Identify whether the item is pure cashmere or a blend, inspect felting, shrinkage, colour, trims, stains and previous damage, then follow the care label, testing results and the business’s approved process.
Identify and inspect before cleaning
The service decision begins with the physical item, not the page title or brand. Read the care label, identify all materials and inspect how the item has been constructed.
- Fibre-content and care labels
- Knitted or woven construction
- Loose, stretched or felted areas
- Pilling, abrasion and previous shrinkage
- Dyes, prints, trims and linings
- Body oils, food, beverage and unknown stains
Explain the main risks before accepting the work
The cleaner should distinguish removable soil from physical wear, fading, fibre loss, finish damage and construction failure. These conditions can remain or become more visible after soil is removed.
- Felting from heat, moisture, alkalinity or mechanical action
- Dimensional change and loss of shape
- Colour movement or local rings
- Fibre damage from aggressive spotting
- Stretching during wet handling or finishing
- Customer expectation that pilling or wear is removable
Do not guarantee a result that depends on unknown dye, adhesive, previous treatment or hidden damage. Record the agreed service and limitations clearly.
Use a controlled professional decision process
Follow the care label, SDS, equipment instructions, approved workplace procedures and professional tests. The list below is a decision framework, not a chemical recipe.
- Photograph or record pre-existing pilling, stretching and damage
- Test colour and trim stability where required
- Choose the least aggressive approved process consistent with the care label and soil
- Support the item during handling and drying
- Reshape to original measurements without excessive tension
- Inspect under good light before final presentation
Finish, inspect and present the result
Finishing is part of the cleaning result. Confirm shape, surface, components, remaining marks and the agreed presentation before the item is marked ready.
- Restore shape using controlled steam and support
- Avoid glazing, crushing or excessive pressure
- Remove only loose surface fibre without weakening the knit
- Confirm seams, hems, cuffs and dimensions
- Package to protect shape and reduce compression
This page provides general operational awareness. Always follow care labels, safety data sheets, equipment instructions, workplace procedures, testing requirements and professional judgement.