Did You Know You Can Wash Cashmere?

May 16, 2025

Uchral Amar

Director of Design Development Department

Uchral Amar

Director of Design Development Department

With over a decade at GOBI Cashmere, Uchral has devoted her career to designing exquisite knitwear. Beginning as a textile designer, she went on to lead the design division and now directs design development. Her extensive expertise in fashion design, coupled with years of hands-on experience, enables her to craft timeless, high-quality cashmere pieces that seamlessly fuse tradition with modern innovation. She offers expert insights into cashmere fashion, design trends, the creative journey behind each garment, as well as how to wear, care for, and fully appreciate cashmere.

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The Basics of Washing Cashmere

When washing cashmere, remember two golden rules:

Avoid hot water: it can cause shrinkage and felting and also damage the delicate cashmere fibers.
Always lay garments flat to dry: hanging can cause stretching and misshapenness of the cashmere garment.

By following these steps, you can wash cashmere safely. Let’s explore both machine and hand-washing methods, including the ideal cashmere wash temperature.

Hand-Washing Cashmere

Hand-washing cashmere is always preferred. Here’s a detailed guide:

Prepare the Basin: Use lukewarm water (around 20°C) with special wool detergent or mild hair shampoo
Gently Submerge: Place the item in the basin and let it soak without excessive agitation.
Wash Gently: Knead the cashmere garment to loosen dirt
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse with clean, cool water to remove all detergent.
Squeeze Gently: Avoid wringing. Instead, press out excess water to avoid stretching.

Whether washing cashmere sweaters or scarves, these hand-washing steps will keep your items looking soft and beautiful.

Machine Washing Cashmere

Can you wash cashmere in a machine? Absolutely, if you follow these steps:

Check the Washing Machine: Ensure the drum is free of debris.
Select the Right Cycle: Use the Delicate, Handwash, or Wool setting. Keep the cashmere wash temperature around 20°C (68°F) to avoid damage.
Add a Gentle Detergent: Ideally, use a cashmere washing liquid; otherwise, a mild hair shampoo will work.
Avoid High-Speed Spinning: Use a low-speed spin to protect the garment’s structure.

When the cycle completes, carefully remove the item and follow drying instructions.

Drying Cashmere

Proper drying is essential. Here’s how:

Shape the Garment: Lay it flat on a towel and gently reshape it.
Roll in a Towel: For faster drying, roll the garment in the towel and press gently.
Air Dry Flat: Lay the item flat to dry completely.

Avoid tumble drying or hanging, as these can stretch the fabric.

Ironing Cashmere

Can you iron cashmere? While it’s generally not recommended, you can use a low steam setting. Here’s how to safely iron cashmere:

Steam Setting: Hover the iron above the garment without direct contact. Or place a cloth between the garment and the iron.
Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a 0.2–0.4 inches gap to prevent scorching.

Storing Cashmere

It's essential to store them properly, especially when it comes to humidity. Too much moisture in the air (above 60%) can lead to mildew and musty odors, making your garments smell less than fresh and prompting more frequent washes, which can wear down those delicate fibers. On the flip side, air that's too dry (below 35%) can make cashmere brittle and prone to static cling. The sweet spot? Aim for a relative humidity between 45% and 55%. Store your cashmere in breathable cotton or linen bags, steer clear of plastic containers that trap moisture, and consider adding natural moth repellents like cedar balls or lavender sachets.

Humidity levels in the U.S. vary significantly by state, with annual averages ranging from about 38-74%. Given this variation, it's important to maintain the environment where you wear and store your cashmere within the recommended humidity range to prevent issues like mold, mildew, and fiber degradation.

Remove pills using a cashmere comb:

Using a cashmere comb is a great way to maintain the softness and quality of your cashmere garments, especially sweaters or scarves, by removing pilling (those little fuzzy balls that form from friction). Here's a step-by-step guide on how to properly use a cashmere comb:

1. Lay Garment Flat: Place your cashmere item on a clean, smooth surface.

2. Gentle Combing: Hold the comb and gently move it in one direction, using short, light strokes to remove pilling.

3. Don’t Press Too Hard: Let the comb do the work to avoid damaging the fibers.

4. Remove Pills: After each stroke, tap the comb to remove the pills.

5. Shake Garment: Once done, gently shake the garment to remove loose fibers.

For best results, comb regularly and store your cashmere properly to keep it looking fresh.

How to Remove Stains from Cashmere

Cashmere is a delicate fabric, and removing stains requires care to maintain its softness and quality. Here are some quick, effective tips for removing stains from cashmere without damaging the fabric:

1. Act Quickly

The sooner you address a stain, the easier it will be to remove. Fresh stains are easier to treat than set ones.

2. Blot, Don’t Rub

Avoid rubbing the stain, as it can damage the fibers. Instead, gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb the liquid.

3. Use Cold Water

Always use cold water when treating stains on cashmere. Hot water can cause the fibers to shrink or become misshapen.

4. Mild Detergent

For stains like oil or grease, use a gentle detergent diluted in cold water. Dampen a cloth with the solution and blot the stain gently.

5. Baby Shampoo for Oil Stains

A small amount of baby shampoo or mild dish soap mixed with cold water can help break down oils. Apply it gently and rinse with cold water.

6. Vinegar Solution for Sweat Stains

Mix 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts cold water for sweat or deodorant stains. Blot the area and rinse with cold water.

7. Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Never use bleach or harsh stain removers on cashmere, as these can damage the fibers.

8. Dry Flat

After treating the stain, gently press out excess water (don’t wring) and lay the garment flat to dry, reshaping it to its original form.

9. Professional Cleaning

For tough stains, consider professional cleaning to ensure your cashmere is cared for properly.

Common Stains and How to Treat Them:

- Oil or Grease: Use mild dish soap or baby shampoo mixed with cold water.

- Sweat or Deodorant: Use a vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water).

- Food Stains: Gently blot with cold water, then apply mild detergent.

By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your cashmere sweaters, scarves, and other garments soft and beautiful. Whether you’re washing a cashmere sweater, washing a cashmere scarf, or caring for other items, gentle handling is key. Enjoy the durability and elegance of cashmere, knowing it’s not just beautiful but also easy to care for.

FAQs

Can I iron cashmere?

Yes, but only with a steam setting and avoiding direct contact.

Can I steam cashmere?

Yes, steaming removes wrinkles gently. Hold the steamer slightly above the fabric.

Can you spin cashmere?

Avoid high-speed spins; use a gentle setting on your machine.

How often should you wash cashmere?

After every 3–4 wears, unless heavily soiled.

What cashmere wash temperature is best?

Lukewarm water, ideally around 20°C, for both machine and hand-washing.

Does cashmere shrink in cold water?

Cold water won’t shrink cashmere, but avoid hot water, which might.

Can you wash a cashmere scarf?

Yes, use lukewarm water, wool/cashmere detergent, or mild hair shampoo; rinse it thoroughly; and flat dry for best results.