How to Care for Cashmere

Caring for your cashmere garments can feel like a daunting task, but achieving expert results at home is easier than it seems, and it saves a trip to the dry cleaners. Much of that care depends on the fibre structure itself: whether your piece is crafted from a high grade fabric, features a thicker two ply count for added warmth, or showcases a brushed rather than knitted finish, treating the material with respect is essential. You can read more about these unique qualities in our cashmere fabric guide, or explore how it compares to other natural fibres in our article on the difference between wool, cashmere and mohair.

How to Wash Cashmere

 

Understanding exactly how to clean cashmere sweaters and finer knits requires some planning in advance. We recommend only washing your garments after several wears, as this will help to preserve the quality of the fibres. For any washing method, use a gentle wool wash or extremely mild detergent approved for delicate fibres. Investing in a high quality cashmere wash will ensure the delicate yarns are cleansed without being stripped of their natural moisture. We highly recommend reading the care label on your cashmere knitwear to determine its respective process of washing.

 

Hand Washing Cashmere

 

Washing cashmere by hand is our preferred method to maintain the integrity of the yarns. Here's how to hand wash cashmere, step by step:

  1. Fill up a basin, sink, or tub with cold water only and mix with an approved wool detergent.
  2. Submerge the garment in the water and wash quickly for only a few minutes; DO NOT soak.
  3. Carefully rinse the garment with cold water. Squeeze as much water out of the clothing piece as possible being careful to not twist or wring the garment as cashmere fibres are even more delicate when wet.
  4. Wrap the garment in a towel to remove any excess water.
  5. Pull the garment back to shape and lay it flat on a new towel to let it dry in a cool place. DO NOT dry the item with direct heat or sunlight as this can lead to shrinkage.

 

Machine Washing Cashmere

 

While hand washing is often preferred, knowing how to wash cashmere in a washing machine is incredibly helpful for busy schedules. A good cashmere washing machine routine requires careful preparation. Always place your garment inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging against the drum or other items.

Select a dedicated wool or delicates cycle with cold water only. Ensure you choose a setting with no spin or a very gentle spin to prevent stretching the fibres. Once the cycle is complete, promptly remove the garment and lay it flat to dry, following the same drying process used for hand washing. You can also dry clean cashmere if the care label lists it as a safe alternative.

 

How to Dry Cashmere

 

As with washing, drying your cashmere garments will take some time and effort. Your cashmere knitwear should not be dried in the dryer, as this will shrink the cashmere and wool fibres.

Instead, after washing the garment, use a towel to carefully squeeze out all excess water until the garment is damp. Reshape and place on a dry towel in a dark and dry area or on top of a drying rack. Cashmere will take time to dry, so make sure you allow plenty of time for the garment to dry before needing to wear it.

 

How to Store Cashmere

 

Knitwear should be folded and stored flat, never stored on a hanger as this will cause stretching and the garment will grow out of shape. When packing your knitwear away for the summer season, ensure they are freshly washed and dried completely. Do NOT pack away if they are slightly damp. Pack your knitwear in an airtight sealed container away from direct sunlight. For extra protection from moths, we recommend using a moth repellent.

 

Tips & Tricks for Caring for Cashmere

 

Pilling

If you're finding that your garments are pilling, that is, little balls on the surface of the garment caused by rubbing during wear, there are a few ways to help remove them. Some ways to help prevent pilling include:

  • Turn your garments inside out when washing. After your garments have been washed a few times their fibres will strengthen, which will lessen the pilling.
  • Use a razor to remove excess pilling. Be extremely careful with this method and use a light hand, as to not snag the threads.
  • Use an electronic fabric shaver to remove pilling. Lay on a flat surface and in circular motions, use a light hand to remove the pilling so as to not snag the threads.

 

Ironing

It is very important to read the care label on your knitwear to determine the ironing instructions. If you can iron your cashmere garment then follow these instructions:

  • Set the iron on the wool setting or medium.
  • Lay the garment flat and reshape gently by hand.
  • Spray the garment with a little water before applying the iron to the garment surface. You can also use the steam function and apply steam to the garment instead.
  • Use a very light hand and small amounts of pressure to iron the garment. Too much pressure and heat can lead to scorching or the surface becoming shiny.
  • After ironing, lay the garment flat to cool for 5 minutes before folding and storing as this will create further crease lines.
  • If you're not comfortable ironing your garment, try using a steamer instead to remove wrinkles. Steam is a lot less harsh on the fibres as it fluffs the fabric. It also acts as a natural refresher as an added bonus.

 

Removing Stains from Cashmere

If you can, remove the garment as soon as you notice the stain and wash, as this will help prevent any permanent staining.

  • Dab the area with a solvent-based stain remover or eucalyptus oil, applying a small amount at a time and working inwards to avoid spreading. Make sure to dab the area. DO NOT scrub, pull, or use a scrub brush on the stain.
  • Rinse the treated area with cold water and then wash as per washing instructions. Ensure to always try a test patch on the garment before attempting to remove a stain.

 

Repairing Holes & Snags in Cashmere Knitwear

 

Prevention is always the best approach to maintaining your knitwear. We highly recommend removing jewellery before dressing to avoid catching the delicate yarns. Please note that pulls caused by external factors like belts, zippers or bags are not considered a manufacturing fault. If you have received your CABLE garment with a hole or snags, please contact us on (03) 9827 7527 or info@cablemelbourne.com and we will organise an assessment of the garment to get repaired or replaced.

Taking the time to properly learn how to wash cashmere ensures your cherished pieces remain soft and vibrant for years to come. By adopting these gentle washing, drying and storage habits, you will protect the integrity of the fibres and extend the life of your wardrobe. Embrace the process of caring for your garments, and they will continue to provide warmth and comfort season after season.

Frequently Asked Questions

You only need to wash these garments after several wears. Washing too frequently can strip the natural oils from the fibres. Between washes, you can air your knitwear outdoors in a shaded spot to refresh it.

Provided you take the correct precautions, you can machine wash cashmere. Always use a mesh laundry bag, select a cold delicates or wool cycle, and ensure the machine is set to a gentle spin or no spin at all.

Cashmere fibres are highly sensitive to heat and agitation, meaning the fabric will shrink if exposed to hot water, a tumble dryer or direct sunlight. Always stick to cold water and lay your items flat to dry in a cool area.

Pilling happens when shorter fibres rub together during normal wear, causing tiny balls of fuzz to form on the surface. This is a completely natural process for natural wools and can be easily managed with a gentle fabric comb.

While severe shrinkage is permanent, slightly shrunk garments can sometimes be relaxed. Soak the item in cold water with a gentle wool wash or baby shampoo, then carefully stretch and pin the fabric back to its original shape on a towel while it dries flat.