You do not need a hefty dry cleaning bill to keep your knits fresh. You can wash cashmere at home safely. We will show you the exact steps to clean, dry, and store your favorite garments so they last a lifetime.
Key Takeaways
- Hand washing is best: Use lukewarm water (85°F) and a wool-specific detergent for the safest results.
- Machine wash with caution: Only use a delicate cycle, cold water, and a protective mesh bag.
- Never wring or hang: Squeeze water out gently with a towel and always lay the garment flat to dry.
- Storage matters: Fold items to prevent stretching and use cedar to protect against moths.
How to Hand Wash Cashmere
Hand washing is the gold standard for cashmere care. It offers the most control and minimizes agitation.
What You Need
- Shallow wash basin or clean sink
- Gentle laundry soap (wool-specific or baby shampoo)
- Large, clean white towel
- Mesh drying rack
Instructions
1. Prepare the Basin
Fill your basin with lukewarm water. Aim for around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Add a small squirt of hand wash detergent. One teaspoon per gallon is usually enough. Swirl the water with your hand to mix the soap.
Temperature Check
2. Submerge and Swirl
Wash your lightest colors first. Place the garment into the water and gently push it down until it is fully submerged. Move the item in slow, circular motions.
Do not rub, scrub, or stretch the fabric. Agitation causes felting and ruins the texture. Let the item soak for 10 to 15 minutes. If the item is heavily soiled, you can soak it a bit longer.
3. Rinse Thoroughly
Drain the soapy water. Refill the basin with cool, clean water. Gently squeeze the soapy water out of the sweater and submerge it in the fresh water. Repeat this process until the water runs clear and no suds remain. Never run the faucet directly onto the cashmere, as the water pressure can stretch the fibers.
4. Remove Excess Water
Drain the sink. Gather the sweater into a ball and press it against the side of the basin to push out water. Never wring or twist the fabric. Wringing breaks the fibers and distorts the shape permanently.
5. The Towel Roll Method
Lay a dry white towel on a flat surface. Place the damp sweater on the towel and smooth it out. Roll the towel up like a burrito with the sweater inside.
Press down on the roll gently. The towel will absorb the moisture from the sweater. Unroll it and check the dampness. If it is still soaking wet, repeat the process with a second dry towel.
6. Air Dry Flat
Transfer the garment to a mesh drying rack. Reshape it gently to its original dimensions. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators, as these can make the fibers brittle.
How to Machine Wash Cashmere
You can use a washing machine if you are short on time. However, this method carries more risk. You must use the correct settings to avoid disaster.
What You Need
- Washing machine with a delicate/wool cycle
- Wool and cashmere detergent
- Mesh laundry bag (mandatory)
- Drying rack
Instructions
1. Protect the Garment
Turn your cashmere item inside out. Place it inside a mesh washing bag to prevent friction against the machine drum. Do not skip this step.
2. Select the Cycle
Set your machine to the “Delicate,” “Hand Wash,” or “Wool” cycle. Ensure the temperature is set to cold (usually 30°C or 80°F max) and the spin cycle is on the lowest possible setting.
3. Add Detergent
Pour the appropriate amount of wool-specific detergent into the dispenser. Avoid standard detergents containing enzymes, as these can degrade wool proteins over time.
4. Dry Immediately
Remove the bag as soon as the cycle finishes. Do not let wet cashmere sit in the drum. Follow the towel-roll method mentioned above to remove excess moisture, then lay flat to dry.
How to Treat Stains on Cashmere
Accidents happen. Whether it is red wine or coffee, prompt action is key.
What You Need
- Gentle detergent or baby shampoo
- Clean white cloth
- Cold water
- Mild dish soap
Instructions
- Makeup or grease: Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth. Dab a small amount of baby shampoo directly on the spot. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with cold water.
- Chocolate: Mix a drop of gentle detergent with water on a cloth. Lightly dab the chocolate stain. Avoid scrubbing aggressively. Rinse with cool water.
- Red wine, coffee, or tea: Mix cold water with a drop of dish soap. Dish soap cuts through tannins and oils. Gently sponge the stain with the mixture. Rinse thoroughly and dry flat.
Tips to Make Cashmere Clothes Last
Cashmere is an investment. Proper maintenance keeps it soft and fluffy for years.
- Never hang your knits: Gravity pulls on the heavy fibers. This causes the shoulders to stretch and the garment to grow longer. Always fold cashmere and stack it in a drawer.
- Fight the fuzz: Pilling is normal for natural fibers. It occurs where friction happens, like under the arms. Use a cashmere comb or a Gleener to gently shave off the fuzz balls. Do this before washing.
- Long-term storage: Clean garments before storing them for the season. Moths are attracted to body oils and food residue. Place the folded items in a breathable cotton storage bag. Add cedar balls or lavender sachets to repel bugs naturally.
- Wash sparingly: You do not need to wash cashmere after every wear. Aim for a wash after every three to four wears. In between, air out the garment or use a fabric freshening spray.
- Rotate your wardrobe: Give the fibers time to recover. If you wear the same sweater two days in a row, it may begin to lose its shape. Let it rest for 24 hours between wears.
- Skip the dry cleaner: Dry cleaning uses harsh chemicals that strip natural oils from the wool. Hand washing actually keeps the fibers hydrated and softer over time. Only dry clean structured items like coats or blazers.
- Beware of accessories: Metal jewelry, rough bag straps, and velcro can snag delicate knits. Be mindful of what you pair with your sweater.
- Avoid fabric softener: Fabric softener coats the fibers and creates a gummy residue. Cashmere softens naturally with water.
FAQs
You are almost a cashmere expert. Here are answers to a few common questions to ensure your laundry day goes smoothly.
Can You Wash Cashmere That Says Dry Clean Only?
Yes, usually. Manufacturers often put “Dry Clean Only” on labels to avoid liability. Woven cashmere items (like trousers or blazers) should go to the pros. However, standard knitted sweaters and scarves wash beautifully by hand at home.
How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?
Wash it after every three to four wears. If you only wear it for a few hours at a time, you can stretch this longer. Always wash it before storing it away for the summer to prevent moth damage.
Can You Use Regular Detergent For Cashmere?
No. Standard enzymes in regular detergent specifically target proteins to remove stains. Since wool is a protein fiber, these detergents essentially “eat” your sweater, creating holes over time. Always use a pH-neutral wool and cashmere detergent.
Will Cashmere Shrink During Washing?
It will shrink if you use hot water or agitation. Heat shocks the fibers, causing them to lock together (felting). Always use cool to lukewarm water (around 85°F) to keep the size stable.
Does Cashmere Stretch Out During Washing?
It can stretch if handled poorly. Wet cashmere is heavy and fragile. If you lift it up by the shoulders while wet, gravity will stretch it out. Always support the weight of the garment from underneath when moving it, and dry it flat rather than hanging it.
Does Cashmere Get Softer Over Time?
Yes. High-quality cashmere often blooms and becomes fluffier after washing. If your sweater feels scratchy, it may be a lower-grade blend rather than 100% cashmere.
Why Does My Cashmere Smell Like Wet Dog?
This is normal. Cashmere is goat hair, and wet animal fibers release natural odors. The smell dissipates completely once the garment is dry. Do not panic and re-wash it immediately; just let it air dry.
Care for Your Cashmere
Keeping cashmere pristine requires a little effort, but the payoff is worth it. You get to enjoy that cloud-like softness year after year.
Remember the golden rules: cool water, gentle soap, and flat drying. Treat your sweaters well, and they will keep you cozy for the long haul.
