How to Wash Cashmere

Cashmere is a water-loving fibre — in fact, it becomes softer and more supple with each careful wash. We recommend washing your cashmere after every three to four wears rather than after every use. Cashmere's natural antibacterial properties mean it stays fresh longer than you might expect, and overwashing can stress the fibres unnecessarily.

That said, never store a cashmere piece unwashed, even if it looks clean. Invisible residues — skin cells, dust, fragrance — can attract moths and cause damage over time. When in doubt, wash before you store.

How to Hand Wash Cashmere

Hand washing is the gentlest method and our preferred approach for most pieces.

1. Turn the garment inside out to protect the outer surface.

2. Fill a clean basin with cool to lukewarm water — no warmer than 30°C (86°F). Cashmere is highly sensitive to heat and can felt or shrink irreversibly if the temperature is too high.

3. Add a small amount of specialist cashmere shampoo or a gentle, pH-neutral detergent — a baby shampoo works well in a pinch. Swirl to dissolve fully before adding your garment. Never use regular fabric softener or biological detergents.

4. Submerge the garment and swirl gently for about 30 seconds. You can leave it to soak for up to 30 minutes if needed.

5. Do not mix dark and light colours in the same wash.

6. Drain the soapy water and rinse with fresh cool water until the water runs completely clear.

7. Never wring or twist your cashmere. Instead, gently fold the garment and press it against the side of the basin to squeeze out excess water.

Can You Machine Wash Cashmere?

Yes — many cashmere pieces can be machine-washed, provided the care label confirms it. Always check the label first.

If machine washing is permitted:

• Place the garment inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from friction and stretching.

• Select the wool or delicates cycle with a cold wash — no warmer than 20°C.

• Use a small amount of wool-specific or cashmere detergent (around two teaspoons).

• Keep the spin speed to a maximum of 400–500 rpm.

• Never use fabric softener — it can felt the fibres and cause them to lose their natural softness.

How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?

Every three to four wears is a good rule of thumb. Between washes, you can freshen a cashmere piece by laying it flat in a well-ventilated spot for a few hours, or by lightly steaming it to release any odours. This is one of cashmere's great advantages over synthetic fibres — it genuinely self-refreshes.

Shop Cashmere Jumper

How to Dry Cashmere

Drying is the stage where the most damage tends to happen, so it's worth slowing down here.

• Never tumble dry cashmere. The heat will cause irreversible shrinkage and can permanently damage the fibres.

• Never hang cashmere to dry. Hanging a wet garment will stretch it out of shape under its own weight.

• After washing, roll the garment gently inside a clean, dry towel and press firmly — don't wring — to absorb the excess water.

• Unroll and lay the garment flat on a fresh, dry towel. Take a moment to smooth it back into its original shape and dimensions.

• Leave it to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight, radiators, or any direct heat source. Heat and UV exposure can fade colours and weaken fibres.

Patience here is everything. A well-dried cashmere piece will hold its shape perfectly; a rushed one may not recover.

Ironing and Steaming Cashmere

Cashmere rarely needs ironing. Its natural elasticity means that most creases fall out on their own as the garment relaxes after drying. If your piece does need a little help:

• Use a clothes steamer where possible. Hover the steamer 2–3 cm above the fabric — never press it directly to the surface — and allow the steam to gently relax the fibres. This is the safest and most effective method.

• If using an iron, set it to the lowest heat setting and always iron on the reverse (inside-out) side of the garment. Place a clean pressing cloth between the iron and the cashmere for additional protection. Never press down hard — keep the iron moving lightly across the surface.

• Never iron cashmere directly on the right side, and never use steam directly on a delicate knit without a pressing cloth.

Shop Cashmere Cardigan

How to Store Cashmere

Day-to-Day Storage

Cashmere should always be stored folded flat — never on a hanger. Hanging places continuous stress on the shoulders and body of the garment, causing it to stretch and distort over time. Fold your pieces neatly and keep them in a drawer or on a shelf, away from direct sunlight, which can fade even the richest colours.

After wearing, give your cashmere a rest of at least a day or two before wearing it again. The fibres need time to recover and breathe. This simple habit significantly extends the life of any cashmere piece.

Seasonal and Long-Term Storage

Before putting cashmere away for an extended period — at the end of the cold season, for example — always wash every piece first, even if it appears clean. Worn cashmere carries invisible residues that attract moths. Clean cashmere is safe cashmere.

Once clean and fully dry:

• Store in a breathable cotton storage bag or a breathable sealed bag — never in plastic, which traps moisture and promotes mildew.

• Place cedar wood balls in the drawer or storage bag alongside your pieces. Cedar is a natural, chemical-free moth deterrent. Refresh the cedar balls with cedar oil once a year — or replace them — to maintain their potency.

• Lavender sachets work well alongside cedar as an additional deterrent and a pleasant fragrance.

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space — not in a damp basement or a warm attic.

If you do find a moth hole, don't despair. Small holes can often be repaired by a specialist invisible mending service — it is well worth seeking one out for a beloved piece.

So there you have it! You're now armed with all the tips and tricks to take care of your beloved cashmere clothing like a pro. Remember, cashmere is all about that cozy comfort and luxurious feel, and with a little TLC, you can keep it looking fabulous for years to come.