How to Wash Cashmere
What You'll Need
- 1 tsp
- Basin full
- 2
- 1
Step-by-Step Method
Use cool (not cold) water and add 1 teaspoon of cashmere-specific detergent or baby shampoo.
Submerge the garment and let it soak for 30 minutes. Unlike silk, cashmere benefits from soaking. Do not agitate.
Press the garment gently against the side of the basin to push water through the fibers. Never wring, twist, or lift by the shoulders.
Drain and refill with clean cool water. Press gently again. Repeat until water runs clear.
Lay the garment flat on a clean towel. Roll up the towel and press gently. Unroll onto a fresh dry towel.
Reshape the garment to its original dimensions while still damp. Dry flat on a towel away from direct heat and sunlight.
- Never hang cashmere to dry (it stretches irreversibly)
- Never put cashmere in the dryer
- Never use fabric softener (coats fibers and reduces softness over time)
- Never store cashmere without washing first (body oils attract moths)
- Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to gently remove pills after washing
- Store clean cashmere folded (never hung) with cedar balls to deter moths
- Cashmere gets softer with each proper hand wash
Frequently Asked Questions
Some high-end machines with a 'hand wash' or 'wool' cycle can handle cashmere in a mesh laundry bag, but hand washing is always safer. Machine agitation causes pilling.
Use a cashmere comb or electric fabric shaver. Gently comb in one direction over the pilled area. Pills are caused by friction and are normal for cashmere, not a defect.
Sources & Methodology
Cashmere care based on textile industry standards. Cashmere is a fine animal fiber (goat undercoat) that requires gentle handling to prevent felting and fiber damage.
Last reviewed: March 20, 2026