How to Wash Cashmere – Caring for the Finest Wool

Cashmere is hair, not ordinary wool – that is why it is so delicate

Cashmere is the fine undercoat of the cashmere goat, and its fibres are far thinner than regular sheep's wool – around 15 microns versus 25–30 for coarse wool. That is why cashmere feels so soft and warm for its weight, but also why it tolerates less. Two things damage cashmere: heat and movement. Hot water and mechanical rubbing make the tiny scales on the fibre hook into each other, and the garment felts and shrinks – damage that is usually permanent. The rule is simple: cold or lukewarm water, minimal movement, and always dry flat.

How to hand-wash cashmere step by step

Hand-washing gives you full control and is gentler than most machine programmes. If the care label allows a wool cycle, you can use it – cold, low spin and the garment in a mesh bag – but always follow the label first.

1. Turn the garment inside out and gently pre-treat any stains.
2. Fill a basin with cold to lukewarm water (around 30 °C or below) and mix in a little wool wash – never ordinary detergent with enzymes or bleach.
3. Submerge the garment, press it gently under the water and squeeze the water softly through the fabric. Do not rub, wring or pull – let it soak for a few minutes.
4. Rinse in water at the same temperature. A sudden temperature change between wash and rinse is what felts cashmere most.
5. Squeeze – never wring – out the water, lay the garment flat on a towel, roll the towel up and press out the rest of the moisture.

Dry it flat – never on a hanger

Cashmere is heavy when wet, and if you hang it up the weight drags the garment long and out of shape, especially across the shoulders. Instead, lay it flat on a dry towel, reshape it back to the right size and shape with your hands, and let it air-dry. Keep it away from radiators, direct sun and the tumble dryer – heat both shrinks the fibre and makes it brittle. Turn the garment once partway through so both sides dry evenly.

Pilling is normal – how to remove it and wear the garment right

Cashmere pilling does not mean poor quality – it is the short fibres working loose through friction, and it is worst the first few times before the loose fibres are gone. Here is how to keep the garment looking good for a long time:

• Remove pills with a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver. Lay the garment flat and move the tool gently in one direction – never pick pills off with your fingers, as that drags good fibres with them and creates holes.
• Let the garment rest at least a day between wears. The fibres need time to recover, and resting reduces both pilling and wear.
• Cut friction where you can: bag straps, seatbelts and elbows against the table are the most common pilling culprits.
• Store cashmere folded, never on a hanger, and always clean. Moths go straight for cashmere, so add cedar or lavender in a breathable cotton bag.

When should you leave the cashmere to professionals?

Most soft cashmere sweaters and scarves you can safely hand-wash yourself with the method above. But some pieces are worth a professional eye: an expensive or inherited sweater you would rather not experiment with, a structured cashmere coat or blazer where water can wreck the shape, a piece labelled 'dry clean only' that you do not dare challenge, or a greasy stain (oil, dressing, make-up) that home washing could set for good. If the piece is already felted, or also needs de-pilling, a moth-hole mend or a seam repair, we can handle it in the same round. We clean according to the garment and its care label, so the treatment is correct and gentle. You order online, and you see the price before you order.

Frequently asked questions