How to Wash Cashmere at Home Without Shrinking It

How to Launder Cashmere at a Glance

What Is Cashmere?

Cashmere is a soft, light, and warm fiber that comes from goats. It is known for its silky feel and cozy warmth. People use it to make sweaters, scarves, shawls, blankets, and more. The name comes from Kashmir, a region in South Asia where the fiber was spun into shawls long ago. Today, most cashmere comes from China and Mongolia. Because the fibers are so fine, cashmere feels gentle on the skin.

What Is Cashmere Made From?

Cashmere is made from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats. These goats grow two layers of hair. The outer layer is coarse and protects them from wind and snow. The inner layer is fine and fluffy, and it keeps them warm in the cold. In spring, farmers gently comb out this inner layer as the goat sheds. The fibers are then cleaned, sorted, and spun into yarn. Good cashmere fibers are about 19 microns wide or thinner. That is much thinner than a human hair.

Can You Wash Cashmere?

Yes, you can wash cashmere at home. Many people think it must always be dry cleaned, but that is not true. Gentle hand washing often cleans cashmere well and treats the fibers kindly. Always check the care label first. If it says hand wash, you are good to go. If it says dry clean only, spot clean small marks and take the piece to a trusted cleaner. The key is to keep the water cool and your touch soft.

Can You Machine Wash Cashmere?

Sometimes, but it is risky. Some newer cashmere pieces say machine washable on the label. If yours does, use a mesh bag, the wool or delicate cycle, cold water, and a low spin. Skip fabric softener, because it coats the fibers and makes them flat. If the label does not say it is safe, hand wash instead. A washing machine can rub the fibers together. That leads to shrinking and tiny fuzzy balls called pills.

How Do You Wash Cashmere?

Washing cashmere takes about 20 minutes of hands-on time, plus time to dry. You only need a clean basin, a mild soap, and two towels. The steps below cover every part of the process, so you can wash your sweater with confidence and keep it soft for years.

What You Need

• A clean sink, basin, or bathtub (no leftover cleaner inside)

• Mild soap, such as wool wash or baby shampoo

• Two large, dry towels (cotton or linen towels work well)

• Cool water

• A cashmere comb or fabric shaver for after drying

• A clean, flat spot to dry the sweater

Before You Start

Take a few minutes to get ready. It saves you trouble later.

• Read the care label. Look for symbols and words such as "hand wash," "machine wash," or "dry clean only." If the label says dry clean only, spot clean the piece or take it to a trusted cleaner.

• Check for loose threads and holes. Water can make small snags bigger. Tuck loose threads back in gently. Do not pull them.

• Look for stains. Find any spots and treat them first (see the stain tips below).

• Test for color bleed. Dab a hidden spot, like the inside seam, with a damp white cloth. If color shows up on the cloth, wash that piece on its own.

• Empty the pockets. Remove tissues, pins, and buttons that can come loose.

Step by Step Washing Guide

1. Fill the basin with cool water. Use water that feels cool to lukewarm, under 85°F. Water that feels warm to your hand is already too warm. Hot water is the fastest way to shrink cashmere. Fill the basin deep enough that the sweater can float freely.
   

2. Add a little mild soap. One teaspoon of wool wash or baby shampoo is plenty for one sweater. Swish the water with your hand until the soap blends in. Skip regular laundry detergent, bleach, and fabric softener. They are too strong and can leave the fibers stiff or flat.
   

3. Turn the sweater inside out. This keeps the soft outer surface safe from rubbing. It also helps stop pilling, which is when tiny fuzzy balls form on the knit.
   

4. Lower it into the water. Place the sweater in gently. Press down with your palms until the whole piece is wet. Do not scrub, twist, or rub the fabric. Rough handling is what makes cashmere shrink and fuzz up.
   

5. Let it soak for 10 minutes. Set a timer. During this time, the soap lifts away body oils, dust, and sweat. Swish the water softly once or twice, but leave the sweater alone the rest of the time. For a very dirty sweater, you can soak up to 30 minutes.
   

6. Give extra care to tricky spots. After soaking, press the collar, cuffs, and underarms with your fingertips. These areas collect the most oil and sweat. Use a pressing motion, never a rubbing motion.
   

7. Drain the soapy water. Let the water run out while the sweater rests in the basin. Gently press the sweater to push out soapy water. Do not lift the sweater while it is full of water. The weight can stretch the shoulders and sleeves.
   

8. Rinse with clean, cool water. Refill the basin with fresh water at the same cool temperature. Press the sweater gently to move the water through the fibers. Keep rinsing until you see no suds and the water runs clear. Most pieces need two rinses. Some soaps need three.
   

9. Press out the water. Never twist or wring cashmere. Lift the sweater with both hands under its middle, so it stays supported. Then press it against the side of the basin to squeeze out the water.
   

10. Roll it in a towel. Lay a dry towel flat. Place the sweater on top, then roll both up like a jelly roll. Press down along the roll with your hands. This soaks up most of the water. Unroll and repeat with a dry spot on the towel if the sweater still feels very wet.

Soft cotton towels from our Bed & Bath collection are great for rolling and pressing water out of a wet cashmere sweater without rubbing the fibers.

11. Reshape and dry flat. Place the sweater on a second dry towel. Smooth the body, sleeves, and neckline back to their original size. Line up the seams and the ribbed edges. Let it dry for 12 to 24 hours, away from direct sun, heaters, and vents. Flip it over once halfway through so both sides dry evenly. Lay it on a mesh rack if you have one, so air can reach the underside.
    

12. Finish with a gentle brush. When the sweater is completely dry, use a cashmere comb to lift any pills. Work in short, light strokes. Fold it and store it flat.
    

Easy Stain Tips

• Act fast. Fresh stains come out much easier than dry ones.

• Blot, do not rub. Use a clean, damp cloth and press down. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper.

• Use a drop of soap. Dab a tiny amount of mild soap on the spot, then blot with plain water.

• Skip stain removers with bleach. They can weaken the fibers and change the color.

• Treat oil stains with care. Sprinkle a little cornstarch on the spot, let it sit for an hour, then brush it off before washing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using hot water, which causes shrinking

• Wringing or twisting the sweater

• Hanging a wet sweater, which stretches it

• Drying it in the dryer or on a radiator

• Laying it in direct sun, which can fade the color

• Using fabric softener, which coats the fibers

• Washing too often (every 5 to 6 wears is enough)

How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?

Wash cashmere after about 5 to 6 wears. Air it out between wears, and spot clean small marks as they happen. Always wash a sweater before you store it for the season. Moths are drawn to body oils and food spots, so a clean sweater is a safer sweater.

Quick Tip for Larger Pieces

For a cashmere blanket or shawl, use a clean bathtub instead of a sink. Follow the same steps, but use more water and roll the piece in two or three large towels. Ask a friend to help you lift it so the weight stays supported.

Can You Dry Clean Cashmere?

Yes, you can dry clean cashmere. It is a safe choice for coats, tailored pants, and any piece with a "dry clean only" label. For everyday sweaters, hand washing is often gentler. Dry cleaning uses chemical solvents, and too many trips can leave the fibers feeling dry. Try to dry clean cashmere no more than once or twice a season. Choose a cleaner who knows how to handle delicate knits, and ask for light pressing only.

How to Clean Cashmere

You do not need to wash cashmere after every wear. Between washes, air it out, brush it, and spot clean small marks. For a spill, blot with a clean damp cloth. Do not rub, because rubbing pushes the stain deeper and roughens the fibers. For a stubborn spot, add one drop of mild soap, then blot with plain water. Remove pills with a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver. Pilling is normal, especially under the arms and where a bag strap rubs. For odors, lay the piece out in fresh air for a few hours, away from direct sun.

Is Cashmere Wool?

Yes and no. In everyday talk, cashmere is a type of wool, because it is a soft animal hair fiber. US labeling rules even include cashmere goat hair in their definition of wool. But cashmere does not come from sheep. It comes from cashmere goats, and labels usually list it as cashmere. It is finer, lighter, and softer than most sheep's wool.

Is Cashmere Warm?

Yes, cashmere is very warm. It traps air close to your body, which keeps heat in. Many makers say it can be up to three times warmer than sheep's wool of the same weight. It is also light, so you stay cozy without feeling heavy. A thin cashmere sweater is great for a cool fall day. A thick one works well on a cold winter morning. Cashmere also breathes, so you will not feel sticky indoors.

Why Is Cashmere So Expensive?

Cashmere costs more because there is not much of it. Each goat gives only a small amount of soft undercoat each year. A single sweater can need the fleece of several goats. The fibers are often combed by hand. Then they must be cleaned and sorted to remove coarse hairs. Harsh weather on the farms can also shrink the supply. Longer, finer fibers cost more, but they feel softer and last longer. A very low price can mean short, rough fibers or a blend with other yarns. Check the label for the fiber content.

Does Cashmere Shrink?

Yes, cashmere can shrink. Heat, rough rubbing, and a hot dryer make the fibers lock together. Once that happens, the sweater gets smaller and thicker. Cool water and gentle hands prevent most shrinking. If your sweater shrinks a little, there is an easy fix. Soak it in cool water with a small squirt of hair conditioner for 10 minutes. Then gently stretch it back to size on a towel and dry it flat. This works best on mild shrinking.

Is Cashmere Itchy?

Good cashmere is not itchy. The fibers are so fine that they bend instead of poking your skin. Itchy cashmere usually has short, thick fibers or is mixed with rougher wool. New knits can also feel a bit scratchy until the first wash. If you have sensitive skin, look for a soft, smooth feel and a clear fiber label. Wearing a cotton tee underneath is an easy fix. A gentle first wash with a drop of conditioner can soften the sweater too.

How to Care for Cashmere

A few small habits keep cashmere soft for years.

• Rest it between wears. Give each piece a day or two to relax and air out.

• Fold, do not hang. Hanging stretches the shoulders. Fold knits and stack them loosely.

• Store with room to breathe. Use a cotton or linen bag, not plastic. Natural fibers let air move and keep moisture away.

• Wash before long storage. Moths love body oils and food spots. Clean pieces are safer pieces.

• Add cedar blocks. They help keep moths away without strong smells.

• Remove pills early. Use a cashmere comb after each few wears.

• Skip rough contact. Bag straps, jewelry, and velcro can snag the knit.

• Put on perfume and lotion first. Let them dry before you dress.

For storage, wrap each folded knit in a clean cloth from our linen collection so air can move and moisture stays away.

Can You Steam Cashmere?

Yes, you can steam cashmere. Steam relaxes wrinkles and refreshes the fibers. Hold a handheld steamer about 6 inches away and keep it moving. Do not press the steamer against the fabric. You can also hang the piece in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. Skip a hot iron. If you must iron, use the lowest setting and place a damp cotton cloth between the iron and the knit.

A cotton napkin makes a handy damp pressing cloth when you need to smooth a wrinkle on cashmere.

What Does Cashmere Feel Like?

Cashmere feels soft, smooth, and a little fluffy. It is light in your hand and warm against your skin. Many people say it feels like a gentle hug. Fine cashmere has a silky touch and should never feel stiff or scratchy. With good care, it gets even softer after each wash.

Cashmere Clothing

Cashmere shows up in many pieces, not just sweaters. You can find it in coats, gloves, socks, and even blankets. Here is a quick look at the most popular pieces and how to care for each one.

Cashmere Coat

Cashmere coats are warm and light, so dry clean once a season and store on a wide padded hanger.

Cashmere Goat

The cashmere goat lives in cold highlands in Mongolia and China, and each one grows only a small amount of soft undercoat, which is why cashmere is rare.

Cashmere Socks

Cashmere socks feel cozy on cold floors, and you can hand wash them in cool water and dry them flat.

Cashmere Shawl

A cashmere shawl keeps you warm on a cool evening, and you can hand wash it, dry it flat, and fold it in thirds for storage.

Cashmere Blanket

A cashmere blanket feels soft on the sofa and pairs well with a cotton or linen throw, and you can wash it in a clean tub with cool water and dry it flat.

Cashmere Sweater

A cashmere sweater is a smart pick for daily wear in fall and winter, and you only need to wash it after 5 to 6 wears.

Cashmere Sweater for Women

A cashmere sweater women can wear all day comes as a crew neck, V neck, or cardigan, so pick the fit that layers best for you.

Men’s Cashmere Sweater

A sweater cashmere mens style, such as a crew neck or quarter zip, works well over a cotton shirt, and you should fold it flat instead of hanging it.

Cashmere Gloves

Cashmere gloves are soft and warm without bulk, and you should hand wash them gently, reshape the fingers, and dry them flat.

Cashmere Pants

Soft knit cashmere pants are great for lounging at home and can be hand washed like a sweater, while tailored pairs should be dry cleaned.

Related Reading:

How to Wash a Duvet Cover: Simple Steps for Fresh Bedding

How to Wash Sofa Cushion Covers Safely and Correctly

Can You Wash Dish Towels With Regular Laundry?

Can You Wash Weighted Blankets? Safe Cleaning Tips