I always wear a layer underneath my cashmere sweaters, either a silk camisole or silk long sleeve t-shirt. It reduces wear and tear on the inside of the sweater and keeps the sweater cleaner between washes!
I love caring for my wool/linen/silk items...I hand wash using The Laundress liquid soaps for Cashmere, Whites or delicates. Once washed and rinsed, I place them flat on a dry towel and gently roll the item put pressure on the roll till the towel absorbs most of the water from the item....once I finish rolling in a dry towel I carefully lay it to rest on a sweater drying rack to dry out of the sunlight and it a warm spot - I reshape it wet and periodically check to see it is OK, smooth or if he needs a bit of reshaping....I find this method works well to preserve my items well....I have cashmere, silk and wool items that are over 20+ years old and still in mint condition....I also store my items in the summer in boxes with lavender pillows and cedar balls....Hugs
@@annadomanska883 I use The Laundress for whites. I have found it safe for silk when you hand wash it. It is an enzymatic agent not a soap or detergent hence it keeps whites very white without damage. Hope this helps.
@@dinaoreilly9483 Thank you so much Dina, I use it too:) When I store my silk in the wardrobe on hangers for some reason (when I do not wear it for a year or a few..) it gets yellowish..
@@annadomanska883 hnmmm my suggestion would not to wash too often as silk like all natural fibers kinda takes care of itself. Once clean May I suggest you store your silk items in cloth storage boxes that do not allow bugs dust sun etc into them. You can find them on Amazon.
This video took me back to my childhood. My Mother was an excellent knitter and knitted all my sweaters (I was a swimmer so she added 6 inches to the arm length). You described exactly how I was taught to care for my sweaters. While I hated household chores - I would de-pill sweaters for hours and loved making lavender sachets!. One of those machines was the first thing she bought for me when I left home for University. Thanks for the memories.
Great video Marie Ann - it makes such good sense to look after our expensive knitwear. An alternative to Woolite is a no rinse delicate wash formula called Eucalan which I buy from my local yarn shop - it is a lanolin enriched natural unscented formula which you can use in the machine or by hand . I have only used it for hand washing - you just fill a basin with tepid water add Eucalan squeeze the article gently and soak for 15 minutes, no need to rinse, just squeeze out , wrap in a clean towel together rid of the excess water and dry flat. Works beautifully. I hand knit lace scarves and this method is perfect for this kind of delicate garment too.
I love that you showed the laundry bag💗 As a teen, i worked after school in a dept store selling juniors(teen) clothes and would have to cover the lingerie dept often too..that’s where I learned of the lingerie bag for washing bras. Life changer!💗 Never ever had a wire poke out or torn straps, bc I washed my delicates in those bags💗 Great tips for getting the longest life possible out of your wool pieces! I never knew that about fast spin-very helpful for when I do laundry this week! Merci Marie-Anne
Great tips 💙 I love listening to you talk about clothes. This is how I was taught by my mother. Buy good quality, not quantity, and take care of your clothing.
HelgasHandiCrafts I find that most of the topics of Marie-Anne Lecoeur’s videos are exactly what my mother taught me growing up. I watch these videos because she is so delightful, and I am reminded to dress well as a way of self respect and self care. It is a marvelous discipline which brings joy and mindfulness to dressing, as well as to life.
I love fabric shavers. I have plenty of 100% cotton jumpers, which get fuzzy in no time. But this stuff makes them look like brand new! I suggest everyone to buy one!
I learned a lot here! Thank you! Your vlog is definitely inspiring me and teaching me to take better care of my clothing - especially the clothing I am buying now that is higher quality.
One great tip I got off Justine LeConte's site: use nail varnish remover soaked cotton wool to wipe off black marks from thick white rubber soles shoes. Works a treat. Try it! Love this video Marie-Anne. I have a great navy blue Merino and Cashmere mix sweater and i handwash on a gentle cycle, quick spin and dry flat. I hardly ever wash my jumpers and cardigans. I only ever wear them next to really clean skin or over something. After a wear, I just turn them inside out and lay them out to air.
I grow the lavender in my yard, harvest the blossoms before they flower, and fill the little sachets. So much joy in the process because there is only beauty and scent! Not a chore at all!! Great topic, Marie-Anne!
We call that gaget a sweater shaver in the US. It works great! Do not press it on the sweater - just gently go over the pilling and it will do its job. Great video!
I’m astonished! Have you been following me? I found a cashmere jumper in a charity shop today, although it’s a bit too small as yet and so I certainly don’t want to shrink it. By the way, I felt fabulous in my planned outfit yesterday. I was feeling unwell (I have a chronic illness) but one thing I didn’t need to think about was my appearance and that gave me confidence. Thank you. ❤️
This is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing that knowledge and teach how we all can be more mindful of the clothes we own and at the same time, be classy and not wasteful buying cheap/low quality things that not only damage our planet but also our wallet. No wonder French style is so timeless! 🌷 Merci beaucoup!
Real good quality cashmere will hardly pile.I really speak from experience of years and years because i am addicted to cashmere. There are huge quality differences. Your advices are all great and luckily i already knew them ;)) I always use the handwash program on my washing machine for cashmere and even for my Max Mara alpaca coat. I use Ecover laundry detergent and indeed a very short spinning program is crucial.
Great tips as always Marie-Anne- especially the “inside out and no fabric softener”...I always wash my cashmere sweaters with Woolite or shampoo. I store them folded in plastic boxes with cedar blocks in the attic during the warm weather. I haven’t ironed them, but will try that as they often are wrinkled after being squished in together for so long!! How about using a hand held steamer-do you recommend that? I have dry cleaned some and had them shrink! And the cleaner never makes good and they don’t come out soft and fresh so I never do that anymore! ☺️💕
Same. Have a sweater that I kept telling myself that perhaps I just gained weight and it didn't shrink from the cleaners...but it did shrink. So frustrated.
After washing and gently squeezing my sweater, I lay it out on a towel. Then I roll up the towel in a sausage shape, put it on the bathroom floor, and step on it with bare feet. That squeezes out a lot of water without pulling or twisting the fibers. Unroll, shake and fluff gently, and lay on another dry towel to finish drying completely.
Love your videos...merci! I have a hard time putting my woollen sweaters in a mesh back and then putting them into the machine. I wash woollens by hand using Woolite, sqeeze the watwr out, and then to remove the excess water, I lay the sweater flat on the towel, and then roll it up gently. After a few minutes, I air dry it on a dry towel.
I wish RUclips had a way to triple "like" :-) This is the best video ever on caring for wool and cashmere. The Laundress products are my favorite for wool/cashmere.
Very good Marie-Anne, I've learned a lot. I too use Woolite for my wool/cashmere jumpers. Good to know about lavender as a moth deterrent. Because some of them have a very unpleasant smell. You're getting better and better. ❤
I wash my knits the same way you do and use Woolite. I also use the Laundress products. I do not wash them in the washer but in my laundry room sink. I then use a towel and roll them out and gently put pressure on it to remove excess moisture. I then dry them on another towel on a flat surface. They come out great. I also use the little item to get rid of piling and it does a great job. I have a chest that has cedar fragrance on the sides which I use for larger items. What I now use for my sweater collection are large food storage zip lock bags. I LOVE this idea as it keeps them clean, I can see the item in the clear bag, it protects them from moths and when I travel I just pick up the bag and place it in my suitcase. I am able to fold my sweaters as you do and gently place them in the zip lock plastic bag. If I do put something in the washer I do use the lingerie bag. I have used them to put in silk blouses besides lingerie. I learned something new today-if I run out of my regular products I can use Johnson's baby shampoo.
Thank you for the tips. I now always hand wash my wool/cashmere sweaters and dry them by rolling them inside cotton bath towels. I have virtually ruined a couple of my wool/cashmere sweaters that I put them into the washer and dryer. I learned a hard lesson that I have to take good care of these good-quality sweaters.
Another tip for faster drying: put a small portable desk fan set at a low speed on the floor under your drying rack, or under a laundry net set across the backs of two straight chairs. Aim the fan up toward the damp laundry. This really speeds things up, especially in humid climates.
I learned so much, wools are not as common here, U.S. southern state. I love wool sweaters, use a lot of blends. Because of our humidity it take forever for them to dry. So using the fast spin will be so helpful!
Generally very informative! Although I must beg to differ about spinning - I've always been told to not use the fast spin for wool, as the agitation can cause the wool fibres to felt or break! Some even recommend gently squeezing the water out, others using the slowest spin setting (this is how I do it). I also read that is was a good idea to let the garments soak in cold water for 10 mins before washing.
I haven’t tried this yet but a tip I heard was put a stinky sweater in the freezer for a bit and it will kill the odor bacteria. Certainly worth a try.
I follow a Norwegian knitting channel, and they recommend putting woolens (sweaters, even afghans and blankets) outside in wintertime. The freezing sanitizes them.
aswanson42 I knit a lot! I wish I could watch that channel in the US!:) I certainly will try it. I try to hand wash my shawls and sweaters only when the winter season is over unless I really need to.
Michelle Dry Sorry, I wasn’t clear-the knitting channel is on RUclips. It’s two designers named Arne and Carlos. I’m sure you can find them by searching. They have a blog, too. Highly recommend!
I don't know how I missed this video since I've seen most of yours. Very helpful. I'm ordering those laundry bags. Had no idea I could wash sweaters in the washing machine. It took two days for my Armor Lux wool mariniere to dry and I had it in front of the heater (but not too close).
I use DrBronner soap. It is sulphate free and does not harm the wool. I also like to steam my sweaters so they are sanitized, flat and fresh again so I can stretch the washing cycles. I heard that scratchy wool sweaters can be restored by using a hair mask on them, but I have not tried it. I dry my sweaters preferrably on microfibre towels as I feel they dry faster than cotton.
I have SO many cashmere sweaters and had to learn how to care for them. This is a very helpful and relevant video. Have you done one yet about caring for pure silk items??? In a side note. I would love to see you style those amazing cord trousers with a white shirt under a grey cashmere sweater with loafers and then maybe show several other options for how to wear a coloured trouser and not feel like you are in a costume! I think many women shy away from wearing a bold coloured pant not knowing how to wear it and still look classy and chic. Any tips that are body type specific would also be great knowledge to share as it pertains to coloured trousers. Thanks 😊
@Daisy Doodah exactly ! This is the best , you don't even need the softener ,,, I use simple baby shampoo , rinse well , squeeze the item to reduce water and spread flat on a thick towel to dry.
@@charleneheaman2033 agree , colored pants are tricky to style and wear :) I usually go with the combination of colors that in a natural pastel tones , not excessively bright . it is easy to match them with sweaters or shirts .
I live in Tx, so we don't have many occasions to wear sweaters, but we have them in our wardrobe for those few occasions. We have these little "silver fish" that attack any natural fibers, but, especially wool/cashmere/angora etc and we have are thick plastic storage (best are Ziploc) pouches of any size. Ladies, as Marie-Anne says, fold them and my advice is to slide them in these bags. Removing excess water, spread a big towel and lay the sweater on it, then roll the towel with the sweater inside (maybe use two towels).
Great video! I have never tried putting a cashmere or any wool sweater in the washing machine. I will have to try it first with something older. I have never used Woolite in the washing machine.
I will enjoy this video I am allergic to wool though. I have a silk and cashmere huge scarf pattern is beautiful and the colors so vibrant it goes to my dry clearner.
Very worth tips Marie-ann, I usually wash by hand my sweaters and store them folded, your gadget seems to be very useful, usually I pick out by hand the lints😁🤦🏻♀️.
I've leaned a way to hang sweaters without stretching them: fold your sweater in half (shoulder to shoulder), it will create an upside down L shape. Put the hanger on the armpit and let the sleeves to dangle from one hanger shoulder and the body of you sweater from another shoulder. I keep all my sweaters on hangers that way.
Hey Marie-Anne so good to see you again, very cold here still but not raining for a change... Have a couple of cashmere sweaters, both secondhand actually but always wear a little thin vest or cami underneath to avoid washing too much.. We ha e a product called dreft here that I use to launder.. Bought a beautiful cashmere throw that I wrap around myself on the sofa which is wonderful.. Have a fab Weekend paula
I do love cashmere, it's the only wool I can wear, anything else gives me a rash. Lol, expensive tastes, but I prefer to save and get the best quality. Some pieces I have many items that I've had for many years. Quality pays for itself
My mother decided to be helpful and washed a few of my cashmere sweaters in with a load of her clothes while I was in the hospital. She washed them in a very strong detergent in hot water right side out and unbagged on the heavy cycle then dried them hot for a long time. Needless to say the sweaters were ruined but I tossed them in my thrift store bag and didn't say anything to her because I know she was trying to help.. I sure hated losing those beautiful swearers though. Especially the off white turtle neck. She is always asking how I keep my clothing looking new for so many years. She has been ruining clothes in the laundry as long as I can remember and its one of the things she's most famous for in the family.
I thought a good quality cashmere top shouldn’t pile but mine did after wearing it only 3/4 times I’m so disappointed. I’ll try the little gadget you suggest.
Very helpful. I use a plastic drying rack that snaps together and has a mesh for the sweater to lie flat on. This allows air to circulate above and below the sweater. These sweater racks are inexpensive.
It was just this morning that I was contemplating such a video, and voila!! A question for you: have you ever had a cashmere sweater shrink after washing it properly, in cool water, just as you describe? Do you buy one size larger in case of shrinkage? It's always a happy day when I see your smiling face....thank you so much!
Years after shrinking a cashmere sweater myself, I learned that washing in *cold* water will cause the fibers to clench up, so to speak, shrinking the sweater. It can even become felted that way. The best temperature seems to be just barely on the cool side of tepid.
@@edennis3202 Back before google this exact thing happened to a beloved cashmere sweater that I accidentally washed in icy cold (well water in the winter) water with a bunch of jeans then dried on hot. My inherited dark green sweater came out of the dryer like a tiny piece of felt. Still heart broke over that debacle!!!
Bonjour Marie-Anne, un grand merci pour vos vidéos toujours si instructives ! Juste pour être certaine d'avoir bien compris : vous suggérez bien d'utiliser un programme d'essorage rapide ? Combien de tours / minute préconisez-vous ? J'ai tout de même peur qu'un essorage musclé abîme le pull... Merci d'avance.
This is a great video and very helpful thank you! You look so vibrant and healthy I would love to see what you eat for one day. I need to check out your French eating course.
I hand wash my wool and cashmere sweaters the way you describe, but after squeezing the water out I wrap the sweater in a clean bath towel and gently press. This eliminates more water so drying time is faster. I usually dry my sweaters on a drying rack. Great idea for a video. Maintenance is so important!
Thanks for the video, I needed that one! Would it be more or less the same for silk? I didn't know that you shouldn't use fabric softener with wool. Have to remember that. I have the same little gadget as you for de-balling clothes and it works quite well. I use it on a wool coat and skirt that go bally too. I have a big steamer that has an accessory for clothes. I used it once on my coat to avoid dry cleaning it. It probably killed off dirt and germs but I didn't think the results were impressive. I wouldn't dare to use my hand held one. I love my steamers but I think I'll stick to just steaming the house with them! Finally, I bought a lavender plant in the summer and when it died several weeks later, I thought the heat had killed it (I live in Spain) but maybe I overwatered it. ☹️ It would have been nice to make lavender sachets for the wardrobes.
I have always been afraid to wash my wool sweaters so I dryclean them. Do you think it damages them to dryclean instead of washing them? Thank you for all the wonderful information you share Marie-Anne!
I wash my wool and cashmere by hand in L'Occitane fragranced soap and rinse with a splash of distilled vinegar in the rinse. I squeeze out the water (no wringing it) and roll it in a towel to grab excess water. I reshape or "block" the sweater and then lay flat on a drying rack with a mesh cradle to dry. I have a J.Crew wool sweater which I purchased when I was 18 that is in mint condition. I am 43.
Wendy Mcdowell of late, Neroli and orchid. Any real soapbwill do, I have even used Dr. Bronner’s. A little goes a long way. Never use borax or baking soda on any woolen sweater, leather or fur. I thrift many of my garments. Sometimes if they had been mistreated I can remedy it. The gentleman’s gazette produced a great detailed video explaining how natural fibers react to certain actions. That is not to say that Marie does not offer solid wisdom on the topic. You can build your garment related skill set.
Marie-Anne Lecoeur back in the day when J crew clothes were worth every penny, a sweater was like $80 in 1990-ish dollars. I saved and valued my labor by which I made money. I appreciate craftsmanship more now because it has become so scarce. I turn to vintage classic lines to endure time for form and function. I just bought an Anne Kline brown silk skirt for $1.87 usd. I had to rid it of the dry cleaning stench, and remove some snags in the textured fabric. I can’t identify where they were located now. I have champagne taste but I am on a tap water budget.lol
Spooky! I am just washing my lambswool sweaters in the machine using Woolite. I too have a bobble shaver and wouldn't be without it. Great channel Marie-Anne. Bon weekend.
*Eucalan* is the best, most wonderful of wool laundering conditioning impurity remover. Simply lovely: it includes sheep lanolin, & comes in a selection of natural lovely scent oils. #Eucalan #cashmere #RealWool
I am only 34, but I subscribed because I am so sick of fast fashion and the waste!!!!! The trends, I want to have a minimal closet with only the essential timeless styles, also I worked as a laundress for 6 years, where we would wash the clothing of the rich for an exorbant price and everything she is saying is spot on. Yes you can wash cashmere in the machine ON DELICATE WOOL CYCLE make sure the cycle is not long! No 45 minute cycle, no longer than 25 minutes on cold in a mesh bag is best cold only just like Marie-Ann told us! Do not hang wet it will stretch out and if the hangers are wooden and they do not have a waterproof wood varnish I have seen shirts stain from the hanger, white plastic is actually the best way to go with very absorbent fabrics.Never use metal hangers for anything let alone wet, it will rust and stain the shirt. For the Cashmere best like she said to lay flat on a clean towel perhaps by a window. I remember one time I had to get stains out of white cashmere it was from a bloody nose, NO bleach can never be used on such a fabric, I used hydrogen peroxide with cold water gently by hand I did it a few times, I let it bubble, now this was a pure WHITE sweater.....I would be a bit scared to do it on another color, but let me say, once I was washed out the peroxide and washed it with Woolite I was so relieved I didn't ruin it!! When I was done with it, it looked like there had never been a 6 inch blood stain, and we didn't compromise the integrity of the fabric, I think I got really lucky because my boss who is my senior by 30 years told me it couldnt be salvageable when she saw the state it was in when we got it. This was a very thick 500 dollar sweater, she initially turned the customer away and said we couldnt wash it, but the customer got very upset so she agreed if we couldnt fix it she wouldn't get upset so I said I will wash it and take the responsibility because I knew about the peroxide and my boss did not believe peroxide gets out blood she said only bleach will and you cant bleach Cashmere. I Love this channel! You dont have to be over 50 to appreciate this wonderful advice!! Fast fashion is literally destroying our planet and designer expensive bags do not = good quality, so far I love everything she says, she is gorgeous and looks not a day over 43
Bonjour Marie-Anne j'ai acheté un pull en laine et cachemire je l'ai lavé a la main avec une lessive spéciale mais il dégage une fort odeur désagréable !! Que dois-je faire ?Je suis sur de la qualité du Pull
Bonjour Marie Anne, même les françaises adorent vos conseils!! Je me demande si vous ne pourriez pas nous faire une petite vidéo sur comment entretenir ses vêtements (produits pour nettoyer, détacher, températures, repassage ou non, vos astuces en somme notamment pour la soie) car la française est chic mais économe et aime que ses vêtements intemporels durent longtemps. Bien à vous
In addition to Margaret F's ask about silk care video - I am also interested in tips for care and storage of silk and knit (Missoni) scarves. I have my Hermes scarves folded and in a box but I'm not sure that keeping them folded so much is a good idea. I notice you have your scarves loosely draped in the storage cubes.
This is spooky because I was about to ask you whether you could make a video on how to care about one’s own cashmere. You have certainly read my mind! Merci!
addicted to wool and cashmere ,knitting wonderful peaces and my advice is try to find good mix %of wool?cashmere and acrylic,best80%wool 20%acr. it won't felt like 100% wool and you can wash it in a wool cycle ,also ironing is very important,always put white sheet of paper,not fabric, on the top and iron by tapping to keep the shape ,the same apply if you ironing hand knitted pieces prior to sawing, and this small wool shaver is must have
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I always wear a layer underneath my cashmere sweaters, either a silk camisole or silk long sleeve t-shirt. It reduces wear and tear on the inside of the sweater and keeps the sweater cleaner between washes!
I love caring for my wool/linen/silk items...I hand wash using The Laundress liquid soaps for Cashmere, Whites or delicates. Once washed and rinsed, I place them flat on a dry towel and gently roll the item put pressure on the roll till the towel absorbs most of the water from the item....once I finish rolling in a dry towel I carefully lay it to rest on a sweater drying rack to dry out of the sunlight and it a warm spot - I reshape it wet and periodically check to see it is OK, smooth or if he needs a bit of reshaping....I find this method works well to preserve my items well....I have cashmere, silk and wool items that are over 20+ years old and still in mint condition....I also store my items in the summer in boxes with lavender pillows and cedar balls....Hugs
How do you keep your white/light silk from getting yellow?:(
@@annadomanska883 I use The Laundress for whites. I have found it safe for silk when you hand wash it. It is an enzymatic agent not a soap or detergent hence it keeps whites very white without damage. Hope this helps.
@@dinaoreilly9483 Thank you so much Dina, I use it too:) When I store my silk in the wardrobe on hangers for some reason (when I do not wear it for a year or a few..) it gets yellowish..
Should I wash everything once a few months even though I’m not wesring it? It’s a little weird for me..
@@annadomanska883 hnmmm my suggestion would not to wash too often as silk like all natural fibers kinda takes care of itself. Once clean May I suggest you store your silk items in cloth storage boxes that do not allow bugs dust sun etc into them. You can find them on Amazon.
This video took me back to my childhood. My Mother was an excellent knitter and knitted all my sweaters (I was a swimmer so she added 6 inches to the arm length). You described exactly how I was taught to care for my sweaters. While I hated household chores - I would de-pill sweaters for hours and loved making lavender sachets!. One of those machines was the first thing she bought for me when I left home for University. Thanks for the memories.
Great video Marie Ann - it makes such good sense to look after our expensive knitwear. An alternative to Woolite is a no rinse delicate wash formula called Eucalan which I buy from my local yarn shop - it is a lanolin enriched natural unscented formula which you can use in the machine or by hand . I have only used it for hand washing - you just fill a basin with tepid water add Eucalan squeeze the article gently and soak for 15 minutes, no need to rinse, just squeeze out , wrap in a clean towel together rid of the excess water and dry flat. Works beautifully. I hand knit lace scarves and this method is perfect for this kind of delicate garment too.
I love that you showed the laundry bag💗 As a teen, i worked after school in a dept store selling juniors(teen) clothes and would have to cover the lingerie dept often too..that’s where I learned of the lingerie bag for washing bras. Life changer!💗 Never ever had a wire poke out or torn straps, bc I washed my delicates in those bags💗 Great tips for getting the longest life possible out of your wool pieces! I never knew that about fast spin-very helpful for when I do laundry this week! Merci Marie-Anne
Great tips 💙 I love listening to you talk about clothes. This is how I was taught by my mother. Buy good quality, not quantity, and take care of your clothing.
HelgasHandiCrafts I find that most of the topics of Marie-Anne Lecoeur’s videos are exactly what my mother taught me growing up. I watch these videos because she is so delightful, and I am reminded to dress well as a way of self respect and self care. It is a marvelous discipline which brings joy and mindfulness to dressing, as well as to life.
I love fabric shavers. I have plenty of 100% cotton jumpers, which get fuzzy in no time. But this stuff makes them look like brand new! I suggest everyone to buy one!
I learned a lot here! Thank you! Your vlog is definitely inspiring me and teaching me to take better care of my clothing - especially the clothing I am buying now that is higher quality.
One great tip I got off Justine LeConte's site: use nail varnish remover soaked cotton wool to wipe off black marks from thick white rubber soles shoes. Works a treat. Try it! Love this video Marie-Anne. I have a great navy blue Merino and Cashmere mix sweater and i handwash on a gentle cycle, quick spin and dry flat. I hardly ever wash my jumpers and cardigans. I only ever wear them next to really clean skin or over something. After a wear, I just turn them inside out and lay them out to air.
I grow the lavender in my yard, harvest the blossoms before they flower, and fill the little sachets. So much joy in the process because there is only beauty and scent! Not a chore at all!! Great topic, Marie-Anne!
We call that gaget a sweater shaver in the US. It works great! Do not press it on the sweater - just gently go over the pilling and it will do its job. Great video!
I’m astonished! Have you been following me? I found a cashmere jumper in a charity shop today, although it’s a bit too small as yet and so I certainly don’t want to shrink it. By the way, I felt fabulous in my planned outfit yesterday. I was feeling unwell (I have a chronic illness) but one thing I didn’t need to think about was my appearance and that gave me confidence. Thank you. ❤️
This is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing that knowledge and teach how we all can be more mindful of the clothes we own and at the same time, be classy and not wasteful buying cheap/low quality things that not only damage our planet but also our wallet. No wonder French style is so timeless! 🌷 Merci beaucoup!
Real good quality cashmere will hardly pile.I really speak from experience of years and years because i am addicted to cashmere. There are huge quality differences. Your advices are all great and luckily i already knew them ;)) I always use the handwash program on my washing machine for cashmere and even for my Max Mara alpaca coat. I use Ecover laundry detergent and indeed a very short spinning program is crucial.
Great tips as always Marie-Anne- especially the “inside out and no fabric softener”...I always wash my cashmere sweaters with Woolite or shampoo. I store them folded in plastic boxes with cedar blocks in the attic during the warm weather. I haven’t ironed them, but will try that as they often are wrinkled after being squished in together for so long!! How about using a hand held steamer-do you recommend that? I have dry cleaned some and had them shrink! And the cleaner never makes good and they don’t come out soft and fresh so I never do that anymore! ☺️💕
Shampoo isn't a good idea, most contain fragrance and softening agents that can ruin the fibers.
Same. Have a sweater that I kept telling myself that perhaps I just gained weight and it didn't shrink from the cleaners...but it did shrink. So frustrated.
After washing and gently squeezing my sweater, I lay it out on a towel. Then I roll up the towel in a sausage shape, put it on the bathroom floor, and step on it with bare feet. That squeezes out a lot of water without pulling or twisting the fibers. Unroll, shake and fluff gently, and lay on another dry towel to finish drying completely.
aswanson42 That’s what I do with the exception of stepping on it.
aswanson42 I do this and I have a Laundry net for laying garments on
Marie-Anne Lecoeur Lol, my possessions lead a rough life!
I was wondering her thoughts on the same 'sausage drying' process. Thank you!
aswanson42 Exactly the way i do it too.🙂
Love your videos...merci! I have a hard time putting my woollen sweaters in a mesh back and then putting them into the machine. I wash woollens by hand using Woolite, sqeeze the watwr out, and then to remove the excess water, I lay the sweater flat on the towel, and then roll it up gently. After a few minutes, I air dry it on a dry towel.
I wish RUclips had a way to triple "like" :-) This is the best video ever on caring for wool and cashmere. The Laundress products are my favorite for wool/cashmere.
Very good Marie-Anne, I've learned a lot. I too use Woolite for my wool/cashmere jumpers. Good to know about lavender as a moth deterrent. Because some of them have a very unpleasant smell. You're getting better and better. ❤
I wash my knits the same way you do and use Woolite. I also use the Laundress products. I do not wash them in the washer but in my laundry room sink. I then use a towel and roll them out and gently put pressure on it to remove excess moisture. I then dry them on another towel on a flat surface. They come out great. I also use the little item to get rid of piling and it does a great job. I have a chest that has cedar fragrance on the sides which I use for larger items. What I now use for my sweater collection are large food storage zip lock bags. I LOVE this idea as it keeps them clean, I can see the item in the clear bag, it protects them from moths and when I travel I just pick up the bag and place it in my suitcase. I am able to fold my sweaters as you do and gently place them in the zip lock plastic bag. If I do put something in the washer I do use the lingerie bag. I have used them to put in silk blouses besides lingerie. I learned something new today-if I run out of my regular products I can use Johnson's baby shampoo.
Thank you for the tips. I now always hand wash my wool/cashmere sweaters and dry them by rolling them inside cotton bath towels. I have virtually ruined a couple of my wool/cashmere sweaters that I put them into the washer and dryer. I learned a hard lesson that I have to take good care of these good-quality sweaters.
I literally just stopped and gawked and coveted those pants you're wearing!!!!!! I want!!! :oD
Thank you for this informative care video. I have several pieces of cashmere that I do not want to trust a dry cleaners to do. Thank you again.
Thank you! I learned so much about caring for my wool items. Heading to your video about caring for silk.
Another tip for faster drying: put a small portable desk fan set at a low speed on the floor under your drying rack, or under a laundry net set across the backs of two straight chairs. Aim the fan up toward the damp laundry. This really speeds things up, especially in humid climates.
I learned so much, wools are not as common here, U.S. southern state. I love wool sweaters, use a lot of blends. Because of our humidity it take forever for them to dry. So using the fast spin will be so helpful!
Thank you. Reassuring to know that I’ve been doing care and maintenance correctly.
Thank you teaching us how to collect and care for high quality pieces. The opposite of fast fashion mentality 😁
Generally very informative! Although I must beg to differ about spinning - I've always been told to not use the fast spin for wool, as the agitation can cause the wool fibres to felt or break! Some even recommend gently squeezing the water out, others using the slowest spin setting (this is how I do it). I also read that is was a good idea to let the garments soak in cold water for 10 mins before washing.
Excellent tips Marie-Anne, thank you! I'm glad to discover I've been washing my woollens the "French chic" way all these years! 💖😂💖
Could we have a video on caring for silk? The woolen care was wonderful. Merci
Yes, I now have a few Lilly silk blouses like yours, Marie-Anne, and would love to know how you care for them! Thank you! 💜
I haven’t tried this yet but a tip I heard was put a stinky sweater in the freezer for a bit and it will kill the odor bacteria. Certainly worth a try.
I follow a Norwegian knitting channel, and they recommend putting woolens (sweaters, even afghans and blankets) outside in wintertime. The freezing sanitizes them.
aswanson42 I knit a lot! I wish I could watch that channel in the US!:) I certainly will try it. I try to hand wash my shawls and sweaters only when the winter season is over unless I really need to.
Michelle Dry Sorry, I wasn’t clear-the knitting channel is on RUclips. It’s two designers named Arne and Carlos. I’m sure you can find them by searching. They have a blog, too. Highly recommend!
aswanson42 Wow! I will look it up. How exciting:)
just learned to use a fast cycle to dry cashmere - who knew?, thank you Marie-Anne!!
I don't know how I missed this video since I've seen most of yours. Very helpful. I'm ordering those laundry bags. Had no idea I could wash sweaters in the washing machine. It took two days for my Armor Lux wool mariniere to dry and I had it in front of the heater (but not too close).
I use DrBronner soap. It is sulphate free and does not harm the wool. I also like to steam my sweaters so they are sanitized, flat and fresh again so I can stretch the washing cycles.
I heard that scratchy wool sweaters can be restored by using a hair mask on them, but I have not tried it.
I dry my sweaters preferrably on microfibre towels as I feel they dry faster than cotton.
I wash my sweaters with shampoo and they are remaining soft and fluffy .
I have SO many cashmere sweaters and had to learn how to care for them. This is a very helpful and relevant video. Have you done one yet about caring for pure silk items???
In a side note. I would love to see you style those amazing cord trousers with a white shirt under a grey cashmere sweater with loafers and then maybe show several other options for how to wear a coloured trouser and not feel like you are in a costume! I think many women shy away from wearing a bold coloured pant not knowing how to wear it and still look classy and chic. Any tips that are body type specific would also be great knowledge to share as it pertains to coloured trousers.
Thanks 😊
@Daisy Doodah exactly ! This is the best , you don't even need the softener ,,, I use simple baby shampoo , rinse well , squeeze the item to reduce water and spread flat on a thick towel to dry.
@@charleneheaman2033 agree , colored pants are tricky to style and wear :) I usually go with the combination of colors that in a natural pastel tones , not excessively bright . it is easy to match them with sweaters or shirts .
@@ivettie6271 is baby detergent safe to use?
I live in Tx, so we don't have many occasions to wear sweaters, but we have them in our wardrobe for those few occasions. We have these little "silver fish" that attack any natural fibers, but, especially wool/cashmere/angora etc and we have are thick plastic storage (best are Ziploc) pouches of any size. Ladies, as Marie-Anne says, fold them and my advice is to slide them in these bags. Removing excess water, spread a big towel and lay the sweater on it, then roll the towel with the sweater inside (maybe use two towels).
@@MarieAnneLecoeur Well, I thought of mentioning it, because we don't have moths, and silver fish don't respond to moth treatment.
Je viens d acheter mon premier pull en cachemire, merci pour vos explications!🙂
@@MarieAnneLecoeur j espere qu il va survivre mon pull 😀 merci Marie Anne😘
This subject is just what I wanted.
Great video! I have never tried putting a cashmere or any wool sweater in the washing machine. I will have to try it first with something older.
I have never used Woolite in the washing machine.
wonderful, I use Woolite too!.... and you look beautiful as always in that outfit and this slightly (as it seems) even shorter haircut Marie -Anne
Your advice has no waste, is so valuable, thank you. 👍👍👍 ❤️❤️❤️
After washing my sweater as you suggested I sometimes fluff the sweater in the dryer for 5 minutes on air only. Then I proceed to dry flat.
I like that your Woolite is pink. 🤭 good tip about the lavender for moths or mites. I learned a new French word.
I will enjoy this video
I am allergic to wool though. I have a silk and cashmere huge scarf pattern is beautiful and the colors so vibrant it goes to my dry clearner.
I’d love a video about the quality of a garment.
Very worth tips Marie-ann, I usually wash by hand my sweaters and store them folded, your gadget seems to be very useful, usually I pick out by hand the lints😁🤦🏻♀️.
@@MarieAnneLecoeur Agree with you Marie-Ann, sometimes this task can be relaxing😊jijiji, but no, "Time is gold", better the gadget!
I've leaned a way to hang sweaters without stretching them: fold your sweater in half (shoulder to shoulder), it will create an upside down L shape. Put the hanger on the armpit and let the sleeves to dangle from one hanger shoulder and the body of you sweater from another shoulder. I keep all my sweaters on hangers that way.
Hey Marie-Anne so good to see you again, very cold here still but not raining for a change... Have a couple of cashmere sweaters, both secondhand actually but always wear a little thin vest or cami underneath to avoid washing too much.. We ha e a product called dreft here that I use to launder.. Bought a beautiful cashmere throw that I wrap around myself on the sofa which is wonderful.. Have a fab Weekend paula
I do love cashmere, it's the only wool I can wear, anything else gives me a rash. Lol, expensive tastes, but I prefer to save and get the best quality. Some pieces I have many items that I've had for many years.
Quality pays for itself
Thank you for this video I have been waiting to learn how to look after wool/cashmere properly.
Yes, great timing! I've also been wondering about fabric softener. So thank you for clarifying that.
I love your outfit. Where did you get the blouse under your sweater and your pants?
@@MarieAnneLecoeurLecoeur, thank you anyway. Your videos are wonderful. I look forward to seeing them each week.
I machine wash and dry (low) all my cashmere sweaters and they seem very happy and last many years.
My mother decided to be helpful and washed a few of my cashmere sweaters in with a load of her clothes while I was in the hospital. She washed them in a very strong detergent in hot water right side out and unbagged on the heavy cycle then dried them hot for a long time. Needless to say the sweaters were ruined but I tossed them in my thrift store bag and didn't say anything to her because I know she was trying to help.. I sure hated losing those beautiful swearers though. Especially the off white turtle neck. She is always asking how I keep my clothing looking new for so many years. She has been ruining clothes in the laundry as long as I can remember and its one of the things she's most famous for in the family.
I thought a good quality cashmere top shouldn’t pile but mine did after wearing it only 3/4 times I’m so disappointed. I’ll try the little gadget you suggest.
Marie-Anne Lecoeur Those gadgets are great!
Very helpful. I use a plastic drying rack that snaps together and has a mesh for the sweater to lie flat on. This allows air to circulate above and below the sweater. These sweater racks are inexpensive.
To dry...roll the jumper in a clean bath towel...gently squeeze...unroll and then dry flat . Lay on a clothes airer on the top of the bath to do that.
I just found your channel and I love it so much!!! This was timely since I just ordered 3 cashmere pullover vneck sweaters .
It was just this morning that I was contemplating such a video, and voila!! A question for you: have you ever had a cashmere sweater shrink after washing it properly, in cool water, just as you describe? Do you buy one size larger in case of shrinkage? It's always a happy day when I see your smiling face....thank you so much!
Years after shrinking a cashmere sweater myself, I learned that washing in *cold* water will cause the fibers to clench up, so to speak, shrinking the sweater. It can even become felted that way. The best temperature seems to be just barely on the cool side of tepid.
@@edennis3202 Thank you for letting me know of your experience.... I will take that into account, for sure!
@@edennis3202 Back before google this exact thing happened to a beloved cashmere sweater that I accidentally washed in icy cold (well water in the winter) water with a bunch of jeans then dried on hot. My inherited dark green sweater came out of the dryer like a tiny piece of felt. Still heart broke over that debacle!!!
Bonjour Marie-Anne, un grand merci pour vos vidéos toujours si instructives ! Juste pour être certaine d'avoir bien compris : vous suggérez bien d'utiliser un programme d'essorage rapide ? Combien de tours / minute préconisez-vous ? J'ai tout de même peur qu'un essorage musclé abîme le pull... Merci d'avance.
Love your video. It’s very informative. Cheers!
I wash my fine knits in very Luke warm water with Johnson’s baby bath
@@MarieAnneLecoeur Yeah -- so do I!!!!
Thank you Marie-Anne for these tips. I am looking to invest in a cashmere sweater this year so your video is perfectly timed!
Great Video Marie-Anne! I hand wash by Cashmere, and I use woolite.
This is a great video and very helpful thank you! You look so vibrant and healthy I would love to see what you eat for one day. I need to check out your French eating course.
Thanks for the tips Marie- Anne xx
Thank you so much - thanks for the video!
I hand wash my wool and cashmere sweaters the way you describe, but after squeezing the water out I wrap the sweater in a clean bath towel and gently press. This eliminates more water so drying time is faster. I usually dry my sweaters on a drying rack. Great idea for a video. Maintenance is so important!
Thanks for the video, I needed that one! Would it be more or less the same for silk?
I didn't know that you shouldn't use fabric softener with wool. Have to remember that. I have the same little gadget as you for de-balling clothes and it works quite well. I use it on a wool coat and skirt that go bally too.
I have a big steamer that has an accessory for clothes. I used it once on my coat to avoid dry cleaning it. It probably killed off dirt and germs but I didn't think the results were impressive. I wouldn't dare to use my hand held one. I love my steamers but I think I'll stick to just steaming the house with them!
Finally, I bought a lavender plant in the summer and when it died several weeks later, I thought the heat had killed it (I live in Spain) but maybe I overwatered it. ☹️ It would have been nice to make lavender sachets for the wardrobes.
@@MarieAnneLecoeur Thank you! A video on silk would be great. I'll definitely stay tuned! 😊
I have always been afraid to wash my wool sweaters so I dryclean them. Do you think it damages them to dryclean instead of washing them? Thank you for all the wonderful information you share Marie-Anne!
@@MarieAnneLecoeur Merci Marie-Anne!
I've found that the hand wash setting on my washer works as well as washing by hand.
Much needed info. Ty, Marie-Anne
Marie Anne, this video was needed. Thank you
I wash my wool and cashmere by hand in L'Occitane fragranced soap and rinse with a splash of distilled vinegar in the rinse. I squeeze out the water (no wringing it) and roll it in a towel to grab excess water. I reshape or "block" the sweater and then lay flat on a drying rack with a mesh cradle to dry. I have a J.Crew wool sweater which I purchased when I was 18 that is in mint condition. I am 43.
May I ask what L'occitane soap you use?
Wendy Mcdowell of late, Neroli and orchid. Any real soapbwill do, I have even used Dr. Bronner’s. A little goes a long way. Never use borax or baking soda on any woolen sweater, leather or fur.
I thrift many of my garments. Sometimes if they had been mistreated I can remedy it. The gentleman’s gazette produced a great detailed video explaining how natural fibers react to certain actions. That is not to say that Marie does not offer solid wisdom on the topic. You can build your garment related skill set.
Marie-Anne Lecoeur back in the day when J crew clothes were worth every penny, a sweater was like $80 in 1990-ish dollars. I saved and valued my labor by which I made money. I appreciate craftsmanship more now because it has become so scarce. I turn to vintage classic lines to endure time for form and function. I just bought an Anne Kline brown silk skirt for $1.87 usd. I had to rid it of the dry cleaning stench, and remove some snags in the textured fabric. I can’t identify where they were located now. I have champagne taste but I am on a tap water budget.lol
Spooky! I am just washing my lambswool sweaters in the machine using Woolite. I too have a bobble shaver and wouldn't be without it. Great channel Marie-Anne. Bon weekend.
*Eucalan* is the best, most wonderful of wool laundering conditioning impurity remover.
Simply lovely: it includes sheep lanolin, & comes in a selection of natural lovely scent oils.
#Eucalan #cashmere #RealWool
I have 2 beautiful pashmina scarves. Would it be safe to wash them? Thank you
Cloth dress shields can also be carefully tacked in under the arms, using only the seams allowances.
I am only 34, but I subscribed because I am so sick of fast fashion and the waste!!!!! The trends, I want to have a minimal closet with only the essential timeless styles, also I worked as a laundress for 6 years, where we would wash the clothing of the rich for an exorbant price and everything she is saying is spot on. Yes you can wash cashmere in the machine ON DELICATE WOOL CYCLE make sure the cycle is not long! No 45 minute cycle, no longer than 25 minutes on cold in a mesh bag is best cold only just like Marie-Ann told us! Do not hang wet it will stretch out and if the hangers are wooden and they do not have a waterproof wood varnish I have seen shirts stain from the hanger, white plastic is actually the best way to go with very absorbent fabrics.Never use metal hangers for anything let alone wet, it will rust and stain the shirt. For the Cashmere best like she said to lay flat on a clean towel perhaps by a window. I remember one time I had to get stains out of white cashmere it was from a bloody nose, NO bleach can never be used on such a fabric, I used hydrogen peroxide with cold water gently by hand I did it a few times, I let it bubble, now this was a pure WHITE sweater.....I would be a bit scared to do it on another color, but let me say, once I was washed out the peroxide and washed it with Woolite I was so relieved I didn't ruin it!! When I was done with it, it looked like there had never been a 6 inch blood stain, and we didn't compromise the integrity of the fabric, I think I got really lucky because my boss who is my senior by 30 years told me it couldnt be salvageable when she saw the state it was in when we got it. This was a very thick 500 dollar sweater, she initially turned the customer away and said we couldnt wash it, but the customer got very upset so she agreed if we couldnt fix it she wouldn't get upset so I said I will wash it and take the responsibility because I knew about the peroxide and my boss did not believe peroxide gets out blood she said only bleach will and you cant bleach Cashmere. I Love this channel! You dont have to be over 50 to appreciate this wonderful advice!! Fast fashion is literally destroying our planet and designer expensive bags do not = good quality, so far I love everything she says, she is gorgeous and looks not a day over 43
Hi marie anne, can you please tell me what kind of deodorants can i use that dont stain the blouses? Thank you so much in advance.💝😊
Jennifer L. Scott shares your ideas.
Such a good video. Thanks a lot.
I'm scared to wash wool and cashmere sweaters. Years ago I handwashed/air dryed something and ruined it.
Bonjour Marie ANNE thank you so much for your advice 😍 Grace
This is helpful ! thank you! could you please do a label symbol identification video?
@@MarieAnneLecoeur thank you ! I always forget when there isn't words on the label ... a handy guide I can go back and watch would be super helpful!
Bonjour Marie-Anne j'ai acheté un pull en laine et cachemire je l'ai lavé a la main avec une lessive spéciale mais il dégage une fort odeur désagréable !! Que dois-je faire ?Je suis sur de la qualité du Pull
Great video!!
Love your haircut. Ahort yet feminine.
Yes it looks fabulous your best hair style as yet
Very informative. Thanks
I also use cloves in a stocking which keeps the moths away!
Great idea! I don’t care for the scent of lavender at all!
Yes I too have used cloves ..put in little net bags
Bonjour Marie Anne, même les françaises adorent vos conseils!! Je me demande si vous ne pourriez pas nous faire une petite vidéo sur comment entretenir ses vêtements (produits pour nettoyer, détacher, températures, repassage ou non, vos astuces en somme notamment pour la soie) car la française est chic mais économe et aime que ses vêtements intemporels durent longtemps. Bien à vous
I have ruined many sweaters because I didn't take care of them. Thank you for this.
Any advice on how to remove a little stain from a cashmere sweater? Thanks!
yes I have used baby shampoo to wash woollens - hair and wool are both proteins
Hints: you can spray with Fabreeze to freshen up/put in the air fresher in the dryer.
Or spray w vodka
In addition to Margaret F's ask about silk care video - I am also interested in tips for care and storage of silk and knit (Missoni) scarves. I have my Hermes scarves folded and in a box but I'm not sure that keeping them folded so much is a good idea. I notice you have your scarves loosely draped in the storage cubes.
I hang my Hermes scarves and all my silk scarves on the hangers my dry cleaner uses. No fold marks.
This is spooky because I was about to ask you whether you could make a video on how to care about one’s own cashmere. You have certainly read my mind! Merci!
Thank you..all good information!
addicted to wool and cashmere ,knitting wonderful peaces and my advice is try to find good mix %of wool?cashmere and acrylic,best80%wool 20%acr. it won't felt like 100% wool and you can wash it in a wool cycle ,also ironing is very important,always put white sheet of paper,not fabric, on the top and iron by tapping to keep the shape ,the same apply if you ironing hand knitted pieces prior to sawing, and this small wool shaver is must have