Whether it’s the end of the season and you’re ready to store your cashmere sweaters until next fall and winter, or you just need a good cleaning of your favorite cozy sweater, this guide on how to wash cashmere sweaters is for you. Bringing your cashmere to the dry cleaners is not required either. You can wash your cashmere sweaters carefully at home to save money.
After every fall and winter season, I like to ensure I am storing away my seasonal items freshly washed. That way, when I reach for my beloved coat or sweater once the cool weather returns, I know my wardrobe is ready to go. And washing your cashmere sweaters does require a bit of care!
To ensure you care for the delicate natural fibers of these beautiful pieces in your closet, follow these helpful steps to care for them from washing, to air drying and storing. While this may take some time and a bit of effort, it’s a great way to care for your special cashmere pieces and not have to take them to the dry cleaners. Here’s how to do it.
How To Wash Cashmere Sweaters
These are a few methods you can use to wash your cashmere sweaters at home. Whether you have wool sweaters or cashmere ones, this method works for them both. Extend the life of your sweaters, and freshen them up with these helpful washing methods.
Is It OK To Wash Cashmere Sweaters At Home?
I think this is a question many of us have had at one point or another. Maybe you were thinking about buying a cashmere sweater and notice the tag says “hand wash” and you immediately say nope, not for me. Or it says “dry clean only” which I almost always roll my eyes and say “nope” myself.
But you 100% can wash a cashmere sweater at home and it isn’t as big of a deal as you think. No need to head to the dry cleaners either, you can easily wash your cashmere sweaters at home. While it may be a bit more time consuming, it saves you money and a trip to the dry cleaners. This guide will help give you the steps and confidence to wash your cashmere at home.
How Do You Wash Cashmere Sweaters
You can wash your cashmere a few ways. First at home with the hand wash method. Which just requires some patience and a cashmere-approved detergent. Machine washing is an option, but you must be super careful. Or you can dry clean, but most would recommend avoiding this if possible. Let’s dive into each option.
How To Hand Wash Cashmere Sweaters
Step One
Fill a tub or bucket with lukewarm water. Never use hot water when washing your cashmere. Hot water can harm the sweaters in two ways. First, it can strip the natural oils of the fiber that make them so soft. But it can also shrink the fibers. Lukewarm is best to maintain the integrity of your sweater in both the feel and fit.
Step Two
Add your detergent to the water. You can use gentle baby shampoo, no-rinse detergents like Soak or other handwash delicates-only detergent. The type of detergent you use is in fact, important, so don’t overlook this step!
Step Three
Add your cashmere pieces to the water and swirl them around. There’s no need to agitate the clothing a ton, but a gentle swirl and zhush will do. Let your cashmere sit for 15 minutes to 30 minutes depending on how soiled they may be.
Step Four
Gently squeeze out excess water. Do not run your cashmere pieces under running water. The pressure and force can stretch the fibers. Be gentle by just squeezing out the water, not ringing and twisting, just gently squeezing the fabrics. You can then lay it on a towel and roll the towel up to remove excess water.
Step Five
To dry your sweaters, lay them on a flat drying rack. Be sure to lay the sweater out in its original shape too so take a minute to carefully lay the pieces out. You don’t want it bending or hanging in any way. And never, ever, hang your sweaters to dry, as they will stretch and lose their shape.
How To Machine Wash Cashmere Sweaters
If you’re looking to machine wash your cashmere sweaters and avoid the process of hand washing, this is an option. You can wash your sweaters on a delicate cycle in cold water with a gentle detergent. Place your items in a lingerie bag to protect them and avoid adding anything else to the wash. The less agitation the better for the sweaters. If there’s even a no-spin option in your washing machine, use that.
Just like with handwashing, you’ll want to squeeze out excess water and then lay flat to dry. You can also use Dryel on wool and cashmere, which I have used and really liked. Dryel is an at home “dry clean” option that utilizes your washing machine and steam. It can be a great way to get that dry clean feel at home without the extra hassle.
How Often To Wash Cashmere Sweaters
When it comes to washing your cashmere pieces, it’s best to get a few wears out of them before you do so. This will help maintain the integrity of the fabric and shape. If you can go 3-5 wears before washing, that’s great. If you can go longer, even better. There is no need to wash your cashmere sweaters after every use. Unless you’ve soiled them somehow, you can really get a few wears out of them.
After washing your sweaters, or after several wears, you may notice a bit of pilling. While this is something that can happen, typically the nicer the fabric, the less this should happen. If it does, you can simply use a sweater comb to gently brush off the pills of your sweater. Delicate fabrics require a delicate touch so be gentle when doing this on your nice cashmere. Tighter fabrics can handle a bit more force, but always be careful when using a sweater comb.
How To Store Your Cashmere Sweaters
Once your sweaters are washed, and dried fully, you can store them for later use. Whether you’re doing this at the end of the season, or storing as normal for everyday use, it’s important to ensure your sweaters are stored properly to extend their life.
Store them in a cool, dry place, away from any direct sunlight. Store them in your drawers or in canvas or cotton bags. Plastic bins can work, just make sure they are in a cool and dry place. You’ll want to avoid using anything where moisture can get in and instead opt for good ventilation.
I personally would avoid using vacuum bags to store your clothes. This can sometimes cause dyes to transfer and damage your items (I know this from experience and promptly tossed every vacuum storage bag I owned).
Be cautious to store your sweaters near any velcro or zippers that may pull at the fabric. And you can always add moth deterrants like lavender sachets or cedar to ensure you keep any pests away from your delicate fabrics.
How To Hang Cashmere Sweaters
Lastly, never hang your cashmere sweaters on a hanger. This will cause them to stretch and lose their shape and fit over time. There is a hanger folding technique you can try where you fold the sweater over the top of the hanger. Here’s a step by step video tutorial on how to hang a sweater the right way.
Caring for your clothing helps to extend its life, and also ensures it looks its best for as long as possible. When it comes to investing in pieces like beautiful cashmere, and even denim or coats, properly washing, caring and storing are key. These tips will help you get the most out of your cashmere pieces.
Plus, if you love denim as much as me, you may also want to check out how to care for your jeans here. Which is surprisingly similar to how to wash your cashmere sweaters.
