Washing cashmere is easier than its reputation suggests: yes, you can wash your cashmere at home – and with a few simple habits it stays as soft as it was on day one, for years. Most cashmere mishaps don't happen because the material is temperamental, but because a handful of stubborn mistakes have crept in. Here's what they are – and how to avoid them without stress.
Can you really wash cashmere yourself?
In short: yes. Cashmere is a natural fibre – finer and more delicate than sheep's wool, but by no means untouchable. If you believe cashmere always belongs at the dry cleaner, you pay more than you need to and expose the fibre to aggressive solvents. A gentle hand wash at home is the kinder and better choice in almost every case. Only three things really matter: temperature, detergent, and the way you move the fibre through the water.
The most common cashmere washing mistakes – and how to avoid them
Mistake 1: water that is too hot
Ask cashmere what temperature it prefers and the answer is: lukewarm. Stay at around 30 °C or cooler. Hot water makes the fine scales of the fibre swell and interlock – the result is felted, hardened cashmere that has suddenly gone down a size. Just as important: avoid temperature shocks. Wash water and rinse water should be the same temperature.
Mistake 2: the wrong detergent
Ordinary heavy-duty detergent often contains enzymes and bleaching agents that actively attack protein fibres like cashmere. Classic fabric softener has no place here either – it coats the fibre and takes away its natural loft. Reach instead for a mild cashmere detergent or a pH-neutral wool wash. A good cashmere cleanser doesn't just clean gently, it cares for the fibre with re-greasing agents and keeps it supple.
Mistake 3: vigorous rubbing and wringing
Cashmere does not like force. Kneading, scrubbing or firmly wringing out a sweater tears at the fibres and encourages felting and bobbling. For a hand wash the rule is: press it gently through the water, never rub. To remove water, push the piece together carefully and squeeze the water out – wringing is off limits.
Mistake 4: drying it wrong
Drying is the step where most favourite pieces lose their shape. The tumble dryer is out of the question, and a hanger is no better – hanging, the wet, heavy knit stretches lengthways and loses its shape. Instead, lay the piece flat on a dry towel, ease it gently back into shape, and let it air dry flat, away from radiators and direct sunlight.
Mistake 5: washing too often
Cashmere is naturally odour-resistant and almost self-cleaning. Airing your hat or sweater overnight is often enough, instead of washing it after every wear. The less often you wash, the longer the fibre stays beautiful. Treat small marks on the spot rather than putting the whole piece in the basin.
Washing a cashmere sweater – step by step
This is how a hand wash works every time – whether you want to wash a cashmere sweater or your cashmere hat:
- Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water (max. 30 °C).
- Stir in a dash of mild wool detergent until it has fully dissolved.
- Turn the piece inside out and let it sit in the water for about five minutes.
- Move it gently through the water – no rubbing, no wringing.
- Rinse with clear water at the same temperature until no foam is left.
- Press the water out carefully, roll the piece in a towel, then dry it flat.
Machine washing: is that an option?
Yes – if your machine has a genuine wool or hand-wash cycle. Choose cold water, a low spin speed (400 rpm at most) and a wool detergent. Put the cashmere in a mesh laundry bag so it doesn't get stretched in the drum. When in doubt, though, hand washing is always the safer route – especially for fine knits and your absolute favourites.
Rule of thumb: cool, mild, gentle. Get temperature, detergent and movement right and there is practically nothing left to do wrong.
Pilling and bobbles: not a washing mistake
Small bobbles – pilling – are not a sign of poor quality or bad care, but a natural reaction of fine natural fibres to friction, from bags, belts or backpack straps. Simply remove them with a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver. After a few washes the pilling noticeably eases off, because the loose fibre ends have worked their way out and the knit has settled.
Cashmere that stays beautiful
Washing cashmere properly comes down to habit: lukewarm water, a mild detergent, gentle hands, dried flat. That is how a good piece stays with you for many years – which is exactly what real cashmere is made for. Go deeper in our care guide. And if you would like to keep your favourites company: discover our sweaters & cardigans in 100 % Mongolian cashmere, or browse the whole shop at your leisure.
