How to care for cashmere sweaters and avoid common mistakes

 

You may think dry cleaning is the only safe way to care for cashmere sweaters. However, experts now say you can gently wash them at home. Many people believe you should never use a washing machine for cashmere sweaters, but if you use the right wool setting, cold water, and a wool detergent, your sweater will look great. Experts also recommend letting your cashmere rest between wears. Use a gentle fabric shaver to remove pills. If you avoid common mistakes in how to care for cashmere sweaters, your cashmere will stay soft and nice for many years.

Key Takeaways

• You can wash cashmere at home. Use cool water and a gentle wool detergent. Hand washing is safest, but a machine on the wool setting works too.

• Let your cashmere rest between wears. Wash it every three to four wears to keep the fibers strong and soft.

• Always dry cashmere flat. Avoid hanging it to prevent stretching. Use a towel to roll out excess water and reshape it while drying.

• Store cashmere folded, not hung. Use breathable bags and keep them in a cool, dry place to protect against moths and damage.

• Avoid common mistakes like using hot water or wringing out your sweater. These can weaken fibers and ruin the shape.

How to Care for Cashmere Sweaters

Hand Washing vs. Machine Washing

You can wash cashmere by hand or in a machine. Hand washing is safer for the soft fibers. Most experts say hand washing is best for cashmere sweaters. Fill a clean sink or bowl with cool water. Add a little cashmere or wool detergent. Turn your sweater inside out before you put it in the water. Gently move the sweater around and let it soak for five minutes.

You can use a machine for cheaper cashmere. Pick the wool or delicate setting on your washer. Always use cold water and a wool or cashmere detergent. Put your sweater in a mesh laundry bag to stop it from stretching. Never use the normal cycle or hot water. These can hurt the fibers and change the sweater’s shape.

Tip: If you need to clean a small spot on cashmere, use gentle detergent and dab with a soft cloth. Do not rub or scrub.

Detergents and Water Temperature

The right detergent and water temperature help keep cashmere soft. Use a detergent made for wool or cashmere. These protect the protein fibers and stop damage. If you have allergies, pick a hypoallergenic or natural detergent. Baby shampoo is okay if you do not have special cashmere detergent.

Here is a table to help you pick the best products and ways to wash:

Aspect	Recommendations	Avoidances
Detergent Selection	Cashmere/wool-specific formulas, pH-balanced for protein fibers, no harsh enzymes	Regular laundry detergents, chlorine bleach, fabric softeners, high-enzyme formulas
Water Temperature	Wash and rinse water should be the same temperature, avoid sudden changes, cooler is safer	N/A

Product Name	Description
Wool & Cashmere Shampoo	A natural detergent from the Laundress, low in chemicals, good for cashmere.
Woolite Delicates Hypoallergenic Liquid Laundry Detergent	Made for wool or cashmere, hypoallergenic for people with allergies.
Soak	An all-natural choice for hand washing or gentle machine washing.
Baby Shampoo	Gentle and made with natural ingredients, works for cashmere if you do not have special detergent.

Always use cool water when you wash cashmere. Warm or hot water can shrink or harm the fibers. Keep the wash and rinse water at the same temperature to avoid shocking the cashmere.

Washing Instructions

Follow these steps to wash your cashmere sweater and keep it nice:

1. Fill a clean sink or bowl with cool water and add cashmere detergent.

2. Turn the sweater inside out, put it in soapy water, and soak for five minutes.

3. Rinse well in clean water until the water is clear.

4. Press out extra water, reshape the sweater, and lay it flat to dry.

You do not need to wash cashmere after every wear. Experts say to wash after three or four wears. Some people wash cashmere every seven to ten wears or at the end of winter. This helps keep the fibers strong and the sweater looking good.

• Wash after two or three wears for best results.

• Wash at the end of the season before you store it.

If you follow these steps for caring for cashmere sweaters, your sweater will stay soft and pretty. You will also avoid mistakes that can hurt your cashmere. Always use gentle products and cool water when you care for cashmere.

Drying and Reshaping Cashmere

Flat Drying Techniques

After washing your cashmere, you need to dry it the right way to keep it soft and in good shape. Never hang your cashmere sweater to dry. Hanging can stretch the fibers and ruin the fit. Instead, use these flat drying techniques:

• Place your cashmere on a clean towel. Roll the towel and sweater together gently, like a burrito. Press lightly to remove extra water. Do not twist or wring.

• Unroll the towel and lay your cashmere flat on a dry towel or a sweater drying rack. This helps air move around the fabric and stops stretching from gravity.

• Shape the cashmere back to its original form. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds.

• Flip your cashmere sweater over every few hours. This lets both sides dry evenly and keeps moisture from building up.

Tip: Keep your cashmere away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Sun and heat can make the fibers weak and cause fading.

Reshaping Tips

Reshaping your cashmere after washing helps it keep its fit and look. You want your sweater to look just like it did before you washed it. Here are some tips from textile professionals:

• Lay your sweater flat on a fresh, dry towel. Gently stretch the edges and sleeves back to their original size.

• Use your hands to smooth out the neckline, cuffs, and hem. Take your time to get the shape right.

• Never put your cashmere in the dryer. The heat will shrink and damage the fibers.

• Avoid hanging your sweater, even when it is dry. Hanging can pull the fabric and change the shape.

By following these steps, you help your cashmere last longer and look better. Drying and reshaping the right way protects the soft feel and classic style of your favorite sweater.

Storing Cashmere

Folding vs. Hanging

You should always fold cashmere sweaters instead of hanging them. Hanging stretches the shoulders and can ruin the shape. To fold your sweater the right way, follow these steps:

1. Lay the sweater flat and smooth out any wrinkles with your hands.

2. Fold one sleeve across the chest, then do the same with the other sleeve.

3. Fold the bottom of the sweater up to meet the neckline.

4. Place the folded sweater in a drawer or on a shelf. Stack no more than three sweaters to avoid creasing.

Pro Tip: Place a sheet of tissue paper between each sweater. This helps prevent the fibers from pressing into each other and keeps your cashmere looking fresh.

Breathable Storage Solutions

Proper storage keeps your cashmere soft and beautiful. Choose breathable bags or cotton storage bins instead of plastic. Plastic bins trap moisture and can damage the fabric over time. Always store cashmere in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and heat, which can weaken the fibers. If you want to know how to store cashmere for the long term, make sure the area is clean and free from dampness.

• Use acid-free tissue paper between folded sweaters.

• Do not overfill your storage space. Give each sweater room to breathe.

Moth and Pest Protection

Moths love cashmere, but you can protect your sweaters with a few simple steps:

1. Clean cashmere thoroughly before storing. Body oils and skin cells attract moths.

2. Store cashmere in a dry, clean area. Avoid dark, damp spaces.

3. Air out your sweaters sometimes. Gentle light helps keep pests away.

4. Use natural repellents like cedar, lavender, or cloves. Replace them every month or two.

5. Keep your storage area out of direct light and heat.

Note: If you store cashmere the wrong way, moths can damage the fibers. Your sweaters may lose their softness and shape. Always wash before storage to remove moth eggs and oils.

Taking care of your cashmere and using the right storage methods will help your sweaters last for years.

How to Care for Cashmere: Wearing and Handling

Wear and Wash Frequency

You want your cashmere to last for many seasons. The way you wear and wash your sweater makes a big difference. Let your cashmere rest for two to three days between wears. This helps the fibers recover and keeps the shape looking new. You should only wash your sweater when you see visible marks or if it starts to smell. Washing too often can cause wear and tear.

Here are some simple tips for how to care for cashmere and keep your sweater in top shape:

• Allow your cashmere to rest between wears.

• Wash your sweater every three to four wears, or only when it looks dirty.

• Avoid frequent washing to prevent damage.

• Always check for stains or odors before deciding to wash.

Tip: Over washing can make your cashmere lose its softness. Less is more when it comes to cleaning.

Pilling and Snag Solutions

Pilling happens when small balls of fiber form on the surface of your cashmere. This is normal, especially in areas that rub together, like under the arms. You can easily de-pill cashmere at home with the right tools.

Try these methods to remove pills and fix snags:

• Use a cashmere comb or a fine-toothed comb to gently brush away pills.

• A fabric shaver or a disposable razor can help shave off pills without hurting the sweater.

• For surface pills, use a sticky lint roller or wrap masking tape around your fingers and dab the area.

• Rub a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a pumice stone gently over the pills.

If you see a snag, do not pull it. Use a needle or crochet hook to pull the loose thread to the inside of the sweater. This keeps the outside looking smooth.

Learning how to care for cashmere means knowing how to handle these small problems. With gentle care, your cashmere will stay soft and beautiful for years.

Common Mistakes in Cashmere Care

Taking the right steps to care for cashmere helps your sweater last longer and look its best. Many people make mistakes that can damage these delicate fibers. Here are the most common errors and how you can avoid them.

Hot Water and Wringing

You might think hot water cleans better, but it can weaken cashmere fibers. Hot water removes the natural oils, making the fabric rough and brittle. Wringing or twisting your sweater when wet can stretch and break the fibers. This leads to a misshapen garment that never fits the same way again.

• Hot water weakens the fibers and reduces elasticity.

• Wringing causes permanent stretching and broken fibers.

• Always use cool water and gently press out excess water instead.

Tip: Lay your sweater flat on a towel and roll it up to remove water. Never twist or wring.

Hanging and Overwashing

Hanging your cashmere sweater may seem easy, but it stretches the shoulders and sleeves. Overwashing removes the natural oils that keep cashmere soft. Washing too often can cause shrinking and a rough texture.

• Hanging stretches the fabric, causing a poor fit.

• Overwashing makes the sweater brittle and rough.

• Wash only after several wears and always fold for storage.

Note: Proper care for cashmere means letting it rest between wears and washing only when needed.

Dry Cleaning Risks

Many people believe dry cleaning is the safest way to care for cashmere. However, experts warn that the solvents used in dry cleaning can harm the soft fibers. This process can make your sweater feel coarse and increase pilling or shrinking.

“The soft, luxurious fibers of cashmere can easily be damaged by the solvents used in traditional dry cleaning, making the garment feel coarse and more prone to pilling or shrinking.”

Choosing gentle handwashing and air drying helps your sweater last longer. When you care for cashmere the right way, you also help the environment by reducing waste and the need for frequent replacements.

Expert and Brand Tips for Cashmere in 2025

Innovations in Cashmere Care

There are many new ways to care for cashmere this year. Brands use cashmere in more everyday clothes now. You see more people wearing cashmere at school or outside. Outdoor cashmere gear is light and keeps you warm and dry. It helps your body stay at a good temperature. Some brands make cashmere in ways that help the earth. This is better for nature and makes shoppers happy. Some cashmere sweaters have cool tech features. For example, a few have sensors that check your health. If you want something special, you can buy cashmere with custom designs.

• More brands use cashmere for daily wear.

• Outdoor cashmere gear keeps you warm and dry.

• Eco-friendly cashmere supports the environment.

• Some cashmere sweaters have health sensors.

• Custom cashmere collections offer special designs.

Recommended Products

Experts and brands have new products to help you care for cashmere. Use sweater spray to keep your sweater smelling nice between washes. Wash cashmere with a gentle detergent to protect the soft fibers. If you use a washing machine, put your sweater in a sweater bag. This stops it from stretching. Dry your sweater on an inflatable hanger to help it keep its shape.

• Sweater spray keeps cashmere smelling clean.

• Mild detergent protects soft fibers.

• Sweater bags prevent stretching in the wash.

• Inflatable hangers help with gentle drying.

Here is a table that shows how care tips differ by brand:

Brand	Care Recommendations	Quality & Longevity Comparison
Offbeat1	High-quality cashmere, similar care to luxury	Comparable to Loro Piana but more affordable
Naadam	Basic care, may not last long	Good for first-time buyers, less durable
Quince	Short-term care for special occasions	Suitable for temporary use
Everlane	High-quality, long-lasting care	Similar to Offbeat1, good longevity
Loro Piana	Premium care, high investment	Best quality but very expensive

You can use these expert tips to keep your cashmere soft and nice in 2025.

You now know how to care for cashmere sweaters and keep them looking new. Follow these steps for best results:

1. Wash your sweater by hand with mild detergent and cool water.

2. Rinse gently, press out water, and lay flat to dry.

3. Always fold your cashmere and store it in a breathable bag.

When you follow expert and brand advice, your cashmere will last longer and stay soft. Try these tips and share your own ways to care for your favorite sweater in the comments!

FAQ

How often should you wash a cashmere sweater?

You should wash your cashmere sweater after three or four wears. If you notice stains or odors, wash it sooner. Washing less often helps keep the fibers strong and soft.

Can you iron cashmere sweaters?

You can iron cashmere, but use the lowest heat setting. Place a thin cloth between the iron and your sweater. Always press gently and avoid steam to prevent damage.

What should you do if your cashmere sweater shrinks?

Lay the sweater flat in cool water with a little baby shampoo. Gently stretch it back to its original shape. Let it air dry flat. Do not use heat or wring the fabric.

How do you remove odors from cashmere without washing?

• Hang your sweater in fresh air for a few hours.

• Use a fabric spray made for wool or cashmere.

• Avoid strong perfumes or chemicals.

Is it safe to use a fabric softener on cashmere?

You should not use fabric softener on cashmere. Fabric softeners can coat the fibers and make them less soft over time. Stick to gentle, wool-safe detergents for best results.