The Complete Guide to Washing Cashmere: How To Wash Cashmere

Cashmere is one of the most luxurious fabrics you can own.

Washing cashmere, however, does involve some delicate steps to ensure your clothes or your sleeping bag last as long as possible.

Read on for everything you need to know about how to wash cashmere so that you can keep it looking its best.

Washing, Drying and Storing

Option 1 - Hand wash (Best option)

Step 1: Soak

Soak in cold or lukewarm water with a few squirts of baby shampoo for up to 5 minutes.

Do NOT use hot water or strong detergents. Hot water can cause shrinkage and damage your garments.

You can use a wool-specific detergent if you wish. One of our favourite cashmere detergents is The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo.

However, as mentioned, using your readily-available baby shampoo is perfectly fine. The point is to use a gentle detergent that will not ruin the delicate fibres of cashmere. 

Apply some baby shampoo directly to problem areas if necessary.

You’ll want to avoid using a fabric softener because it will coat the fabric, making it heavy and reducing its lifespan.

Step 2: Wash gently

Swirl around or gently massage your garment in the same soapy water for 1-2 mins, taking care not to rub, stretch, or pull the material.

Step 3: Remove suds

Rinse with lukewarm or cold water. Press gently to remove excess water.

Make sure not to wring or stretch your cashmere garment as this is likely to damage it over time.

Step 4: Dry

Roll between towels to further remove excess water.

Then, lay flat to dry on a mesh drying rack or towel. 

Do not hang your cashmere as it will cause it to stretch over time.

It is never a good idea to put your cashmere garment in a dryer as the heat and excessive tumbling will very likely damage it.

Step 5: Fold

Fold and keep away safely for storage. Do not hang it up. If storing away for a long time, keep it in a container or in a breathable bag to protect it from moths.

Option 2: Machine wash

Hand washing your cashmere garments is the recommended and safest way to wash your cashmere.

Having said that, it is understandably much easier just to pop it into your washing machine and let it do the hard work for you.

If you choose to machine wash your garment, Keep these points in mind:

• Put your garments in a mesh bag.
• Use a delicate or wool cycle.
• Use cold or lukewarm water. Do NOT use hot water.
• Wash with a few squirts of baby shampoo or your preferred wool detergent. Do NOT use strong detergents.
• You can apply baby shampoo directly to problem areas if necessary.
  
  

Option 3: Dry-cleaning

Dry cleaning is a popular option for those who want to keep their cashmere wash-free.

However, dry-cleaning your cashmere garment can be very risky. Lots of dry cleaners use harsh chemicals in their cleaning process, which will ultimately damage your garment.

It’s critical to use a reputable dry cleaner who will adequately clean your garments without using harsh chemicals.

Pilling

We can't talk about cashmere care without mentioning pilling.

Pilling occurs when shorter fibres work out of the cashmere yarn due to friction (like tossing and turning).

They look like little balls or pills of cashmere fibre and is a natural part of the life of a cashmere garment. 

The solution?

Use a cashmere comb to come in one direction and shake out. Simple as that.

Conclusion

Washing cashmere is not as simple as throwing it in the washing machine with your favourite detergent. Some extra love and care will ensure that you don’t end up with a stretched out, fraying garment.

Cashmere gets softer with use and proper care. Make sure to follow the instructions laid out in this article, and your garment will serve you for years to come.

---