Cashmere is one of the most luxurious and soft fabrics you can own, cherished for its warmth, lightweight feel, and timeless elegance. However, caring for cashmere requires special attention to ensure it remains as soft and beautiful as the day you bought it.

Unlike more durable fabrics, cashmere is delicate and prone to damage if not properly washed and maintained. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best practices for washing, cleaning, and preserving your cashmere garments so that they can last for years while retaining their luxurious softness.

How To Maintain Cashmere

Maintaining cashmere is key to preserving its softness, quality, and longevity.

Prevent Dirt and Stains

• Limit wear in high-activity situations: Avoid wearing cashmere when you’re likely to sweat heavily or engage in activities that could expose it to stains.
• Layering: Wear a light layer underneath cashmere garments to prevent skin oils or deodorants from coming into direct contact with the fabric.
• Spot clean immediately: If you do spill something on cashmere, blot the stain with a damp cloth as soon as possible. Avoid rubbing as this can cause pilling.

Minimize Pilling

• Avoid friction: Pilling often occurs when cashmere rubs against itself or other materials. Be mindful of high-friction areas like under the arms or where a purse strap may rest.
• Rotate garments: Give cashmere items a break between wears to prevent overuse and reduce friction.
• Remove pilling properly: Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to gently remove pills. Never pull pills off by hand, as this can damage the fibers.

Protect Cashmere from Moths

• Store properly: When not in use, fold cashmere and store it in a breathable cotton bag. Keep it in a cool, dry place, and avoid hanging, as it may stretch the fabric.
• Use natural repellents: Place cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your storage space to repel moths. Regularly check for signs of moth activity.

How to Properly Wash Cashmere

Washing cashmere requires a gentle approach to preserve its softness and prevent damage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to properly wash your cashmere garments:

Hand Washing Cashmere (Recommended)

• Step 1: Use cold or lukewarm water
  Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water, as hot water can shrink and damage the delicate fibers.

• Step 2: Add a mild detergent
  Use a small amount of cashmere-specific detergent or a mild wool detergent. Avoid regular laundry detergents, as they can be too harsh on cashmere.

• Step 3: Gently submerge and wash
  Place your cashmere garment into the water and gently swirl it around for a few minutes. Avoid scrubbing, wringing, or twisting the fabric, which can cause pilling and stretching.

• Step 4: Rinse thoroughly
  Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with fresh, clean water. Swirl the garment to rinse out any remaining detergent. Repeat if necessary until all soap is gone.

Machine Washing Cashmere (Only if Allowed)

• Step 1: Use a mesh laundry bag
  Place your cashmere item in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from the friction of the washing machine drum.

• Step 2: Select the delicate cycle
  Use the machine's delicate or wool cycle, with cold water and a gentle spin.

• Step 3: Use mild detergent
  Like hand washing, only use a cashmere or wool-specific detergent.

Drying Cashmere

After washing, gently press out excess water without wringing the cashmere. Lay the garment flat on a clean towel, roll it up to absorb more moisture, then reshape it carefully. Let the cashmere air dry flat on a fresh towel in a cool, shaded area, avoiding direct sunlight or heat sources to prevent shrinking or damage.

How To Dry Clean Cashmere

Dry cleaning is a good option for cashmere garments that are heavily soiled, structured, or labeled “dry clean only.” To ensure proper care:

1. Choose a reputable cleaner: Select a dry cleaner with experience handling delicate fabrics like cashmere to prevent damage.

2. Inform the cleaner: Mention any specific stains or concerns you have about your cashmere garment to ensure they use the proper techniques and chemicals.

3. Limit frequency: Dry cleaning uses chemicals that can weaken the cashmere fibers over time, so it’s best to dry clean sparingly. For everyday wear, spot clean or hand wash when possible.

Dry cleaning is best reserved for special circumstances to protect the integrity of your cashmere while keeping it fresh and clean.