Uncover how to wash cashmere so gently it remains in flawless condition for years to come.
Just like linen clothing, cashmere sweaters are timeless investment pieces with enduring appeal. You'll want to take special care of them so you can elevate the elegant status of your outfits for this season and the next ten.
Washing cashmere is all about the small details. Each step of the process is important and can contribute to cashmere's durability. That's why we've answered all the essential questions, such as what the best detergent is, how to remove stains, and how to dry cashmere.
Read on for the step-by-step instructions on how to wash cashmere sweaters by hand and in the washing machine.
How to wash cashmere by hand
Washing by hand conjures up images of olive orchards, cottages and candles instead of electricity. For your most precious cashmere tops, cleaning the way our great-grandmothers did is the gentlest option. It shouldn't turn into a laborious task that takes over your whole day; instead, aim to accomplish it as swiftly as you can because cashmere isn't the biggest fan of water.
- Fill a tub with lukewarm water. It should be on the colder side but not icy.
- Pour a small amount of mild detergent into the water.
- Now, add your cashmere to the water. Very gently, start to pat the garment. Avoid rubbing the cashmere together, as it could harm the fabric.
- Leave the cashmere in the water for 10 minutes, swishing it around.
- Fill a new tub with clean water. Place the garment into the water and press it gently to rinse out the detergent. Repeat a few times to make sure there's no soapy residue.
- Never wring out cashmere by hand. Here's a gentle way to remove any excess water. Lay the wet cashmere flat on a towel. Then start softly rolling up the cashmere and towel, patting it dry.
- Unroll the cashmere and let it air dry flat on a dry towel.
- Only put away cashmere when it's spotless and completely dry.
Now that your cashmere is flawlessly clean, discover how to style it with our blog on what to wear with black linen pants.
How to wash cashmere in the washing machine
Cashmere doesn't mind being washed in the washing machine if you're gentle and keep it in the water for as little time as possible. A front loader or a top loader without a centre agitator is perfect.
- Make sure any stains have been removed before washing.
- Turn the cashmere garment inside out. Put it in a laundry bag.
- Choose the delicate, slow spin cycle on the washing machine and cold water wash. If you can set the length of the cycle, opt for the shortest one.
- Once the wash cycle has finished, gently take your cashmere out of the machine.
- Gently shape it into its original shape and lay it flat to dry on a towel.
DOs:
- Wash in cool water. 20C is the optimal temperature.
- Put your cashmere garments in a mesh laundry bag or clean pillowcase before putting them in the washing machine. It will help protect the surface of the cashmere from being scratched by the machine and other clothing.
DON'T's:
- Don't wash at a water temperature above 20C.
- Don't use fabric softener, it could ruin your cashmere jumpers forever.
- Don't wash cashmere pieces with heavy items such as denim or towels. It's best to wash cashmere with similar fabrics and colours.
How to gently remove stains from cashmere
You'll feel so effortlessly elegant combining cashmere sweaters with linen pants that you'll want to wear them all the time, from dinner to brunch. And as you're living your best life, feeling like your most sophisticated self, inevitably, stains will appear on the cashmere. Do not worry. Here are our steps for removing stains from cashmere.
- Act quickly. Identify the type of stain and adjust the treatment accordingly.
- Use a light-coloured cloth and dab it in a small amount of cashmere detergent.
- Gently dab the cloth on the cashmere stain. Be careful not to do any rubbing.
- Next, clean the cloth with cold water. Then, rinse out the stain with cold water.
- Repeat if the stain has still not been removed.
- Finally, run the stain under the tap with cold water. Never use hot water. It could harden the stain into the fabric even further.
- Before washing, always make sure the stain is completely removed.
How to dry cashmere
Don't undo all your wonderful washing work by drying your precious cashmere pieces incorrectly—the drying step is just as critical as the washing. Here are the essentials.
- Air drying is the only way to dry cashmere sweaters, so do not use dryers.
- Lay freshly washed cashmere on top of a clean white towel and make sure it's flat. Hanging your garment on a clothesline may not seem like a big deal, but it can completely alter the shape of your cashmere garment.
- Turn the garment over at least once to ensure it dries evenly.
- Refrain from wringing out any excess water from the cashmere, it could stretch the fabric. Instead, pat the cashmere dry between two towels.
- Do not let cashmere dry in direct sunlight or be exposed to heat, it could break the fabric's delicate fibres.
- Leave ample time for the cashmere to air dry naturally, it can take at least a few hours. Do not be tempted to add heat to the equation; all that wet cashmere needs is time.
FAQs
Is it ok to wash cashmere in the washing machine?
Cashmere has a reputation for being delicate, but it's not afraid of the washing machine. As long as you strictly follow some rules, cashmere can be put in the washing machine without too much hassle.
One essential rule to keep in mind is the water temperature. It shouldn't be above 20C (68F) if you would like to keep your cashmere in pristine condition and prevent shrinking. Choosing a delicate, short washing cycle and a slower spin cycle (400-600 rpm) will help give your pieces extra gentle care and promise that your cashmere will endure season after season.
What's the best detergent for cashmere?
It will make a difference what detergent you use to wash your cashmere sweaters. With such a delicate fabric, even the smallest details can affect the result. To extend the life of your cashmere styles, try to choose specially formulated wool or cashmere laundry detergents for washing as they contain the gentlest ingredients.
When you use ordinary soaps, they can be too harsh for cashmere. These do not easily rinse out with water, which can cause soapy residue to enmesh into the fibres, and that's not on anyone's wish list. With the number of choices on offer, it can be overwhelming to choose the right detergent. There's one ingredient that you should try to avoid, and that's sulphate. It's a toxic substance that can truly harm cashmere's fibres.
Is it better to hand wash or dry clean cashmere?
If you love your cashmere sweaters (who doesn't?), then it's best to wash them yourself rather than take them to the dry cleaners. Only call the professionals for emergencies where stains are stubborn and don't come off.
The harsh chemicals used in dry cleaning can damage cashmere's delicate fibres. It'll be difficult to restore its original softness and warmth. When you're washing cashmere at home, just make sure you use a gentle detergent. The ones designed especially for wool and cashmere are best.
How often should you wash cashmere sweaters?
When you invest in quality cashmere jumpers, they're much more resilient and can be washed without too much stress, even in the washing machine. As a general rule, try to wash cashmere after every seven wears. Before you store away your cashmere for the summer months, make sure to wash it one last time.
Because of how fine cashmere is, it may seem like a good idea to wash it as little as possible. While that may be true, you can also damage the fabric by not washing it enough. If left for too long, sweat, oils and bacteria can permanently embed themselves into the fabric.
Why does cashmere get fluffy?
The fluffy tiny balls on cashmere are called pilling. You'll see it on the surface of your cashmere pieces after washing them for the first time. It's not a reflection of the fabric's quality; it's something that happens when the fibres mix with friction. Many prestigious brands even account for this pilling by adding extra fabric.
As you wash the cashmere more, the pilling will naturally decrease. You can also always use a cashmere comb to brush out excess fabric. Washing your cashmere clothing inside out can help reduce the amount of pilling.
Conclusion: How to wash cashmere gently
The light warmth and softness of cashmere sweaters is unmatched. Yet, improper washing and drying techniques can quickly turn this sumptuous fabric into an unrecognisable shrunken mess. As long as you follow our tips on how to wash cashmere, that will never become a reality.
We can't speak about luxury fabrics without mentioning linen. Learn about why linen is so expensive in our blog.
Here are our top tips for how to wash cashmere:
- Wash in cold water: to take the gentlest care of your cashmere, wash it in 20C water. Colder is not better, and higher temperatures can cause shrinkage.
- Be extra careful when using the washing machine: you can wash cashmere in the washing machine if you take precautions. Make sure to put the cashmere in a laundry bag and choose a short spin cycle on the delicate setting.
- Air dry cashmere: always let your beloved cashmere pieces air dry naturally. Lay them flat on a dry towel.
- Store cashmere in a clean, dry spot: it's vital that cashmere pieces are folded, not hung, so they retain their original shape.
