Cashmere Care: The Washing and Storage Rules That Preserve Softness for Years
Key Takeaways
- Cashmere pills when the fibers rub against each other and form tiny tangles on the surface. Hand washing and folding for storage reduce friction and pilling.
- Cashmere shrinks when washed in hot water or agitated in a machine. Hand washing in cold water with a gentle detergent preserves the shape.
- Dry flat. Hanging cashmere stretches the fibers and deforms the garment.
- Store in a breathable bag with cedar blocks or lavender sachets to protect against moths. Never store in plastic.
Cashmere is one of the most luxurious and delicate fabrics in a wardrobe. It is also one of the most mistreated. Cashmere sweaters are thrown into the washing machine, dried on high heat, and hung on hangers that stretch the shoulders. The result is shrinkage, pilling, and deformation within a few wears. Cashmere requires a specific care routine that is different from other knitwear. The routine is not complicated, but it requires consistency. Hand washing in cold water with a gentle detergent, drying flat, folding for storage, and protecting against moths are the steps that preserve cashmere softness and shape for years. A well-cared-for cashmere sweater can last 10 to 20 years. A mistreated cashmere sweater can be ruined in one season.
Why Cashmere Pills
Pilling is the formation of tiny fiber balls on the surface of the fabric. It happens when the short, fine cashmere fibers rub against each other and tangle. Cashmere is made from the undercoat of the cashmere goat. The fibers are short and fine. They are softer than wool but more prone to pilling because of their length. Pilling is not a sign of poor quality. It is a natural characteristic of cashmere.
Pilling is accelerated by friction and heat. A cashmere sweater that is worn with a backpack or a seatbelt will pill in the contact area. A cashmere sweater that is washed in a machine and dried on high heat will pill everywhere. The fix is to reduce friction and heat.
The Hand-Washing Technique
Hand washing is the only safe method for cashmere. Machine washing, even on a gentle cycle, agitates the fibers and causes shrinkage and pilling.
Step 1: Fill a basin with cold water. Use a clean sink or a basin. Fill with cold water. Do not use hot water. Hot water shocks the fibers and causes shrinkage.
Step 2: Add a gentle detergent. Use a detergent formulated for wool or cashmere. Woolite or a dedicated cashmere shampoo are appropriate. Do not use regular laundry detergent. Regular detergent contains enzymes and brighteners that damage cashmere fibers. Use one teaspoon per gallon of water.
Step 3: Submerge the sweater. Turn the sweater inside out. Submerge it in the water. Gently press it down to remove air bubbles. Do not wring, twist, or scrub. Agitation causes shrinkage.
Step 4: Soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Let the sweater soak. Do not leave it for longer than 30 minutes. Prolonged soaking can cause the dye to bleed.
Step 5: Rinse in cold water. Drain the soapy water. Fill the basin with clean cold water. Gently press the sweater to remove soap. Repeat until the water runs clear. Do not wring.
Step 6: Remove excess water. Press the sweater against the side of the basin to remove water. Do not wring. Wringing stretches the fibers and deforms the shape.
Step 7: Dry flat. Lay the sweater on a clean, dry towel on a flat surface. Roll the towel with the sweater inside to remove more water. Unroll and reshape the sweater. Let it dry flat away from direct heat and sunlight. Do not hang it. Hanging stretches the shoulders and deforms the shape. Do not dry it on a radiator or in a dryer. Heat shrinks the fibers.
Removing Pills
Pilling is inevitable, but it can be removed without damaging the fibers.
Use a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver. A cashmere comb is a fine-toothed comb designed for cashmere. Gently comb the sweater in one direction to remove pills. A fabric shaver is an electric device that shaves pills off the surface. It is faster but requires care to avoid cutting the fibers.
Do not use a standard lint roller. A lint roller pulls fibers and can damage the surface. Use a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver.
Remove pills after washing. The fibers are relaxed after washing and pills are easier to remove.
Storage Rules
Storage is as important as washing. Correct storage prevents moth damage, deformation, and pilling.
Fold, do not hang. Hanging stretches the shoulders and deforms the shape. Fold the sweater and store it flat.
Store in a breathable bag. A cotton or linen bag protects the sweater from dust without trapping moisture. Plastic bags trap moisture and cause mildew. Never store cashmere in plastic.
Add moth protection. Moths eat natural fibers. Cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or moth balls protect against moths. Cedar and lavender are natural and do not leave a chemical smell.
Store in a cool, dry place. Heat and humidity damage cashmere fibers. Store in a closet or a drawer with consistent temperature and low humidity.
Do not store with heavy items on top. Heavy items compress the fibers and cause deformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dry clean cashmere?
Dry cleaning is not recommended for cashmere. The solvents used in dry cleaning strip the natural oils from the fibers and make them brittle. Hand washing is gentler and preserves the softness.
Can I machine wash cashmere if I use a wool cycle?
No. Even a gentle machine cycle agitates the fibers and causes shrinkage. Hand washing is the only safe method.
Why does my cashmere feel stiff after washing?
Stiffness is caused by soap residue. Rinse the sweater more thoroughly. Use less detergent. Fabric softener is not recommended for cashmere. It coats the fibers and reduces their ability to breathe.
How often should I wash cashmere?
Wash cashmere after every 2 to 3 wears, or when it is visibly soiled. Cashmere does not need to be washed after every wear. Frequent washing wears out the fibers. Spot clean between washes.
Cashmere care is simple when the rules are followed. Hand wash in cold water, dry flat, fold for storage, and protect against moths. The sweater lasts for years and stays soft.