How to Wash Cashmere: A Simple Guide That Actually Works

If you’ve ever pulled a favorite cashmere sweater out of the wash only to find it shrunken, stretched, or scratchy, you’re not alone. Knowing how to wash cashmere properly is the difference between a sweater that lasts for decades and one that ends up in the donation pile after a single season. The good news is that washing cashmere at home is easier than most people think, as long as you follow a few simple rules.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from gathering supplies to drying your sweater without damaging its shape.

Why Cashmere Needs Special Care

Cashmere comes from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats, and its fibers are much finer and more delicate than sheep’s wool. That softness is exactly what makes cashmere so luxurious to wear, but it also means the fibers can be easily damaged by heat, agitation, and harsh detergents.

Hot water and rough handling can cause the fibers to felt, which is the process that leads to shrinking and that dense, matted texture nobody wants. Understanding this is the first step toward washing cashmere the right way.

What You’ll Need to Wash Cashmere

• A mild detergent made for wool or cashmere (avoid regular laundry detergent)
• A clean sink or basin
• Cool or lukewarm water
• A soft towel
• A flat, dry surface for drying

You don’t need anything fancy here. Many people already have a wool-safe wash sitting in their laundry cupboard, and if not, most grocery stores and pharmacies carry an affordable option.

How to Wash Cashmere by Hand

Hand washing is the safest and most reliable method for cleaning cashmere. It gives you full control over water temperature and handling, which reduces the risk of shrinkage or stretching.

1. Fill a basin with cool water. Lukewarm is fine, but avoid anything hot.
2. Add a small amount of wool-safe detergent. A little goes a long way, so follow the label instructions rather than guessing.
3. Turn the sweater inside out. This protects the outer surface from friction.
4. Submerge the garment and gently press the water through it. Do not rub, wring, or twist the fabric.
5. Let it soak for about 10 to 15 minutes. This gives the detergent time to lift dirt and oils without you having to scrub.
6. Drain the soapy water and refill with clean, cool water. Gently press the sweater to rinse out the detergent.
7. Repeat rinsing until the water runs clear. Any leftover soap can leave the fibers feeling stiff.

Throughout this process, the key is gentle pressure rather than scrubbing. Cashmere fibers are strong when treated kindly, but rough handling while wet is what causes long-term damage.

Drying Cashmere Properly

How you dry cashmere matters just as much as how you wash it. Never wring or twist the sweater to remove water, since this stretches the fibers out of shape.

• Lay the sweater flat on a clean towel.
• Roll the towel up with the sweater inside to absorb excess moisture.
• Unroll and reshape the sweater on a fresh, dry towel or a flat drying rack.
• Gently pat it back into its original shape, smoothing the sleeves and hem.
• Let it air dry completely, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators.

Never put cashmere in the dryer. The heat and tumbling motion are almost guaranteed to cause shrinkage, and it can take just one cycle to ruin a sweater.

Can You Wash Cashmere in a Washing Machine?

Many cashmere garments can technically be machine washed, but only under the right conditions. Check the care label first, since not all cashmere is created equal and some blends are more delicate than others.

If the label allows machine washing, follow these guidelines:

• Turn the sweater inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag.
• Use the wool or delicate cycle, which has slower spin speeds and gentler agitation.
• Wash with cold water only.
• Use a wool-specific detergent, not regular laundry soap.
• Remove the sweater promptly once the cycle ends and lay it flat to dry.

When in doubt, hand washing is always the safer choice. It takes a little more time, but it gives you much more control over the outcome.

Common Cashmere Washing Mistakes to Avoid

Even careful people can accidentally damage cashmere by making a few common mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Using hot water: Heat causes the fibers to shrink and felt.
• Wringing or twisting the fabric: This stretches and distorts the shape permanently.
• Hanging cashmere to dry: Wet cashmere is heavy and will stretch out of shape if hung on a hanger.
• Using regular detergent: Standard detergents can strip natural oils from the fibers, leaving them rough and dull.
• Ignoring the care label: Some cashmere blends have different care requirements, so always check first.

How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?

Cashmere doesn’t need to be washed after every wear. In fact, washing it too frequently can wear down the fibers faster than necessary.

A good rule of thumb is to wash cashmere every three to five wears, or whenever it looks visibly soiled or starts to smell. Between washes, simply air out the sweater by hanging it somewhere with good ventilation. This refreshes the fabric without exposing it to unnecessary water or handling.

For small spills or stains, spot cleaning with a damp cloth and a tiny bit of detergent is often enough, without needing to wash the entire garment.

Storing Cashmere Between Washes

Proper storage helps cashmere last just as much as proper washing does. Always fold cashmere sweaters rather than hanging them, since hangers can stretch the shoulders and create odd bumps in the fabric.

Store folded sweaters in a drawer or on a shelf, ideally with a cedar block or sachet nearby to help deter moths, which are especially attracted to natural fibers like wool and cashmere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cashmere shrink if washed correctly?

Cashmere is unlikely to shrink if you use cool water, avoid agitation, and dry it flat rather than using a dryer. Shrinkage almost always comes from heat, either from hot water or a heated dryer cycle.

Is it better to hand wash or dry clean cashmere?

Both methods work well when done correctly. Hand washing at home is generally gentler and more cost-effective, while dry cleaning can be a good option for heavily soiled garments or those without clear care instructions.

Why does my cashmere sweater feel scratchy after washing?

A scratchy texture usually means leftover detergent residue or exposure to water that was too hot. Rinsing thoroughly with cool water and using a wool-safe detergent should keep the fibers feeling soft.