How NYC Dry Cleaners Handle Delicate Winter Fabrics: Cashmere, Wool & Angora

As leading NYC dry cleaners, Cameo by Copeland Cleaners has been entrusted with savvy Manhattanites’ investment wardrobes for generations. Our professionals frequently field calls from our customers asking if we care for their delicate winter garments crafted from cashmere, wool, and angora fibers. For years, it has been believed that the only way to maintain these fragile yarns and wovens is by carefully handwashing them. Not so! In fact, this process is prone to damaging fine knitwear and natural fiber wovens, as it can cause the fibers to stretch as well as shrink. Color loss is also an issue. Instead, here are the facts regarding the best dry cleaning options for your garments made from delicate winter fabrics:

Delicate Fiber Cleaning by NYC Professionals

Cameo by Copeland Cleaners’ experts use a specialized, water-free process with gentle solvents to clean delicate winter fabrics like cashmere, wool, and angora, which prevents the shrinkage, stretching, and fiber damage associated with traditional washing. The process is a meticulous, multi-step operation that is designed to preserve the integrity and appearance of your delicate Winter garments, such as knits and wovens made from natural fibers.

• Inspection and Tagging: Upon receipt, each garment is inspected for existing damage, loose threads, and stains. Items are tagged to ensure proper identification, and tailored care instructions are recorded.
• Stain Pre-treatment: Next, Cameo by Copeland Cleaners’ stain experts apply specialized, fabric-specific formulas to break down tough stains (like oil or wine) before the main cleaning cycle, without damaging the delicate fibers or causing color bleeding.
• Gentle Cleaning Cycle: Your garments are placed in a state-of-the-art dry cleaning machine, where a non-water-based solvent is used instead of harsh detergents and water. The machine gently agitates the clothes to lift dirt and oils, avoiding the friction and agitation of a standard washing machine.
• Solvent Extraction and Drying: After the cleaning and rinse cycles, the solvent is extracted, distilled, and recycled. Your garments are then dried in a strictly temperature-controlled environment to prevent heat damage, shrinkage, or texture alteration.
• Finishing Touches: Finally, as professional NYC dry cleaners, Cameo by Copeland Cleaners professionals use specialized pressing and steaming techniques to restore your garments’ original shape, remove wrinkles, and give them a polished finish, without the risk of scorching or flattening the fibers.

Specific Fabric Specifications Performed by NYC Dry Cleaners Cameo by Copeland Cleaners

Fabric	Professional Handling Techniques	Why it matters
Cashmere	Specific solvents are used to clean without stripping the natural oils that maintain softness. The process avoids the use of water and heat, which can cause shrinkage and shape loss.	Preserves the ultra-fine fibers and luxurious softness.
Wool	Cameo by Copeland Cleaners uses a water-deficient process that prevents the fibers from swelling and felting (matting/pilling). Pressing and steaming are the final steps used to restore the garment’s original silhouette.	Prevents irreversible shrinkage and maintains the fabric’s integrity and shape.
Angora	Garments crafted of angora rabbit fur yarn are handled with the utmost care due to its long, delicate strands that can easily break or snarl. Drying is done flat to avoid stretching.	Minimizes shedding, matting, and shape distortion common with this delicate rabbit hair blend.

By trusting your delicate Winter garments to Cameo by Copeland Cleaners’ professionals, you will protect your investment in delicate winter wear and extend the life of your garments. Contact our team today to arrange the pickup and delivery of your choicest Winter garments before the Holidays. Call now!