How to Care for Cashmere
Cashmere is loved for its lightness, warmth, and refined softness. But the delicate fiber structure also makes it sensitive to temperature, friction, and harsh chemicals. To keep a cashmere piece (including knitted items) looking smooth, neat, and well-shaped for a long time, follow a few core care rules: gentle washing, minimal mechanical stress, and correct drying. Below is a clear guide to help you avoid shrinkage, distortion, and excessive pilling.
Can you wash cashmere in a washing machine?
The safest option for cashmere is hand washing. However, machine washing can be acceptable if the care label allows it and you truly have a gentle program. Follow these conditions:
- the care label states that washing is allowed;
- water temperature is no more than 20–30°C;
- use a “wool” or “delicate” cycle with no intense agitation;
- spin is off or set to the lowest speed;
- the item is placed in a laundry bag;
- use a wool/cashmere detergent with no bleach or harsh additives.
The key risk is the combination of heat and friction. With the wrong cycle, cashmere can shrink, lose softness, and develop pills faster on the surface.
How to hand-wash cashmere
Hand washing helps preserve cashmere’s natural softness and appearance, especially if the item is loosely or voluminously knitted.
- Fill a basin with 20–30°C water (it’s important to keep the same temperature for washing and rinsing).
- Dissolve a small amount of mild wool/cashmere detergent.
- Submerge the item and gently “press” it in the water — no rubbing, twisting, or stretching.
- Leave it for 5–10 minutes so dirt releases without mechanical action.
- Drain the water and rinse 1–2 times in water of the same temperature.
- Remove moisture by gently pressing the fabric (do not wring).
- Lay the item on a towel and roll it up so the towel absorbs excess water.
Do not rub or wring cashmere — it can deform the knit and increase pilling, especially in high-friction areas (elbows, sides, cuffs).
How to dry cashmere correctly
Do not dry cashmere on hangers or vertically: wet fabric stretches and can lose its shape. The best method is always flat (horizontal) drying.
- After towel-rolling, lay the item on a flat surface or on a drying rack lined with a dry towel.
- Shape it carefully: smooth edges and seams, and adjust the fit while the item is still damp.
- Dry away from radiators, heaters, and direct sunlight.
- Do not use a tumble dryer — cashmere dislikes hot air and active tumbling.
- If needed, replace the towel underneath with a dry one after 1–2 hours to speed up drying.
Flat drying preserves the silhouette, the structure of the knit, and the soft texture — exactly what cashmere is valued for.
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How to restore softness to a cashmere item
If cashmere has become less soft or feels a bit “dry” to the touch, it’s most often due to the wrong detergent, water that’s too warm, or over-drying. In most cases, you can bring softness back with gentle care:
- Hand-wash the item in 20–30°C water using a liquid wool/cashmere detergent.
- If needed, add a small amount of wool conditioner (or just a few drops of hair conditioner) and dissolve it well in the water.
- Rinse thoroughly in water of the same temperature and remove excess moisture with a towel, without wringing.
- Dry flat, shaping the item as it dries.
- Once dry, gently “shake” and smooth the fabric with your hands; knitted items can be lightly “fluffed” by patting the surface with your palms.
This is usually enough to restore noticeable softness and a more even texture.
What to do if cashmere has shrunk or become misshapen
Shrinkage and distortion happen due to high temperature, temperature changes during rinsing, active spinning, and heavy friction. With mild shrinkage, you can try careful reshaping:
- Soak the item for 10 minutes in 20–30°C water with a mild wool detergent or a small amount of wool conditioner.
- Gently press out water (do not twist) and lay it on a towel.
- Carefully stretch and reshape to its original form (a little in width and length), especially along edges and seams, without forcing the knit.
- Leave it to dry flat, checking and adjusting the shape occasionally while it’s still damp.
Severe shrinkage can’t always be fully reversed — cashmere is sensitive to heat and mechanical stress. That’s why prevention is best: gentle temperature, minimal friction, and careful drying.
How to remove pills from cashmere
Pills (pilling) most often appear in friction areas: underarms, sides, cuffs, elbows, and where a bag strap rubs. This is a normal feature of natural fibers, and it can be managed gently.
- Use a cashmere comb or a soft wool brush, working with light strokes in one direction.
- If there are many pills, use a fabric shaver with a delicate setting and minimal pressure.
- Do not pull pills off by hand — it can snag a thread and damage the surface.
Regular, gentle de-pilling helps keep the item looking “clean” and makes the texture more even.
How to store cashmere
Proper storage matters as much as washing: cashmere can lose shape without support and may be damaged by moths.
- Store cashmere folded, not on hangers (especially knitted items).
- Use breathable garment bags or cotton storage bags, and avoid tight plastic for long-term storage.
- Keep items in a dry, well-ventilated wardrobe, and don’t store them next to damp textiles.
- Add moth protection: cedar, lavender, or special sachets.
- Before seasonal storage, make sure the item is clean: traces of sweat and perfume attract moths more.
Quick cashmere care FAQ
Can you iron cashmere?
Usually, you don’t need to. If you do, use light steam from a distance (without touching the fabric) or press through a thin cotton cloth on low heat with minimal pressure. Direct contact with a hot soleplate can flatten the fibers and make the fabric look less plush.
Can you use regular laundry powder?
Preferably not. Powder and harsh detergents can dry out the fibers and increase pilling. Choose liquid wool/cashmere detergents with no bleach and no strong enzymes.
Does cashmere shrink after washing?
Cashmere can shrink due to high temperatures, temperature changes during rinsing, and strong mechanical action. With stable 20–30°C, a gentle cycle, and flat drying, shrinkage usually doesn’t happen.
How often should you wash cashmere?
Rarely. Often, airing and spot cleaning are enough. Do a full wash only when necessary — it helps prolong the lifespan and preserve.
