Chunky mohair knitwear is luxurious, soft, and delicate, requiring special care to maintain its beauty and shape.
Unlike many other fabrics, mohair rarely needs washing - it naturally resists odours and dirt. Follow these tips to keep your hand-knitted treasures in perfect condition.
1. Skip the Wash - Refresh Instead
Washing mohair can cause it to lose its shape. Instead of washing:
• Lightly spray your knitwear with a diluted fabric conditioner (mix one part conditioner to ten parts water).
• Massage it gently to restore softness and fluffiness.
2. Air It Out
• Mohair doesn’t absorb smells or dirt, making it perfect for refreshing outdoors.
• Lay your knitwear flat or drape it over a drying rack in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade colours.
3. Bring It to Life with a Brush
• Use a soft-bristle hairbrush and gently tap or brush your knitwear to revive the fibres and restore its natural fluff.
• Always brush in the direction of the fibres to avoid damage.
4. Dry Clean for Deep Cleaning
If your mohair knitwear requires a more thorough clean, it’s best to take it to a professional dry cleaner. Choose one experienced with delicate knitwear to ensure proper care.
5. Store Thoughtfully
• Store your chunky knits folded in a breathable cotton bag or on a shelf to prevent stretching.
• Add natural moth repellents like cedarwood or lavender sachets to protect the fibres.
• Never hang mohair knitwear, as its weight can distort the shape.
6. How to Deal with Mohair Shedding
Mohair can naturally shed, especially when new.
To minimise shedding lightly spray with diluted fabric conditioner and gently massage to settle loose fibres.
Regularly brushing your knitwear can also help reduce the likelihood of shedding by keeping the fibres smooth and fluffy.
Why Avoid Washing?
Mohair is a delicate fibre that thrives with minimal intervention. Frequent washing can flatten its fluffiness, distort its shape, and weaken the fibres. By refreshing, airing, and dry cleaning sparingly, you’ll preserve your hand-knitted piece’s charm and longevity.
Your mohair knitwear is more than just a garment - it’s a work of art. Treat it with love, and it will keep you cosy and stylish for years to come.
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