How to Wash Cashmere So It Stays Soft and Luxurious
Cashmere is the epitome of luxury. This incredibly soft and lightweight fiber, harvested from the fine undercoat of cashmere goats, makes for some of the most comfortable and elegant sweaters, scarves, and blankets. Given its premium quality and price point, the thought of washing it at home can be intimidating. Many owners relegate their prized cashmere pieces to the “dry clean only” pile out of fear of shrinking, stretching, or ruining the delicate material.
The good news is that you can safely wash most cashmere items at home. In fact, with the right technique, hand-washing can be gentler and more effective than dry cleaning, which often uses harsh chemicals that can strip the natural oils from the fibers over time.
This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about how to wash cashmere, from preparing your garment to drying it properly, ensuring your favorite pieces remain wonderfully soft for years to come.
Before You Wash: Read the Label
Your first step should always be to check the garment’s care label. While most pure cashmere can be hand-washed, some items may be blended with other materials like silk or wool, which could have different care requirements. The label will provide specific instructions from the manufacturer. If it says “Dry Clean Only,” proceeding with a home wash comes with some risk. However, if it says “Dry Clean,” it’s usually just a recommendation, and hand-washing is often a safe alternative.
The Best Method: Hand-Washing Cashmere
Hand-washing is the gentlest and most recommended method for cleaning cashmere. It gives you complete control over the process, minimizing the risk of damage.
What You’ll Need:
- A clean sink or basin
- Lukewarm water (around 85°F or 30°C)
- A gentle, pH-neutral detergent (cashmere shampoo or baby shampoo works well)
- Clean, dry towels
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Washing Station
Fill a clean sink or basin with lukewarm water. Hot water can cause the delicate fibers to shrink and felt, while cold water may not be as effective at cleaning. Add a small amount of your chosen gentle detergent and swish it around to create a soft, sudsy solution. Avoid using regular laundry detergents or fabric softeners, as they can be too harsh and may coat the fibers, reducing their softness.
2. Submerge and Soak
Turn your cashmere garment inside out to protect the outer surface. Gently submerge it in the soapy water, pressing down lightly to ensure it is fully saturated. Let it soak for about 20-30 minutes. This allows the detergent to work its magic without any aggressive scrubbing. Avoid twisting or wringing the fabric, as this can stretch the delicate fibers.
3. Rinse Thoroughly
After soaking, carefully lift the garment from the soapy water. Support its weight so it doesn’t stretch. Drain the sink and refill it with clean, lukewarm water. Gently press the cashmere against the side of the basin to squeeze out the suds, then submerge it in the clean water to rinse. Repeat this process until all the soap is gone and the water runs clear.
4. Remove Excess Water
Never wring out your cashmere. This is the fastest way to distort its shape. Instead, gently squeeze the water out by balling the garment up. Then, lay it flat on a thick, clean towel. Roll the towel up with the garment inside, pressing firmly to absorb as much moisture as possible. You may need to do this with a second dry towel if the item is particularly saturated.
Can You Machine-Wash Cashmere?
While hand-washing is ideal, some high-quality washing machines offer a delicate or hand-wash cycle that can be suitable for cashmere. This method should be used with caution and only for garments you are not overly concerned about.
How to Machine-Wash Safely:
- Use a Mesh Bag: Place your cashmere item inside out in a mesh laundry bag. This protects it from snagging and excessive agitation.
- Select the Right Cycle: Choose the most delicate cycle available, such as “hand wash,” “wool,” or “delicate.” Ensure the water temperature is set to cold.
- Use Gentle Detergent: Add a small amount of cashmere-safe shampoo or a mild, pH-neutral detergent.
- Set a Low Spin: Select the lowest possible spin speed to minimize stress on the fibers.
- Remove Promptly: Take the garment out of the machine as soon as the cycle finishes to prevent wrinkles from setting in.
The Crucial Final Step: Drying Your Cashmere
How you dry your cashmere is just as important as how you wash it. Never put cashmere in a dryer, as the high heat will cause it to shrink and felt. Also, never hang it to dry, as the weight of the water will stretch the garment out of shape.
The correct way to dry cashmere is to lay it flat.
- After removing excess water with a towel, find a flat surface away from direct sunlight or heat.
- Lay a fresh, dry towel down and place your cashmere garment on top of it.
- Reshape the garment to its original dimensions, gently patting the sides, straightening the sleeves, and aligning the collar.
- Let it air dry completely. This may take 24-48 hours. You can flip it over once the top side feels dry to ensure even drying.
When Professional Help is the Best Choice
While knowing how to wash cashmere at home is an excellent skill, there are times when it’s best to trust the professionals. For heavily soiled items, precious heirloom pieces, or structured garments like cashmere coats, a professional touch is invaluable. They have the expertise to handle tough stains and complex items without compromising the fabric’s integrity.
At Instacare, we connect you with trusted laundry and dry cleaning experts who understand the delicate nature of luxury fabrics. If you’re not comfortable with a DIY approach or simply want the peace of mind that comes with professional care, we are here to help.
By visiting https://instacare.ae/, you can easily find premier cleaning services committed to preserving the life and beauty of your most cherished garments.
With the right care, your cashmere can provide warmth and comfort for a lifetime. A little bit of gentle handling is all it takes to maintain its luxurious feel and timeless elegance.
