Cashmere is a beautiful fabric — it’s soft, warm and super comfortable. But if you’ve ever hesitated to buy cashmere or wash your favourite cashmere jumper for fear of ruining it, you’re not alone. The good news? Washing cashmere at home is easier than you think and there is quite a lot of myth busting to do when it comes to its upkeep. With the right know-how, you really can keep your cashmere looking (and feeling) as good as new. Let’s walk through the best ways to wash and dry cashmere without stretching, shrinking, or damaging it.
Can You Wash Cashmere?
The short answer? Yes. Despite what you read and its delicate nature, cashmere can be washed. It can even be washed in the washing machine - shock horror!
How to Wash Cashmere
There are a number of ways you can wash your cashmere, all depending on the care label, your preference and the faith you have in your washing machine.
In the washing machine
Some people find this super scary and if you don’t trust your washing machine, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend this. However, if your washing machine has been around the block a few times, has a wool or delicate setting that warms at LESS THAN 30C, you can absolutely wash your cashmere in it. Choose a cycle, set a low spin or no spin at all and use a gentle detergent. You can buy cashmere/wool/silk detergent and hand wash liquid from most supermarkets.
By hand
Place your cashmere into the lukewarm or cold water and gently swirl it around. Avoid scrubbing or wringing, as this can damage the fibres. Let it soak for about 10–15 minutes. Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cold water. Rinse the cashmere by gently pressing it in the water until all the detergent is removed.
Dry cleaning
If this all sounds like too much hard work, you can absolutely take it to the dry cleaners, as long as you say that it is 100% cashmere and requires hydrocarbon treatment. This is a specialist cleaning treatment for cashmere.
How to Dry Cashmere
Never Wring Out Cashmere
After washing your cashmere - however you choose to - avoid twisting or wringing out the fabric. This can cause stretching, misshaping and can damage fibres.
Instead, Use a Towel to Remove Excess Water
Lay a clean, dry towel on a flat surface. Place your cashmere on top and gently roll the towel up, pressing lightly to absorb excess moisture. Repeat with a second towel if needed.
Lay Flat to Dry
Find a flat surface, like a drying rack or a clean towel, and lay your cashmere out in its original shape. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators, as they can cause shrinkage.
Reshape While Damp
If your cashmere has lost its shape, gently reshape it while it’s still damp. Smooth out wrinkles and adjust the sleeves or hem to maintain its proper fit.
A few other ways to keep your cashmere looking lovely for longer
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Store properly: Fold cashmere neatly and store it flat to avoid misshaping. In the summer, store it in a breathable cotton bag to protect it from moths.
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Use a cashmere comb or electric debobbler: To remove pilling and keep the fabric smooth, use a cashmere comb or debobbler.
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Wash sparingly: Cashmere doesn’t need frequent washing—air it out between wears to keep it fresh and spot clean with cold or lukewarm water when necessary.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your cashmere soft, fresh and looking brand new for years to come. So go ahead—buy that cashmere jumper and wear it for the rest of your life. It really can last that long.