I don't hand wash my cashmere-- I send it out (or actually, they pick it up). I use just a regular ol' locally owned/operated dry cleaner. They do the cleaning on site.

I wouldn't think you'd need a "specialty" cleaner but I don't really know what that means.

lol --- "smoked, torn, destroyed, blended and spray painted"

I think that is a general description for this designer. Mine is just ombre, and fairly subtle one at that (shades of dark brown) but who knows how it was done.

You cannot see it and the smell is very faint. I'd be tempted to not touch it ... but don't moths like "food" they find on clothes?

Must clean it. I would dry clean, grudgingly.

You could always store your sweater in an airtight bag to keep moths away. Just make sure that it is completely dry.

At some point you'll have to clean it anyway, airing and Febreze don't take care of everything. So, how much do you love it?

I have some beautiful, high quality cashmere sweaters. I put them (one at a time) in a mesh bag, wash in cold water in my MACHINE (front loader) on gentle with my regular unscented biowash detergent. I dry flat on a mesh rack and they come out beautifully. Much nicer than dry cleaning, softer and fluffier. It doesn't sound like anything in the process of creating yours would be harmed by water. I'd rather risk it than trust a dry cleaner these days. I don't think they are as specialized as they were in years past.

Ask around where people you know go and make sure they clean on site.

One of the blogs I read recommends Madame Paulette. They were able to remove stains from a silk Hermes scarf for her. Madamepaulette.com

Perhaps you could try calling the shop where you purchased the sweater. If this is a regular line that they carry perhaps they'll have had feedback from other customers who have had their pieces cleaned.

I have used specialty cleaners but only for leather. I usually send my cashmere or other fine woolens to my local dry cleaner - it's a family run business with in-house cleaning. They also have discontinued using perc and now use liquid carbon dioxide which is less toxic.

Liquid CO2? Is that a thing? (Carbon dioxide goes from solid to gas without stopping at liquid. ) Suspect you mean something else.

I don't know of any specialty dry cleaners.

Hope you can clean this!

Yes, to a specialty dry cleaners. Although I haven't heard of the term. I use a good dry cleaners in my town, but sent lesser quality items down to Queens with DH. There is a difference in quality.

I know people wash everything. I would not with this item.

So sorry that you didn't get a few uses before having to clean it.

Aside: this would drive me crazy. I would see if I could get another one....just in case.

artemis - DH said the same thing - the scientist in him just couldn't fathom liquid CO2. It's pressurized and used with other cleaning agents and recommended by the EPA.

http://www.greenapplecleaners.com/?co2

Thanks, everyone. I think I will look around and ask around for a specialty cleaner, since it seems some of you do feel it makes a difference. I haven't called the seller, since their site and the item say Dry Clean Only, I cannot imagine they would court the liability of advising differently.

Eld, I have looked online and it is no longer available for order. Then I went to the mfr website and looked for a retailer near me. There was a store that carried the line in NYC, but it was a boutique that closed a few months ago. I've not been able to find another one.

I have a vintage suede, fringed jacket that got some strange staining on it. I sent it to Oakwood Cleaners in Nashville. They send leather to a central location, and they did a fabulous job on it.

What a shame, Mtn. I have several cashmere sweaters and hand wash them in Woolite, but your sweater with its "spray painted" ombre treatment deserves special dry cleaning for sure.

I don't think my particular sweater is spray painted. It sure does not look or feel like it. It is also not torn!

I think the description was a generic one for this line ... and some of the items from this company are really out there. But of course they will all say "dryclean". It is sort of a CYA thing!

But, my sweater may be "blended" or "smoked" ....whatever that means. That is why I hesitate. Here is a photo of it.

Cashmere Turtleneck Ombre Sweater in Suede

I was thinking of sending your description to my DD, who knows textile. But, we really don't actually know where yours fits into the scheme of things.

That's a nice sweater. I would be nervous washing it.

I do exactly what oly does. I much prefer the feel of washed sweaters (cashmere, merino, whatever) compared to dry-cleaned.

Having read the reviews above, it seems "specialty" means quality to most. I think it's important to have a dry cleaner you trust-- and especially one that does the work in house. Mine also makes minor repairs (nc) to buttons, seams, etc. Where specialty does make sense to me is when talking about textiles with special needs.. leather, fur, etc.

I am surprised by how many do not use dry cleaners-- what do you do with your suits? wool pants?

I do have a cleaner for my coats, dresses, etc. I use a place in Chevy Chase, MD if any DC area folks want the best cleaner, I would be glad to share. They pick up and deliver at no extra charge which is nice because then I don't need to drive from Virginia unless I am having alterations done. I trust them with everything from leather to wedding dresses to whatever. Just don't need to pay them for my sweaters! :-)