How to Wash Cashmere Without Ruining It
Cashmere season is officially here.
That means your favorite sweaters are coming out of the back of the closet and into heavy rotation. But before you toss that cashmere sweater into the washing machine, pause.
Cashmere is soft because its fibers are delicate. Treat them the wrong way and you can end up with a sweater that's smaller, rougher, or completely different from the one you started with.
Here's how to care for cashmere without ruining it.
Start With the Care Label
Always check the care label first.
Some cashmere can be hand washed. Others are labeled dry clean only. Designer pieces may also have special construction or embellishments that require professional care.
The label isn't a suggestion. It's your starting point.
If Your Cashmere Can Be Hand Washed
Use cool water.
Fill a clean basin with cool water and add a small amount of gentle detergent designed for delicate fabrics.
Place the sweater in the water and gently move it around.
The key word is gently.
Don't scrub. Don't twist. Don't aggressively rub the fabric together.
Cashmere fibers can be damaged by friction.
Don't Wring It Out
This is one of the biggest mistakes people make.
After rinsing, never twist a cashmere sweater to squeeze out the water.
Instead, gently press out excess water and lay the sweater flat on a clean towel. You can also roll the towel around the sweater and gently press to absorb moisture.
Never Put Cashmere in the Dryer
Heat and cashmere are not a great combination.
The dryer can cause cashmere to shrink, felt, stretch, or lose its original shape.
Lay the sweater flat to dry and reshape it while it's damp.
Don't hang it while wet. The weight of the water can stretch the shoulders and body.
Don't Wash Cashmere After Every Wear
Your cashmere sweater doesn't necessarily need to be washed every time you wear it.
If there's no stain, sweat, or noticeable odor, let it air out before folding it away.
Overwashing can put unnecessary stress on delicate fibers.
How to Deal With Pilling
Pilling doesn't mean your cashmere is ruined.
Those small balls of fiber form naturally from friction, particularly around areas like the underarms and sides of the sweater.
A cashmere comb can help remove them. Work slowly and gently rather than repeatedly scraping the same area.
What About Stains?
Act quickly, but don't panic.
Avoid aggressively scrubbing a stain or reaching for a strong household cleaner. You could spread the stain or damage the fibers.
For valuable cashmere or difficult stains, professional garment care is often the safer option.
When to Leave It to a Professional
If the care label says dry clean only, follow it.
You should also consider professional cleaning for expensive cashmere, vintage pieces, heavily embellished garments, or anything with a stain you're unsure how to treat.
When you've invested in a beautiful piece, experimenting with it isn't always worth the risk.
The Bottom Line
Cashmere doesn't need complicated care.
It needs gentle care.
Check the label, avoid heat, don't wring it, dry it flat, and don't overwash it.
And when you're dealing with a piece you really don't want to risk, professional garment care can help keep it looking beautiful season after season.
Your favorite cashmere deserves better than a spin cycle.
Need professional care for your wardrobe? Contact JULIETTE. Text us at (315) 284-5689 to request your first laundry or dry cleaning pickup.