How to Care for Your Pashmina During Monsoon

When the monsoon sweeps across India with its dramatic skies and earthy scent, it brings welcome relief from the scorching heat. But for the ones that treasure fine textiles like delicate Pashmina, this season calls for mindful care. As creators and curators of all things fine, Luxuries of Kashmir believes every hand-woven Pashmina piece is not just clothing but a work of art, heritage, and emotion woven into thread.

 Here’s your definitive guide to caring for your treasured garments during the humid and unpredictable monsoon season.

1. Understand the Vulnerabilities of Luxury Fibres 

Monsoon humidity isn’t kind to natural fibres. Pashmina, derived from the undercoat of Himalayan goats, is a protein-based fibre and hence is super sensitive and needs to be protected from: 

●       Moisture: Causes mildew and mould. 

●       Heat: Weakens the delicate yarns in your Pashmina. 

●       Improper storage: The leading cause of that musty smell, discolouration in your priced Pashmina, and worse, fabric damage. 

Proactively caring for your Pashmina shawls can prevent irreversible damage and ensure your pieces remain pristine for generations to come.

2. How to Store Pashmina Shawls and Jackets 

Never store Pashmina in plastic. Plastic traps moisture, which is the fastest way to ruin the fabric. Instead: 

●       Use muslin cloth wraps or unbleached cotton bags to store your shawls and sarees. 

●       Add neem leaves, cloves, or silica gel sachets for natural moisture and insect repellents. 

●       Ensure your wardrobe is not close to the floor and is elevated, far away from damp walls and windows. 

Bonus tip: Rotate storage; air your pieces every 2–3 weeks during monsoon by spreading them out in indirect sunlight for 1–2 hours.

3. What to do if Pashmina Shawls Get Wet 

●       Never wring or twist the fabric. Lay it flat on a clean towel and gently roll it up to absorb excess water. 

●       Dry in shade only; never under direct sun, which fades dyes and weakens fibres. 

●       Never use blow dryers or irons on wet fabric. Instead, let it dry naturally before folding and storing to prevent trapped moisture.

4. How to Clean Pashmina in Monsoons 

Frequent washing can weaken the delicate fibres of your luxury Pashmina. Instead, opt for spot cleaning during monsoon: 

●       Dab stains gently with a white cloth soaked in cold water. 

●       For tougher spots, use a tiny amount of baby shampoo diluted in cold water. Avoid commercial detergents. 

●       Dry cleaning is preferred, but only at trusted places that handle luxury fibres. Be sure to mention it’s Pashmina so they can avoid harsh chemicals or rough tumbling.

5. Avoid Ironing Directly 

Steam is a friend, but direct heat is a foe. 

To smooth out wrinkles: 

●       Use a steam iron on a low setting with a muslin cloth in between. 

●       Never iron directly on embroidery or zari work; it dulls the sheen and may warp the thread.

6. Ward Off Pests sans Chemicals 

The most common choice to ward off pests is mothballs, but they have a chemical smell that can damage your Pashmina and irritate sensitive skin. 

●       Choose natural pest repellants like lavender sachets, cedar chips, or dried orange peels. All natural, all good. 

●       Keep the wardrobe clean and aired out weekly. 

●       Monsoon is the peak time for silverfish and moth larvae. Act early, act gently.

7. Travelling with Pashmina During Monsoon 

If you're travelling this season and want to carry your Pashmina or Cashmere silk: 

●       Roll, don’t fold. It reduces creases. 

●       Wrap in acid-free tissue paper and then store in a breathable pouch. 

●       Keep it in your cabin luggage, not checked baggage, as airports can be notoriously damp.

Preserve the Legacy with Intention 

Your Pashmina shawl isn’t just an accessory, it’s a story. Just a little effort can preserve the beauty and grace of your beloved Pashmina through monsoon after monsoon.

Love your luxury. Guard it with grace. 

If you’d like personalised garment care instructions or to get your shawl monsoon-ready with expert cleaning, read more of our blogs. We’re here to help preserve your heritage as much as we are here to offer you bespoke Pashmina shawls.