store these gentle accessories, their life extends and they can be worn for years to come. But improper storage of this fine wool shawl can create havoc as far as the quality of the shawl is concerned. Pashmina shawls are made of natural hair, and moisture and moths can damage them forever. Hence special care has to be taken while storing these. 

Store your luxury shawl on a well-cleaned and dry shelf. Remember to wrap it in tissue paper wrapping. Try to avoid cardboard boxes and plastic bags to store Pashmina scarves and shawls. These materials attract moisture. Make the place, you store Pashmina at, moth free. Place some naphthalene balls around the shelf. 

Also read: WHAT IS AN INDIAN PASHMINA?