Caring for Alpaca

Cleaning Your Pieces

Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning is the best option to maintain the item's integrity, especially for structured pieces or large throws.

We recommend using a trusted dry cleaner familiar with natural fibers and instructing them not to steam press or machine tumble.

BETWEEN CLEANINGS

For most items, less is more. Rather than washing, care for your alpaca with these simple steps:

• Air the piece out in a shaded, well-ventilated space to refresh it between uses
• Spot-treat small marks by blotting gently with a clean cloth lightly dampened with cold water. Never rub or agitate
• Let the area air dry flat, reshaping as needed
• Use a sweater stone or cashmere comb to lift surface pilling
• Take the piece to a professional cleaner for anything beyond a light spot-treatment

what to avoid

• Machine washing or machine drying of any kind, including delicate, wool, and hand-wash cycles
• Washing at home, which risks felting, shrinkage, and loss of shape
• Soaking or submerging the item
• Hot water or high temperatures
• Standard detergents or bleach
• Wringing, twisting, or agitating the fibers
• Hanging while wet

Drying, Steaming & Storage

Drying

If a piece becomes damp, always lay it flat on a towel to dry, shaping it gently. Avoid hanging, which may distort its shape.

Steaming

• To remove wrinkles, use a handheld steamer on the lowest setting.
• Avoid ironing, as direct heat can flatten the fibers.

Storing

• Store only when completely dry
• Fold garments or throws and place in a breathable cotton bag
• Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Add lavender sachets or cedar blocks (not mothballs) for freshness

Preventing Pests

• Clean before storing: Moths are drawn to oils, sweat, and food residue.
• Use airtight storage: Vacuum-sealed bags or bins keep pests out.
• Natural repellents: Cedar blocks, lavender, rosemary, bay leaves, or cloves.
• Avoid mothballs: They leave a strong odor and are toxic.
• Air out regularly: Sunlight kills moth larvae. Shake out and inspect.
• Check for damage: Look for holes or larvae. Freeze item in a sealed bag for 48 hours if infestation is suspected.

Throws, Scarves & Apparel -
A Few Nuances

Throws & Home Textiles

• Clean only when needed—usually once or twice a season
• Dry clean only. Never machine wash, and avoid washing at home.
• Refresh between cleanings by airing out in a shaded, well-ventilated space
• Spot-treat small marks by blotting with a cloth lightly dampened with cold water. Do not rub, soak, or wring.
• If the piece becomes damp, press with a towel and lay flat to dry. Support the weight while lifting. Reshape and avoid sun or heat.
• Avoid ironing, as direct heat can flatten the fibers. Light steaming on the lowest setting if needed.

Apparel & Accessories

• Dry clean only. Machine washing will cause shrinkage and felting.
• Turn inside out when storing or transporting to minimize friction and reduce pilling.
• Air out between wears rather than washing.
• Spot-treat lightly with a damp cloth and press out moisture with a towel—do not wring.
• Lay flat to dry in a well-ventilated area, reshaping as needed.
• Steam or iron on low heat with a cloth barrier.