How to wash cashmere
Cashmere is a fine protein fiber. It can be washed at home — it does not require dry cleaning. The key is cold water, a gentle detergent, and avoiding agitation and heat, which cause the fibers to felt and shrink.
Can you wash cashmere at home?
Yes. Cashmere can be hand washed at home. Use cold water and a small amount of gentle detergent — wool wash, baby shampoo, or a delicate detergent. Do not use regular laundry detergent; the enzymes and surfactants are too harsh for protein fibers.
How do you hand wash a cashmere sweater?
Fill a basin or sink with cold water. Add a small amount of gentle detergent and mix until dissolved. Submerge the sweater and gently squeeze water through the fabric — do not rub, wring, or twist. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water until no detergent remains. Press out excess water gently, then lay flat to dry on a clean towel. Reshape while damp.
Can you machine wash cashmere?
Some cashmere can be machine washed on a delicate or wool cycle with cold water and a low spin speed. Check the care label first. If machine washing, place the item in a mesh laundry bag, use a wool-safe detergent, and use the coldest water setting available. Never use a regular wash cycle — the agitation will cause felting.
Can you steam cashmere?
Yes. Steaming is gentler than ironing and works well for cashmere. Hold the steamer a few inches from the fabric and work in short passes. Do not press the steamer directly onto the fabric. Steaming also helps remove light odors between washes.
How do you dry cashmere?
Never put cashmere in the dryer. Heat and tumbling cause cashmere to shrink and felt irreversibly. After washing, gently press out water — do not wring — then lay the garment flat on a dry towel and roll the towel to absorb moisture. Unroll and reshape the garment on a fresh dry towel. Dry away from direct heat and sunlight.
How do you store cashmere?
Store cashmere folded, not hung. Hanging stretches the fiber over time. Clean the item before storing — food residues and skin oils attract moths. Store in a breathable bag or container (not plastic) with cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths. For long-term storage, a sealed container with a cedar insert is the safest option.
How often should you wash cashmere?
Cashmere does not need frequent washing. Airing the garment between wears is usually sufficient to remove light odors. Wash when visibly soiled or after extended wear. Over-washing shortens the life of the fiber. Most cashmere sweaters can be worn multiple times between washes with proper airing.
How do you remove pilling from cashmere?
Use a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver on a low setting. Work gently in one direction across the surface. Some pilling is normal on fine cashmere, particularly in areas of friction — underarms, cuffs, sides. Regular light de-pilling keeps the garment looking fresh.
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