Bird of Paradise Knitwear is made from a combination of cashmere and silk. All items are 40% cashmere, 15% silk, 15% lambs wool and 30% mix which makes them harder wearing and machine washable.
The friction of wear will cause tiny balls of fluff to form on new knitted garments. Regular washing will help to prevent pilling. Pilling is normal with Cashmere and we recommend de-pilling an item before washing it by using a Cashmere Comb. Run the comb, gently but firmly, over the affected area(s) to remove the pill balls. Once they are all removed, wash it as instructed.
Always store clean cashmere. It is the dirt, perspiration and food found on worn Cashmere that aids in the attraction of moths. Do not store your Cashmere in plastic, use cotton bags and always store in a cool place. Try and remember to spray your Cashmere with a natural moth repellent in between washing, wearing and storing.
We recommend that all Bird of Paradise Knitwear, unless stated, is washed in a wool/delicate cycle in your washing machine. Bird of Paradise Knitwear does wash well in most machines if the correct cycle is used. Pop your Bird of Paradise garments into a net or laundry bag to provide it with some protection when the washing machine is spinning. Make sure your washing machine is set on a delicate cycle such as silk, wool or hand washing. The temperature should be set no higher than 30°c. Re-shape the garment whilst damp and dry flat, out of direct sunlight.
If you are not comfortable with machine washing then hand wash your knitwear following the instructions below. Just be sure that you use cool/luke warm water.
Soak the knitwear in soapy, lukewarm water for around 30 minutes, then gently ‘squeeze’ to ensure that the soap water soaks through the fibres.
Rinse in lukewarm water gently squeezing the cashmere – never wring cashmere. Do this until the water is clear.
Roll the garment in a towel and press to remove excess moisture and speed drying.
Lay it out flat to dry and make sure it is away from sunlight.
Re-shape whilst damp, taking special care, as wet fibres can stretch out of shape.
