Q&A
2019.01.08 update

What's the correct way to do laundry at home? The Laundry Brothers from Libre Yokohama will give you a lesson on the process.（2/4）



Many people take their sweaters made of natural fibers such as silk, wool, cashmere, and angora, which have a "dry clean only" mark, to the dry cleaner. However, unlike wet cleaning which uses water, dry cleaning uses dry solvents (petroleum solvents), so it is currently difficult to remove water-soluble stains (such as sweat and food spills).

Sweat, dust, and other dirt and odors that accumulate deep within the fibers of sweaters and scarves can damage the fabric. Also, if you're dissatisfied with the texture or feel of your knitwear after getting it back from the dry cleaner, try hand-washing it at home.

For this hand-washing of the cashmere sweater, I will be using "SILK&WOOL DELICATEWASH/Rose & Chamomile Scent (for delicate fibers such as silk and wool)." It effectively removes water-soluble stains, prevents color transfer and shrinkage with natural ingredients, and leaves the fabric soft.


[Things you will need]
■ Cashmere and wool sweaters that you want to wash
■Water (approximately 2 liters)
■ Wash tub (bucket)
■ Laundry net
■Flat drying hanger □Detergent to use: "SILK&WOOL DELICATEWASH" Rose & Chamomile scent (for delicate fibers such as silk and wool) 2cc Purchase here


▶Step 1: Prepare the washing solution. Add 1/1000th (2cc) of detergent to approximately 2 liters of water and stir well.

Since the detergent is made from plant-derived ingredients, it can be used with room temperature water. It cleans dirt more effectively at water temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Pour water and detergent into a bucket and stir well until the foam becomes fine.
The bubbles dissolved in the water are what remove the dirt, so the key is to mix everything thoroughly and then add the clothes last.


▶Step 2: Wash the knitwear by pressing it gently so that it is fully submerged in water.

When natural materials like wool and cashmere are immersed in water, they initially resist, so press them down to remove air from the garment and allow the water to penetrate. Wash them by pressing them in water for about 3 minutes. When the water gradually changes color to yellow or black, it's a sign that the dirt has been removed.
*If the stains are severe, prepare a new batch of the washing solution from step ① and repeat the same process once more.



▶Step 3 : Place in a laundry net and spin dry in the washing machine.

 After hand-washing, place the sweater in a laundry net. If the net is too large, tie the excess to prevent the sweater from moving around inside the net before spinning it dry.
Spin-drying for about 1 minute is sufficient. Spin-drying for too long may cause the fabric to twist or change in texture.


▶Step 4: Rinse with clean water.

 To rinse away any excess detergent, fill the wash tub with fresh water and rinse.
During rinsing, water easily penetrates the sweater because the detergent creates an even film on the fibers, aligning the fibers in a straight line and eliminating pilling.
Rinse for about 3 minutes per rinse. Be careful not to rinse for too long, as this can cause the fabric to lose its texture.


▶Step 5: Spin dry again and air dry in the shade.

Following the same procedure as in step 5, spin-dry the garment again in the washing machine for about 1 minute, then shape it on a flat drying hanger and air dry in the shade.

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