Since the start of the Allude Cashmere Clinic, a service and care concept that is unique at least in Germany, Dilek Can has been the "Head Nurse" at Christophstrasse 6 in Munich's Lehel. After a good year, we wanted to know from her for the Allude online magazine what experiences she had had in everyday clinical practice and, of course, get insider tips from her for cashmere care at home. By the way: The Cashmere Clinic not only treats cashmere items from Allude, you can find out more about this and all the services offered here . But now to the interview with Dilek Can:
How many cashmere pieces have already been successfully treated?
Since opening, we have accepted and successfully treated over 2,200 patients in the clinic alone. In addition, over 2000 other problem children reached us via online order . Not only from all over Germany, but from many European countries.
What was the hardest case so far?
The biggest challenge was a badly matted sweater that we had to save. It was a thick-knit sweater from Chanel, which was unfortunately spun too hard and then came out of the drum as hard as a board and two sizes smaller. This happens quickly, especially with heavy sweaters, because they are often still dripping wet after washing and you are tempted to spin them again. However, this is fatal! Here it is advisable to wash a towel instead to compensate for the imbalance in the washing machine.
How did the "recovery" come about?
In the case of tangles caused by improper care, there is often no turning back as the scales on the surface of the wool fiber are thoroughly interlocked. In some cases, however, it helps to wash the affected patient with the Allude Conditioner - at best several times - which has the same effect on the fiber as a hair treatment.
The absolute insider tip: Then depill the dried part very thoroughly and carefully with a high-quality cashmere comb ! With a bit of luck and a lot of patience, you can remove the matted top layer and give the yarn back its elasticity. In the case described, the favorite item was almost like new again after steaming (wool loves steam!). We were a bit proud of that!
What are the most common ailments?
Of course, our customers most often come to us with moth holes of all sizes. It also turns out that squirrels, dogs, cats, carpet beetles and rose thorns are among cashmere's natural enemies. Holes caused by rubbing on trouser buttons, belt buckles, zippers and jewelry also happen every day. We reinforced worn-out elbows stitch by stitch in the early stages, later and in the long term only leather patches help, which we are happy to attach on request.
Do men come too?
In fact, men ask for our help even more often than women. It is not uncommon for us to hear: "I know the Allude Cashmere Clinic through a recommendation from my husband."
The most touching reaction to a successful treatment?
We get kind words and expressions of enthusiasm almost every day. "They are great!", "True artists!" or "Incredible, you can't see anything!" Some customers thank us for saving their treasures with pralines and chocolate. A gentleman was so happy about the repair and care of his favorite sweater that he showed up at the Cashmere Clinic the next day with a huge bouquet of flowers. That touched me very much.
What should you absolutely not do with your cashmere treasures?
Never hang them up, as this will cause them to lose their shape! Other sources of danger are open wardrobes, a damp closet climate and carelessly leaving worn items lying around. All of this attracts moths, cashmere's worst enemy. Now that it's summer, it's best to put the washed clothes in protective covers (also available from Allude), put a lavender bag inside and move the whole thing every now and then.
You are also doing your loved ones a disservice: spinning too hard, washing too hot and using the wrong detergent. When washing in the machine, we recommend a maximum of 30 degrees and 600 revolutions per minute and a high-quality cashmere detergent . Anyone who doesn't dare to care for their cashmere items themselves is welcome to bring them to us, because with us they are in good, experienced hands. We look forward to you!
All information about the Allude Cashmere Clinic including a price overview and of course more about our fantastic cashmere care series can be found right here on our website .
