How To Wash Cashmere?
QUICK ANSWER
Hand wash cashmere in cool water with a few drops of mild detergent (Woolite or wool wash). Soak 5 minutes, swish gently, rinse in cool water. Roll in a clean towel to absorb water. Lay flat to dry, reshaping while damp. Never machine wash on regular cycles.
Cashmere is a luxury fiber from cashmere goats with extremely soft, fine fibers. The same softness that makes it luxurious also makes it delicate. Hot water shrinks cashmere; aggressive agitation creates pilling; hanging stretches the garment permanently. The right approach uses cool water, gentle handling, and flat drying. Here is the method that preserves cashmere for years.
Can you wash cashmere at home?
Yes, hand washing is actually better for cashmere than dry cleaning. The chemicals used in dry cleaning can dry out the natural oils in cashmere fibers, making them feel coarser over time. Hand washing with cool water and wool wash preserves the natural softness. Many cashmere care labels say 'dry clean only' as a precaution but cashmere washes well with gentle hand techniques. Save dry cleaning for cashmere with structured tailoring, linings, or embellishments. For sweaters, scarves, and other simple cashmere items, hand washing at home is the right choice.
What is the hand wash method?
Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water (cool, not cold and not warm). Add a small amount of wool-specific detergent (Woolite, Eucalan, The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo). Stir to dissolve. Turn the cashmere garment inside out (protects the outer surface from agitation). Submerge fully. Soak for 5 minutes without agitating. Swish very gently with your hands; do not scrub, twist, or wring. Lift carefully, drain the soapy water. Fill the basin with fresh cool water for rinsing. Swish gently. Repeat rinse if soap remains. Press out water gently, never wring.
Can you machine wash cashmere?
Some cashmere tolerates very careful machine washing. Use the delicate or wool cycle with cool water and the spin cycle on low. Place the garment in a mesh laundry bag for protection. Use wool-specific detergent. Skip fabric softener. The risk is that any agitation can felt or shrink cashmere; even the delicate cycle is rougher than hand washing. For everyday cashmere sweaters, machine washing on the most delicate setting works. For expensive or sentimental cashmere, hand washing is safer. Some newer washing machines have a dedicated wool or cashmere setting that adjusts agitation appropriately.
How do you dry and store it?
Never wring or twist cashmere. After washing, lay the garment flat on a clean dry towel. Roll up loosely, pressing gently to absorb water. Unroll. Reshape the garment to its original dimensions on a fresh dry towel. Lay flat to air dry away from direct sunlight (fades color) and heat sources (shrinks fibers). Drying takes 1 to 2 days. Never hang wet or damp cashmere; the weight stretches it out of shape permanently. Store folded with cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths. Refold periodically to prevent permanent crease lines.
Cashmere hand-washes well in cool water with wool-specific detergent. Skip wringing entirely; press water out gently. Air dry flat on towels to preserve shape. Most cashmere tolerates careful machine washing on delicate cycle but hand washing is safer. Dry cleaning is unnecessary and can damage the natural fibers over time. With proper care, quality cashmere becomes softer with each wash and lasts for many years.
More General Cleaning & Chemistry Questions
Mystery Question?
Mystery Question?
Mystery Question?