The Complete Guide to Caring for Your Mohair heirloom piece

Please follow these steps to keep your Barnard Mohair piece looking great for years to come. Mohair is a natural fibre and requires very little washing. Lanolin is a natural oil that protects the mohair fibre from absorbing dirt, repels moisture and hence minimal washing is required. However, when the time comes, please follow our steps below to learn how to clean and look after your mohair blanket.

Our garments are delicately made using only the softest mohair to create the perfect piece, be it a blanket, jacket or scarf. We’ll talk you through how wash, dry and store your mohair products and preserve them for years to come!

 


Washing Your Mohair piece

Most of the time, airing out your mohair piece is all that’s needed. Freshen your product by hanging it out on a washing line, and it will feel new. When it does need a proper wash, follow these steps.

Hand Washing (Recommended)

  1. Fill a basin or bathtub with tepid, lukewarm water.
  2. Add some hair shampoo to the water ( the cheapest will do )

Submerge the item and let it soak for 30 – 40  minutes. Gently press the fabric, but never rub, twist or wring.

  1. Drain the soapy water, rinse with fresh water.
  2. Fill a basin with fresh water again, and add hair conditioner to the mix. Soak for an hour or two,  this will give the mohair an extra softness. Mohair is very similar to your natural hair, and should be treated as such.
  3. Squeeze excess water from the product, and lay the product out flat to dry on a towel in the sun. Roll the towel gently to absorb excess water, then unroll and reshape the item while it’s still damp.
  4. Never tumble dry. The heat and friction will cause felting, shrinkage and permanent damage.
  5. Do not wash on a wool cycle in the washing machine.
  6. The product can also be dry cleaned, but cleaning it at home is preferable.

See our full mohair care guide →


Storing Mohair

Mohair is surprisingly resistant to pests, but a bit of smart storage goes a long way.

  • Fold, don’t hang.Hanging a heavy mohair blanket or long coat can stretch the fibres and distort the shape. Fold loosely and place on a shelf.
  • Store in a dry area.Avoid attics and damp basements. Mohair loves air, and we’d recommend that it is exposed to sunlight.
  • No storage bag is needed. Fold your mohair blanket or garment, and store in the top shelf of your cupboard when not in use.

Browse mohair blankets →

 

Tips for Wearing Mohair

Mohair garments feel incredibly soft, but new pieces can shed a little fluff in the first few wears. This is normal. It’s not a sign of poor quality — it’s simply short, loose fibres working their way out. When mohair is brushed, it goes through a brushing machine that raises the pile, the excess mohair will be loose on the blanket.

To reduce shedding:

  • Give the garment a gentle shake outdoors before wearing.
  • Lightly brush the surface with a soft-bristle brush or use a lint roller on the inside.

Browse mohair jackets & coats →


Mohair Blankets — Specific Care

Blankets get different use than clothing. They’re often on couches, beds or laps, picking up dust and the occasional coffee splash. Here’s how to keep them feeling fresh:

  • Shake outdoors weeklyto dislodge surface dust.
  • Spot clean spills immediatelywith a damp cloth and wool-safe cleaner. Don’t rub — blot gently.
  • Air the blanket outdoorsin the shade for a few hours every season. It will smell crisp and feel renewed without a full wash.

Because mohair is naturally stain-resistant and odour-repellent, you’ll find you need to wash blankets far less often than expected.

 

A Lifetime of Softness

Mohair rewards care with decades of comfort. The fibre loves to be used and becomes more beautiful with age. The first hint of shedding settles down quickly. The colours stay rich. The softness deepens. And each time you wrap yourself in a Barnard Mohair piece, you’ll be reminded of the proud Eastern Cape mohair heritage!

Ready to add a piece to your home?
Visit 
barnardmohair.com/ to explore our full collection of mohair blankets, scarves and wraps.

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