How to Wash Cashmere Sweaters at Home (the Right Way)

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Cashmere is gorgeous and iconic—and a little high-maintenance. Beloved for its buttery softness and lightweight warmth, this material makes the perfect sweater, scarf, or winter go-to. But with great luxury comes great laundry anxiety, and figuring out how to wash cashmere sweaters can feel challenging, to say the least. The good news? It’s easier than you might think. 

This guide breaks down how to wash cashmere wool so you can care for and extend the life of your favorite cashmere pieces—without racking up a big dry cleaning bill. Whether you’re freshening up an everyday pullover or preserving a vintage gem, we’ve got you and your garments covered.

What is cashmere?

Cashmere is nature’s way of proving luxury can be featherlight. Harvested from the undercoat of goats native to Central Asia, this ultra-fine material is softer, warmer, and more insulating than traditional wool. But while it looks effortlessly elegant and feels as comforting as a warm hug, cashmere’s supreme softness comes with a catch—improper care can cause stretching, shrinking, and pilling. Cashmere is also sensitive to heat, agitation, and harsh detergents, making it vital to treat each garment well. 

To sustainably update your wardrobe with luxe layers, thrift them on ThredUp. We offer a curated selection of secondhand cashmere pieces of all shapes and sizes. And if you’re learning to care more intentionally for your pieces, consider detoxing your non-cashmere clothes, too. 

What to keep in mind when cleaning cashmere at home 

Before you dive into learning how to wash cashmere wool sweaters, keep these essential tips in mind:

• Measure before washing: Use a tape measure to record the dimensions of your cashmere wool sweater, including the chest width, sleeve length, and overall length. This helps you reshape the garment accurately after washing, preserving its original fit.
• Choose the right detergent: Opt for a gentle detergent designed for delicate fabrics. You can even use a mild baby shampoo. Avoid regular laundry detergents, which are often too harsh for cashmere fibers. 
• Use cold water: Always wash cashmere in cold water, whether hand-washing or using a washing machine. The right water temperature prevents shrinking, maintains softness, and avoids potential damage from high heat.
• Handle with care: Cashmere is delicate, so always handle the sweater gently during washing. Avoid wringing or twisting, and be mindful of how you dry the garment to prevent damage or stretching. 

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How to wash cashmere by hand: 3 steps 

If you want to avoid the dry cleaners, hand-washing your cashmere sweater is the gold standard for preserving its softness and shape. Follow these steps to hand-wash cashmere correctly:

1. Prepare the wash: Fill a clean sink or basin with cold water. Add a small amount of baby shampoo or a gentle detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics, like The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo.
2. Swirl and soak the cashmere sweater: Submerge the cashmere garment in the water, gently hand-wash it for 30 seconds, and let it soak for up to 30 minutes. Avoid rubbing or wringing the cashmere, which can damage the delicate fibers.
3. Rinse the cashmere sweater thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cold water. Swish the cashmere sweater gently to remove any remaining detergent. Repeat this step until no more soap comes out of the fabric. You can also rinse the cashmere sweater gently using cold water from the faucet. 

Can you wash cashmere in the washing machine? 

It’s possible to wash cashmere wool safely even if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience of a washing machine. Protect your cashmere sweater’s softness and shape with these tips: 

• Use a mesh laundry bag: Before placing your cashmere garment in the washing machine, put it inside a mesh bag. This minimizes friction and prevents stretching during the wash cycle. 
• Choose the delicate cycle with cold water: With cold water selected, set your washing machine to the delicate or wool cycle. This gentle setting helps preserve the sweater’s delicate fibers. 
• Add a mild laundry detergent: Add one of the specially formulated detergents we mentioned to the washing machine. These special soaps gently clean the cashmere without stripping its natural oils. 
• Skip the spin cycle: Promptly remove the cashmere sweater from the washer to prevent creasing and damage, then lay it flat on a clean towel to dry. 

Caring for cashmere sweaters 

Spot-treating your cashmere wool sweater is a smart way to address minor stains without committing to a full wash or a trip to the dry cleaners. Here are three ways to do it gently and effectively: 

• Blot, don’t rub: When a spill happens, act quickly. Use a clean, light-colored cloth dampened with cold water to gently blot the stain on your cashmere sweater. Avoid rubbing, which can cause damage. 
• Apply a mild detergent: Dilute a small amount of cashmere wool detergent or baby shampoo in cold water. Dab the solution onto the stained area of the cashmere sweater using a soft cloth. Let the detergent sit for a few minutes to break down the stain. 
• Remove residual soap: Dampen another clean cloth with cold water and gently blot the area to remove any soap residue. 

How to dry a cashmere sweater 

Drying your cashmere sweater correctly is just as crucial as washing it—improper drying can lead to shrinkage, distortion, and loss of softness. Remember these tips when it’s time to dry your cashmere sweater: 

• Avoid the dryer: Never put cashmere in a tumble dryer. The heat can cause irreversible shrinkage and damage.
• Lay flat to dry: Gently press out the excess cold water and lay the cashmere garment flat on a clean, dry towel. Reshape it to its original dimensions, smoothing any wrinkles and aligning the seams. 
• Air dry away from heat: Place the cashmere sweater in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators. This prevents fading and maintains the integrity of the cashmere wool.

Find preloved cashmere sweaters on ThredUp

Caring for your cashmere sweater doesn't have to be complicated. With the proper techniques, from gentle hand-washing and detergents to reshaping on a dry towel, you can help your cashmere sweaters stay soft and structured. 

Looking to update your closet or give your preloved pieces a second life? ThredUp is your go-to for buying and selling secondhand clothing online, including high-quality cashmere sweaters for every budget in every size and style. And thanks to Repaired by ThredUp, you can thrift restored items that have been expertly mended, extending the life of unique garments while keeping them out of landfills. 

Whether browsing for a new-to-you cashmere sweater or planning to upcycle your damaged clothes, ThredUp makes it easy to thrift smarter. You’ll save money, support sustainability, and uncover fabulous finds all in one place. 

FAQs

What’s the best soap for hand-washing cashmere?

Hand-wash cashmere wool with a mild, no-rinse detergent formulated for delicate materials. Good brands include Soak Laundry Rinse, Eucalan Delicate Wash, and The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo. 

Does cashmere get ruined by water?

No, it’s safe to wash cashmere with cold water. The key is handling it gently and avoiding excessive heat and agitation.

How often should you wash cashmere sweaters?

You don’t need to wash cashmere after every wear. Thanks to the fabric’s natural odor-resistance, a cashmere sweater can handle three or four wears between washes. Over-washing cashmere wears down the fibers and reduces softness, so refresh your garment with a gentle spray or short air-out in between. 

Can you sun-dry cashmere sweaters?

When it comes to cashmere sweaters, sunshine is not your friend. Direct heat can fade and weaken cashmere. Instead, roll your sweater in a dry towel to absorb moisture, then lay it flat in a shaded spot to air dry.

How do you store cashmere sweaters?

Store cashmere sweaters in a clean, dry place. Skip hangers—instead, fold and place your cashmere sweater in a breathable bag with cedar blocks to repel moths. This storage technique keeps the fabric fresh while protecting the garment.

When should you take cashmere sweaters to a professional?

Got a stubborn stain or a stretched-out wool sweater? Skip the DIY and head to a pro. Dry cleaning specialists know how to treat delicate cashmere without damage. 

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