We all know that cashmere clothing is a good investment and usually worth the price. As they are made with luxurious and soft materials, it indeed takes some effort to wash and care for them. It can last for years and you could actually pass it down to your children if you take care of it properly.

There are many brands and experts trying to explain how to wash your cashmere sweater in different ways, recommending various products and tools. I’m no expert, but from my research as well as my experience, I will explain how to properly wash and store your cashmere clothing in the simplest possible way. The process of washing is no easy one, so I don’t want to make it worse by suggesting you do a complicated 10-step guide.

Before getting into the washing process, please make sure to read the care label on your clothes. Some cashmere products differ depending on the content of particular fibers. If your clothing requires only dry-cleaning, then you can’t machine or hand wash it. But no worries, most cashmere clothes can be washed by one or both methods. At the end of the article, you will find some additional caring tips for your cashmere to last longer.

Related: What is Cashmere? Why is Mongolian Cashmere Unique?

How to handwash

Handwashing is the safest way to clean your cashmere. However, since you are dealing with soft and delicate clothing, make sure to be gentle in every step of the process. Follow the steps below:

1. Fill a basin with cold water. Then add a mild detergent or shampoo. It’s better if you have a Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, but if you don’t have it, no worries. Wool and cashmere are hair, so you can use baby shampoo to wash them.
2. Then submerge it and gently swirl it around before letting it soak for 15-30 minutes.
3. Next, pour the dirty water and rinse it with clean, cool water.
4. Do not wring your cashmere. You will most likely deform your sweater by stretching it. So gently squeeze it into a ball to get the excess water out.
5. The last step is the drying process. I wouldn’t recommend machine drying as it could damage your sweater. Instead, place the clothing on a dry towel and reshape it into its natural shape. You can also put it on a drying rack. But never hang it to dry!

How to machine wash

Even though handwashing is the most recommended and the safest way to wash your cashmere clothing, you can still use a washing machine (if you’re a lazy person like me). But just to be safe, check the label again and see if machine washing is possible. Don’t forget:

1. Select the delicate setting on your washing machine. Make sure the water temperature and spin are on the lowest settings.
2. Before washing it, put your clothing in a mesh washing bag. Putting it in a mesh bag prevents any agitation or friction that could happen in the machine. Also, it can help avoid any stretches.
3. As for detergents, it is the same as handwashing. You can use Wool & Cashmere Shampoo if available, or any type of mild detergent and shampoos are also allowable.
4. The drying process is also similar to the one I’ve mentioned above.

How to store your cashmere products

Storing your cashmere is a major part of the caring process, so there are some basics you must know.

• Never hang your cashmere sweaters because hanging will stretch them out of shape, especially around the shoulder area.
• Cashmere and wool must be folded in a drawer or shelf to be stored.
• If you’re putting your cashmere clothing away for a season, put it in a breathable bag with cotton or linen materials. A plastic bag won’t allow your cashmere to breathe and causes smell and sweat. So it is also important to clean your cashmere before storing it for a longer period. Don’t forget to put them in a dry, cool place!
• To prevent moths, store in bags with proper seals like zipping.

Additional Caring Tips

• Don’t wash too often.
• Don’t wear your cashmere every day. Give it a rest for 2-3 days after wearing.
• Never wash your cashmere at temperatures higher than 20°C.
• Never dry a washed sweater in direct sunlight as unexpected changes could occur in the fibers.
• Cashmere products don’t have to be ironed.
• Follow specific instructions if you need to repair any damages in your cashmere.