How to wash
How to wash cashmere
Cashmere can be washed more often than people think: clean fibres pill less and last longer. What matters: cool water, no rubbing, and drying flat.
Wash at 30 °C, very mild cycleDo not bleachDo not tumble dryDry flatIron on low (up to 110 °C)Dry clean (P)
Always follow your garment's own label – it beats any general advice.
By hand (safest)
- Fill a basin with cool water, up to 30 °C, and add a spoonful of wool or cashmere detergent (or a mild shampoo).
- Turn the sweater inside out, submerge it and leave it for 10 minutes. Squeeze gently – don't rub.
- Rinse in water of the same temperature – a sudden change felts the fibres.
- Roll it in a dry towel to press the water out. Don't wring.
In the machine
- Only if the label shows a tub with two bars. 'Wool' / 'Cashmere' cycle, 30 °C, spin 400–600 rpm.
- In a mesh bag, with similar items only, half a drum.
Drying and storage
- Lay it flat on a dry towel, shape it, and keep it away from radiators and sun.
- Store folded, not on a hanger. Remove pills with a cashmere comb or stone.
Common mistakes
- Biological (enzyme) detergents – they break down protein fibres.
- Fabric softener – cashmere is soft already; softener just weighs it down.
- The dryer – even on low it can shrink a size.
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
Got the whole label?
Pick all its symbols and get the washer, dryer and iron settings in one place.
Decode the labelPrintable symbol chart →01How often should I wash cashmere?
A sweater worn over a top – every 4–6 wears; worn next to the skin – more often. Air it between washes.
02Can cashmere be dry-cleaned?
Yes, if there's a P symbol, but frequent dry cleaning dries the fibre out. Gentle hand washing is usually better for cashmere.
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