Mumbai’s high-fashion circles, a mohair sweater or shawl isn’t just clothing—it’s a significant investment symbolising sophistication. Their signature “halo” is as delicate as it is beautiful. But panic sets in when you spill a drop of wine on your favourite knit.
At Bianca Cloth Spa, we often see clients “freeze up” when their luxury knits get a smudge. You worry that one wrong move will turn your oversized cardigan into a doll’s outfit. We want to remove that fear. Whether you trust us with your wardrobe or tackle a refresh at home, these mohair care instructions ensure your investments stay fresh for years.
To Wash or Dry Clean Mohair?
The most common question we hear at our Colaba, Juhu and Bandra counters is: Should I dry clean Mohair?
If you want the absolute safest, stress-free path, the answer is yes. You should, for heirloom blend pieces with a structured silhouette, or intricate beadwork.
Professional cleaning uses specialised solvents. These remove oils without the risk of “felting”, the dreaded process where fibres lock together and shrink due to heat and agitation.
However, for your lighter knits, you can take care of Mohair at home if you follow our methodical, safety-first approach.
Why One Home Wash Ruined a Luxury Masterpiece- The DIY Disaster
Before trying a home wash, consider a “horror story” we recently witnessed at our spa. A client brought us a bespoke mohair cardigan. It was her favourite piece, ethereal and soft. After a light spill, she decided to handle the cleaning herself. She used cold water and a reputable wool detergent. But made one critical mistake: the ‘Hand Wash’ cycle.
The Heartbreaking Result: A Stiff, Shrunken Disaster
When she pulled the sweater out of her washing machine, it had shrunk by three sizes. And in place of the iconic, airy “halo ” was a dense, stiff, and matted fabric. It felt more like a thick rug than a luxury knit.
Why Did This Happen?
It was a cold water wash, but the mechanical agitation of the machine drum acts like a hammer. The scales on the mohair fibres open and “hook” into one another. Once they lock, they stay hooked, and you cannot unhook them. This is why we tell our Mumbai clients: if the garment is a “forever piece,” do not let a machine decide its fate.
How to Wash Mohair: Our Professional Method
You can refresh your Mohair at home, but don’t use your washing machine. We have strict professional protocol to protect your investment:
- The Cool Soak: Fill a basin with cool water. Add a capful of pH-neutral wool wash. Submerge the garment and gently move the water. Never rub or scrub.
- The No-Wring Rule: Lift the sweater out carefully. Support its weight so the water does not stretch the shoulders. Do not wring or twist. Apply firm, steady pressure against the basin wall to drain the water without the harsh twisting that ruins delicate fibres.
- Wring it Not, Roll it: Lay the wet sweater flat on a clean, white towel. Roll the towel up with the damp sweater inside and press down firmly. This absorbs moisture without stress on the fibres.
- Reshaping: Unroll the towel and lay the sweater on a flat drying rack in a well-ventilated room. Keep it away from direct sunlight, as this can cause the Mohair to become brittle and fade the dye. Pat it gently to reshape when still damp.
- Lifting the Halo: Once dry, give it a gentle shake to restore the “fluff.” Use a soft-bristled garment brush to lift the fibres gently. This technique is similar to how we care for delicate shawls, ensuring the pile remains light and airy.