Here’s how to machine-wash cashmere:
- 1. Separate Your Cashmere from the Rest of Your Laundry
- 2. Turn the Cashmere Inside Out
- 3. Place the Cashmere in a Mesh Laundry Bag
- 4. Use a Delicate Cycle with Cold Water
- 5. Use a Pre-Measured Laundry Pod
- 6. Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water
- 7. Lay It Flat to Dry
Your cashmere clothes are probably among the priciest (and most sensitive) items in your wardrobe. Cashmere wool is softer and finer than sheep’s wool. Understandably, you might be nervous to wash it at home and run the risk of pilling, stretching, or shrinkage.
But we’ll let you in on a big secret: You don’t have to haul your cashmere to the dry cleaners when they’re due for a wash. In fact, the harsh chemicals used in the dry cleaning process can actually damage cashmere’s delicate fibers and shorten the lifespan of your favorite scarves or sweaters.
In this guide, we’ll show you two ways to wash cashmere garments at home: machine-washing and hand-washing.
Pro tip: Always check the care label on your cashmere before washing it—Laundry Sauce isn’t responsible for shrinkage or any other mishaps.
How to Machine-Wash Cashmere
Most cashmere items are perfectly fine going into the washing machine—as long as you follow the proper protocol. Stick to these seven steps to keep them in perfect condition.
1. Separate Your Cashmere from the Rest of Your Laundry
Cashmere clothes need their own wash cycle. Keep them away from jeans, hoodies, bedsheets, or any or anything with zippers and buttons. These can rub against the fibers, causing pilling or even holes. Make cashmere your priority and give it its own wash session, separate from your usual laundry crowd.
2. Turn the Cashmere Inside Out
Turning your cashmere inside out before washing protects the outer surface from any friction or fuzzing that can happen during the wash. Think of it like giving the delicate fibers a layer of armor while still keeping things low-key.
3. Place the Cashmere in a Mesh Laundry Bag
A mesh laundry bag keeps cashmere safe from snagging, stretching, or losing its shape in the washing machine. The mesh bag adds an extra layer of protection while still allowing your laundry detergent to do its job.
4. Use a Delicate Cycle with Cold Water
Now for the important part: your washing machine settings.
Always use cold water when washing cashmere. Hot water is guaranteed to shrink cashmere, and you don’t want to end up with a sweater that’s two sizes too small.
Choose the delicate or wool cycle on your machine. The slower spin cycle and minimal agitation are exactly what cashmere needs to stay intact.
5. Use a Pre-Measured Laundry Pod
Stick with a pre-measured laundry pod that’s free from artificial dyes. These pods dissolve easily in cold water and won’t leave behind residue that could damage your cashmere.
Avoid bleach and fabric softener—they’re way too harsh for cashmere’s natural fibers
6. Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water
Once the wash cycle is over, resist the urge to twist or wring out your cashmere. Treat it like a precious sponge—gently press it between your hands or against a clean towel to squeeze out the excess water. Wringing it out will stretch those delicate fibers and leave your garment looking droopy.
7. Lay It Flat to Dry
Drying is where most cashmere gets its shape back—or loses it entirely. Lay your cashmere flat on a clean, dry towel and gently reshape it to its original shape. This step helps the fabric dry evenly without any stretching or sagging.
Flip it over after a few hours to let the other side dry, too. Hanging it to dry is a big no-no unless you’re into stretched-out, sad-looking sweaters.
How to Hand-Wash Cashmere
If you’d rather not run a dedicated wash cycle for your cashmere, hand-washing is another easy way to give your garments the TLC they deserve. Here’s how it’s done.
1. Fill a Basin or Sink with Cold Water
Start by filling up your sink or a clean basin with cold water. Remember, cold water is a must—hot water will do a number on your cashmere’s fibers and could lead to unwanted shrinkage. You’re aiming for a gentle soak, not a boiling bath.
2. Add Cashmere Detergent or Baby Shampoo
Once the basin is filled, add a small amount of cashmere shampoo or even a mild baby shampoo. You don’t need much—a little goes a long way. The goal is to use something gentle that won’t strip the natural oils from your cashmere. Stir it around to create a light lather.
3. Soak and Swirl the Garment
Submerge your sweater in the soapy water and give it a few gentle swirls. This helps loosen up any dirt or oils trapped in the fibers. Let it soak for about 10 minutes, giving it a few more swirls every now and then to make sure the detergent is doing its thing.
4. Rinse the Cashmere with Cold Water
Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with fresh, cold water. Submerge your sweater again and gently move it around to rinse out any remaining detergent.
Pro tip: Avoid running water directly onto the fabric—it’s like blasting your cashmere with a fire hose when all it needs is a gentle rain shower.
5. Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water
When it’s all rinsed out, lay the garment flat on a clean towel and gently press to squeeze out excess water. This prevents stretching and keeps the fibers in their natural shape. Treat it more like a delicate flower than a stress ball.
6. Lay Flat to Dry
To finish up, lay your cashmere flat on a clean, dry towel. Reshape it to its original form, smoothing out any wrinkles or creases. Let it air dry naturally, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Flip it over once the top side is dry to ensure both sides dry evenly. Hangers and drying racks are off-limits unless you want it to look like it’s been through a gravity experiment.
Common Questions About Washing Cashmere
Now that you know both ways to wash cashmere, let’s dive into some common questions people have.
Can You Put Cashmere in the Washing Machine?
Yes, you can put cashmere in the washing machine, but only if you use the delicate cycle, cold water, and a mesh laundry bag to keep your cashmere safe.
Does Cashmere Have to Be Dry Cleaned?
No, cashmere doesn’t have to be dry cleaned—hand washing or a delicate machine wash is usually a better option. Dry cleaning chemicals can be harsh on the fibers, while a gentle wash at home keeps it soft and cozy.
How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?
Wash cashmere after every seven to ten wears, or whenever it’s noticeably dirty or stretched out. Over-washing can make it lose its softness, so it’s better to air it out or spot-clean in between full washes.
Will Cashmere Shrink If Washed?
Cashmere can definitely shrink if you wash it with hot water or a rough wash cycle. Stick to cold water, a delicate wash, and air drying to keep it from shrinking.
Can You Put Cashmere In the Dryer?
Nope, the dryer is cashmere’s worst enemy. The heat can cause shrinking and damage the fibers, so always lay your cashmere flat to dry instead.
How to Remove Stains on Cashmere
To remove a stain on cashmere, put a small amount of cashmere detergent or baby shampoo on a cotton ball and dab it onto the stain. Let it sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing out the stain with cool water.
You Deserve Laundry Detergent That’s as Luxurious as your Cashmere
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All it takes is one whiff of this stuff to make laundry day your new favorite day of the week—yes, really. Take our two-minute scent quiz to find the fragrance that matches your vibe.
