Cashmere Care Guide: How to Wash, Store & Maintain Your Sweaters
Cashmere is one of the most luxurious natural fibers in the world—soft, warm, lightweight, and incredibly comfortable. But with its beauty comes the need for proper care. When washed and stored correctly, cashmere can last for many years without losing its texture or shape.
This guide walks you through the safest and most effective methods for washing, drying, and storing your cashmere sweaters so they stay beautiful season after season.
1. Why Proper Cashmere Care Matters
Cashmere fibers are fine, delicate, and naturally insulating. They retain warmth far better than regular wool while remaining soft and lightweight.
But because of this delicate structure, cashmere can shrink, stretch, or lose softness if handled incorrectly.
Most damage happens not from wearing—but from improper washing and storing.
By learning the right care techniques, you can:
Extend the life of your sweaters
Maintain softness and shape
Avoid stretching, felting, and pilling
Keep your cashmere fresh, clean, and luxurious
Taking care of cashmere is simple once you know the correct steps. For a deeper look at why cashmere feels so soft and luxurious, you can check out our article explaining the unique properties behind this fiber.
2. How to Wash Cashmere (Hand-Wash Method)
Hand washing is the safest and most recommended method for cashmere care. f you’re new to cashmere, it may help to start with our beginner-friendly guide on how cashmere is made.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
Step 1 — Prepare Cool or Lukewarm Water
Use water around 20–30°C (68–86°F).
Avoid hot water—this can shrink the fibers.
Step 2 — Choose a Wool or Cashmere-Safe Detergent
Look for detergents labeled:
Wool wash
Cashmere wash
Delicate fiber wash
Avoid strong detergents or regular laundry soap.
Step 3 — Turn the Sweater Inside Out
This protects the outer surface from friction.
Step 4 — Gently Submerge and Soak
Place the sweater in the water and gently squeeze water through the fabric.
Let it soak for 5–10 minutes.
Do not scrub or twist.
Step 5 — Rinse in Cool Water
Drain the soapy water, refill the basin with clean cool water, and gently squeeze.
Repeat until water runs clear.
Cashmere Wash: Dos & Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Use cool water | Use hot water |
| Use wool-safe detergent | Rub or wring |
| Soak gently | Scrub stains aggressively |
| Rinse with fresh cool water | Use fabric softener |
| Press water out lightly | Hang to drip dry |
3. Can You Machine Wash Cashmere? (Sometimes.)
Machine washing can be safe—but only under very specific conditions.
✔ When machine washing is acceptable
Sweater is tightly knitted
Machine has a delicate / wool / hand-wash cycle
You use a cold wash
The item is placed inside a mesh laundry bag
You use a wool-safe detergent
✘ Avoid machine washing if:
The cashmere is loosely knitted
The garment is expensive or sentimental
You’re unsure of your machine’s gentleness
The sweater has embellishments or mixed fibers
Even under safe conditions, hand washing is still the gentlest and most recommended method.
4. How to Dry Cashmere Properly
Drying is the most important step—more sweaters get ruined during drying than washing.
Step 1 — Never Hang Dry
Hanging stretches wet fibers and destroys the shape.
Step 2 — Use the Towel Press Method
Lay the sweater flat on a clean towel
Roll the towel and sweater together
Press gently to remove excess moisture
Do not twist or wring
Step 3 — Reshape While Damp
Flatten the sweater on a fresh towel or mesh drying rack.
Shape the sleeves, neckline, and hems gently into their natural form.
Step 4 — Let It Air Dry Flat
Drying time: 6–24 hours depending on thickness.
Avoid heat sources like radiators or dryers.
Proper drying preserves the sweater’s original silhouette and prevents shrinking.
5. How to Store Cashmere (Daily & Seasonal Storage)
Cashmere is vulnerable to moisture, stretching, and moths.
Proper storage keeps it safe all year.
Daily Storage
Fold sweaters instead of hanging to avoid stretching
Store in cool, dry shelves or drawers
Keep away from direct sunlight
Use breathable cotton bags for protection
Seasonal Storage (Spring/Summer)
Before storing for months:
Make sure the sweater is clean (moths love body oils)
Use cedar blocks, lavender satchels, or cedar balls for natural moth prevention
Place cashmere in breathable garment bags—not plastic
Store in a cool, dark, low-humidity place
Avoid vacuum-sealed bags for long-term storage—they compress fibers too much. If you’re preparing for the cold season, our winter office outfit guide offers elegant ways to style cashmere for work.
6. Cashmere Care FAQ
Q: Does cashmere shrink?
Yes—if exposed to hot water, high heat, or excessive agitation. Using cool water and flat drying prevents shrinking.
Q: How often should I wash cashmere?
After 6–8 wears, unless visibly dirty. Overwashing shortens lifespan.
Q: Can I steam cashmere?
Yes. Steaming helps remove wrinkles and refresh fibers without damage.
Q: Can I iron cashmere?
Only on the lowest heat setting and always with a cloth barrier. Steaming is safer.
Conclusion — Cashmere Lasts for Years with the Right Care
Caring for cashmere doesn’t have to be difficult.
With gentle washing, proper drying, and thoughtful storage, your sweaters will stay soft, warm, and beautiful for many winters to come. These simple habits protect the natural quality of the fiber and ensure your favorite pieces remain luxurious season after season.