How to Wash Cashmere and Keep It in Great Shape

How to Hand-Wash Cashmere

Hand-washing works for all cashmere—even the most delicate knits. And fortunately, it doesn't require a lot of work to get it done.

1. Turn your garment inside out

   That helps reduce any pilling or other damage that can happen when you're washing your cashmere.

2. Prep the washing water

   Add a gentle detergent (preferably one meant for cashmere) to a sink or basin filled with cold water.

3. Soak your sweater

   Put your cashmere sweater into the bath, and let it soak for up to 30 minutes.

   You can put a few cashmere items in the same bath, as long as they're a similar color. (You definitely don't want to throw your red sweater in with your cream one!)

4. Give it a good rinse

   Rinse the detergent thoroughly out of your sweater with fresh cold water.

How to Wash Cashmere in a Washing Machine

Many cashmere sweaters can handle gentle machine washing—just keep it in its own load, away from jeans, bras, and other rough fabrics that could cause damage to your knits.

1. Prep your cashmere for washing

   Again, turn your clothing inside out, and place it in a mesh washing bag to help protect it.

2. Use a gentle wash setting and detergent

   Run your cashmere through on a delicate cycle, using cold water, low or no spin, and a cashmere-friendly detergent. Again, you'll want to run your knits in a separate load to avoid damage from other laundry.

How to Dry Cashmere

Just say no to clothes dryers or other heat sources, which can shrink or damage the knit. Instead, follow these tips to help you get your cashmere dried quickly (and in tip-top shape).

1. Be gentle with your cashmere

   Don't twist or wring out your cashmere, as that can make it misshapen. Instead, gently squeeze out water by rolling your sweater into a ball.

   Lay the damp sweater flat onto a fresh dry towel to finish drying.

2. Use clean towels

   Flatten your cashmere out on a dry towel, reshape it, and roll it gently in the towel to remove more excess water.

3. Lay flat to dry

   Place a fresh clean towel on top of a drying rack or another waterproof flat surface, and lay your damp cashmere on it to dry.