Mohair Care Instructions

Mohair is truly an exquisite fiber, and with its delicate appearance it is often a surprise to discover just how durable and hard wearing it can be. Like most luxury fibers, mohair requires proper handling, but when treated in the correct way it can last for a very long time.

For hundreds of years, the teasel has been used to raise the “nap” on mohair and records indicate that in Ancient Egypt a natural teasel was used to comb mohair cloth worn by pharaohs. Teasels are still grown in certain areas in England but nowadays it is more practical to use a small brush to groom both knitted and woven garments. It is very important that mohair be treated with extreme care – gentle coaxing rather than firm strokes is advisable to ease out tangle and create the lovely fluffiness for which mohair is renowned.

Mohair upholstery velours usually do not attract a great deal of dirt, as they are anti-static, and an occasional brushing of the pile will maintain its luster, but stains such as fruit juice and coffee need to be treated immediately with a dry foam cleanser or mild detergent. Liquor and spirit stains should be treated with pure alcohol, and when cleaned, the fabric may be rinsed in cool water, dried and carefully brushed in the direction of the pile. Any irregularities in the pile may be solved by steaming, using either an iron or the spout of a kettle, held approximately 6″ away from the fabric.

Follow these simple guidelines and your mohair, whether knitted or in fabric form, will provide many years of enjoyment:

• Wash in tepid water and mild “hand washing” detergent.
• Gently squeezed out – never pull or wring.
• Lay flat to dry.
• Garment may be tumble dried in a pillowcase as long as a low and gentle program is used.
• Store garment in a cool dry place – Do not store in plastic.
• Do not spray perfume directly on garment, especially if it is white.
• To reduce shedding, place in dryer on “Air Fluff” setting and tumble dry for 10-15 minutes.
• Try to avoid friction spots such as shoulder bag or armrests.
• Do not keep knitted mohair garments on hangers – Fold and store on a shelf.
• To fluff up garment, lightly shake or gently brush down with hand.