"Cashmere Care 101: Washing and Maintenance Tips"
What is cashmere ?
Cashmere is a luxurious fiber sourced from the soft undercoat of specific goat breeds native to Central Asia. This natural material, part of the wool family, is prized for its incredible softness, warmth, and durability, making it a favorite for high-quality clothing and textiles. Since it’s an animal-derived fiber, cashmere requires special care to maintain its premium feel and longevity. With proper maintenance, cashmere clothing can stay beautiful and wearable for many years, making it a worthwhile investment for any wardrobe.
How often should you wash cashmere clothes ?
GOOD NEWS : cashmere clothes don’t need frequent washing — just twice a season is generally enough to keep them fresh. Washing after every use or over-relying on dry cleaning can weaken the delicate fibers and shorten their lifespan.
Between washes, simply airing out your cashmere is often enough to keep it fresh and clean. This gentle practice helps reduce the need for frequent washing while preserving the natural softness and structure of the fabric.
While the frequency of washing is a personal choice, you can easily wear your cashmere 5 to 10 times before cleaning.
How to hand wash cashmere clothes ?
Caring for cashmere starts with preserving its natural oils, which give it that irresistibly soft and cozy feel. Washing cashmere at home is easy, and with a little care, your clothes will look and feel amazing for years to come.
Note : It's normal for some dye to release from cashmere knits during the first wash. This is just the yarn dye releasing excess color and won't affect the overall shade of your garment.
Step 1 : Prepare the water
Fill a clean sink, tub, or basin with cool or lukewarm water (not icy, and not over 30°C/86°F). Add a small amount of a specially formulated cashmere detergent. If you don’t have any on hand, a mild baby shampoo works just as well, as cashmere is technically hair! Do not use fabric softener!
Step 2 : Submerge your clothes
Inside out is a must for washing cashmere. Gently place your cashmere piece in the water, keeping colors separate to avoid color transfer. As we said, for dyed items, some slight color release is normal, so don’t panic—it won’t affect the overall shade of your garment.
Step 3 : Swirl and soak
Move your garment gently in the water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then let it soak for around 10 to 20 minutes. Avoid soaking for longer than 30 minutes to protect the fibers.
Step 4 : Rinse carefully
Drain the water and rinse your cashmere clothes with clean, cool water. NEVER wring out your cashmere! Instead, gently press the water out using your hands or against the sink.
How to dry cashmere clothes ?
Shape and lay flat
After washing, gently reshape your cashmere piece to its original form.
Don't hang ! The water weight can stretch it out of shape.
Air drying
Lay your cashmere item flat on a drying rack or clean towel, ensuring it’s in its natural shape. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators, which can shrink or damage the fibers.
Quick drying tip
For faster drying, lay your garment flat on a towel and roll it up like a sleeping bag. Press gently to remove excess water, then unroll and let it air dry.
Ironing cashmere : What you need to know
Avoid letting a hot iron touch the delicate cashmere fibers directly, as it can cause damage. To protect the fabric, place a damp cotton cloth as a barrier before ironing. This helps maintain the softness and texture of the wool.
If you're using a steam iron, keep your cashmere blanket or sweater at a safe distance from the steam to prevent any harm.
Dealing with wrinkles and pills
Wrinkles
If your clothes are wrinkled after washing, use a handheld steamer to gently release the creases.
Pills
Pilling, or the small balls of fluff that appear on cashmere, is caused by natural friction. It’s unavoidable but easy to fix! Use a cashmere comb, fabric shaver or sweater stone to remove the pills and keep your cashmere looking fresh and smooth.
How to store cashmere clothes ?
Proper storage is essential for preserving the shape and quality of cashmere, especially during the off-season. Fold, don’t hang ! Always fold cashmere items instead of hanging them. Hanging can stretch out the fibers and leave awkward shoulder bumps.
Breathable storage solutions
Store cashmere pieces in breathable cotton bags rather than plastic bins. Cotton bags protect against pests like moths while allowing airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
When to visit a professional ?
Hand washing is best for routine care, but there are times when professional help is necessary. Save dry cleaning for emergencies, such as tough stains, heavy embellishments, or persistent odors.
Keep in mind that regular dry cleaning can damage cashmere due to harsh chemicals, so use it sparingly. If your cashmere item has decorative trims, beads, or pearls, or if hand washing hasn’t removed a lingering odor, consult a trusted dry cleaner to ensure safe and effective care.
Keep in mind that regular dry cleaning can damage cashmere due to harsh chemicals, so use it sparingly. If your cashmere item has decorative trims, beads, or pearls, or if hand washing hasn’t removed a lingering odor, consult a trusted dry cleaner to ensure safe and effective care.
By following these simple tips, you’ll ensure your cashmere clothing stays as soft, luxurious, and timeless as the day you bought it.
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