How to care for cashmere
Cashmere repays careful handling. The fiber is fine, soft, and durable when treated correctly — but heat, harsh detergents, and hanging all damage it. Follow a few consistent habits and a good cashmere piece will last decades.
Hand washing cashmere
Hand washing is the safest method for cashmere. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water — not hot, not cold. Add a small amount of baby shampoo or a dedicated cashmere wash. These mild, protein-safe cleaners clean the fiber without stripping its natural softness. Submerge the garment and gently squeeze the water through it. Do not wring, scrub, or rub sections together. Soak for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse in water of the same temperature. Repeat rinsing until the water runs clear.
Can you machine wash cashmere
Some cashmere can be machine washed, but it requires care. Use the wool or delicate cycle on cold, a slow spin, and a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction. Use a wool-safe or enzyme-free detergent. That said, many cashmere brands still recommend hand washing or dry cleaning, and some cashmere knits — particularly loosely knit or highly textured pieces — are better handled by hand. Check the care label before putting cashmere in a machine for the first time.
Drying cashmere
Never hang cashmere to dry. The weight of wet cashmere will stretch the garment irreversibly, distorting the body and shoulder shape. Always lay cashmere flat on a clean dry towel. Reshape the garment gently while it is still damp — ease it back to its original dimensions. Dry away from direct sunlight and away from radiators or heating vents, which can cause the fibers to mat or felt.
Storing cashmere
Fold cashmere — never hang it. Hangers create stress points at the shoulders and cause cashmere to stretch and distort over weeks. Store folded cashmere in a drawer or on a shelf. Use cedar blocks or cedar balls to deter moths, which are attracted to natural protein fibers. Avoid mothballs: they contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, both of which are toxic. Store cashmere in a breathable cotton bag or pillowcase rather than a sealed plastic bag — plastic traps moisture and can encourage mildew.
Dealing with pilling
Pilling is normal for cashmere and is not a sign of low quality — though higher-grade cashmere with longer fibers tends to pill less over time. Pilling happens where the fabric experiences friction: under the arms, at the sides, and wherever a bag or seatbelt rubs. Remove pills with a fabric shaver or cashmere comb. Work gently in one direction across the surface. Do not pull pills off by hand, which can pull and damage the knit structure.
How often to wash cashmere
Cashmere does not need frequent washing. Air it between wears by laying it flat or draping it over a chair away from direct sunlight. Cashmere fibers have some natural odor-resistance, and airing is often enough after a single wear. A general rule is to wash every 3 to 5 wears, or when the garment is visibly soiled or has absorbed odors that airing does not clear. Overwashing accelerates wear and shortens the garment's life.
Frequently asked questions
Can you machine wash cashmere?
Some cashmere can be machine washed on a wool or delicate cycle using cold water, a mesh laundry bag, and a wool-safe detergent. Check the care label first — some cashmere knits and brands still recommend hand washing only. When in doubt, hand wash.
How do you get rid of cashmere pilling?
Use a fabric shaver or a cashmere comb. Work gently across the surface in one direction. Pilling is normal and is not a defect — it happens from friction in areas like underarms and sides. Remove pills regularly to keep the garment looking its best.
How should you store cashmere?
Fold and store in a drawer or on a shelf. Never hang cashmere — it will stretch under its own weight. Use cedar blocks to deter moths and store in a breathable cotton bag rather than sealed plastic, which traps moisture.
How often should cashmere be washed?
Every 3 to 5 wears is a reasonable guide. Air cashmere between wears and wash only when needed. Frequent washing shortens the lifespan of cashmere; airing often clears light odors without a full wash.
Can you put cashmere in the dryer?
No. Heat and tumbling will felt cashmere rapidly. Always lay cashmere flat on a dry towel to air dry, reshaping it while damp. Even a low-heat tumble dry cycle carries significant risk of irreversible shrinkage.
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