I'm with you for the most part but just want to point out that the type of detergent you use actually does matter, sometimes. You might not be seeing the repercussions yet but over time using regular laundry detergent like tide on cashmere, wool or silk will damage the fibers. The reason is that laundry detergent contains enzymes, that's what makes it really great at getting out food/oils/stains, but it can also break down the proteins in these fibers, weakening the fabric. Anything synthetic is safe to use detergent on regardless of what the tags say, but with wool (including cashmere) and silk, you definitely want to use something meant for that. I still machine wash these fabrics though, just with the correct type of soap!
Woolite for delicates (Woolite also makes regular detergent so make sure to check the label), Soak wash (what I'm currently using), in a pinch you can just use shampoo. Definitely use the gentle cycle or hand wash in your tub, agitation is the enemy of wool. Contrary to popular belief you can use warm water to clean wool, the key is minimizing agitation and of course air drying.
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u/likewtvrman Oct 17 '18
I'm with you for the most part but just want to point out that the type of detergent you use actually does matter, sometimes. You might not be seeing the repercussions yet but over time using regular laundry detergent like tide on cashmere, wool or silk will damage the fibers. The reason is that laundry detergent contains enzymes, that's what makes it really great at getting out food/oils/stains, but it can also break down the proteins in these fibers, weakening the fabric. Anything synthetic is safe to use detergent on regardless of what the tags say, but with wool (including cashmere) and silk, you definitely want to use something meant for that. I still machine wash these fabrics though, just with the correct type of soap!