How to Care for Cashmere | Keep It Soft For Years

Cashmere feels luxurious because its fibers are fine and delicate, and that delicacy is exactly why a wrong wash can ruin a sweater in one cycle. Hot water, vigorous scrubbing, and the dryer are the usual culprits. The good news is that proper care is simple once you know the routine, and it takes only a few minutes of hands-on time. The steps below follow the guidance trusted by fabric-care experts at Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping, and The White Company, and they apply to sweaters, scarves, cardigans, turtlenecks, and blankets alike.

How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?

Cashmere does not need washing after every wear. In fact, washing it less often is one of the best ways to extend its life. Most garments need a wash only after several wears, or when they pick up a visible stain or a noticeable odor.

Between washes, let the garment air out for a day or two after wearing. This simple habit keeps it fresh and reduces how often the fibers go through the stress of cleaning.

The Hand-Washing Routine That Protects The Fibers

Hand washing is the safest method for cashmere, and it is the method experts recommend first. The entire process takes about 15 minutes of active attention plus drying time.

1. Fill a basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water — no hotter than 30°C (about 85°F). Add roughly a tablespoon of a specialist wool or cashmere detergent. A low-pH soap like baby shampoo also works in a pinch.
2. Submerge the garment and let it soak for no more than 10 minutes. Gently agitate the water with your hands; do not rub, stretch, or wring the fabric.
3. Pre-treat any stains before the soak by dabbing a cashmere-safe detergent directly onto the spot. Avoid scrubbing, which can felt the fibers.
4. Drain the basin and rinse the garment in fresh cool water until the water runs clear and no soap remains.
5. Press out the water gently with your hands. Never twist or wring. Lay the sweater on a clean, dry towel, roll it up, and press to absorb the excess moisture.
6. Dry flat on a fresh towel or a drying rack. Reshape the garment while it is still damp, then let it air-dry completely away from radiators, direct sunlight, and tumble dryers.

You can use your favorite cashmere detergent for both hand and machine washing. If you are weighing which product to buy, our roundup of the best detergents for cashmere care compares the top-rated options side by side.

Can You Machine Wash Cashmere?

Machine washing is only safe when the garment’s care label explicitly says it is machine-washable. Many cashmere items are hand-wash only, so check the label before you take any other step.

If the label approves, use the gentlest possible settings to mimic a hand wash:

• Cold water or 30°C on the delicate or wool cycle.
• A mesh laundry bag to protect the garment from friction.
• The lowest spin speed available to avoid stretching.
• A non-biological detergent formulated for wool and silk. Biological detergents contain enzymes that can break down the protein fibers in cashmere.

Never use fabric softener or conditioner on cashmere. These products coat the fibers with a residue that dulls the softness; the garment naturally softens over time with proper care. After the cycle finishes, follow the same flat-dry routine you would after hand washing.

How To Handle Pilling And Storage

Pilling — those small fuzz balls that appear on the surface — is normal for cashmere, not a sign of damage. Remove them gently with a cashmere comb or a pilling device, brushing in one direction to avoid pulling the fibers.

Storing cashmere correctly is just as important as washing it. Fold the garment rather than hanging it; a hanger will stretch and distort the shoulders over time. Place it in acid-free tissue paper or a breathable fabric bag, and keep it in a cool, dry, dark spot. Add dried lavender or cedar chips to the storage area to deter moths, but keep them off the garment itself. Avoid plastic storage bags, which trap moisture and can lead to mildew.