What is a Cashmere Sweater: With Dry Cleaning & Storage Tips

Cashmere is delicate, one wrong move in washing can ruin its softness or shape. Follow these steps for gentle, at-home washing while keeping the fibers intact.

1. Always Check the Care Label

Before you start, read the care label carefully.
Some cashmere sweaters are labeled “dry clean only,” while others allow gentle hand washing.

If the label allows washing at home, proceed with caution.

2. Hand Wash is Always the Best Option

Hand washing is the safest method for cashmere.
Here’s how to do it the right way:

Step-by-Step: Hand Washing Cashmere

1. Use cold or lukewarm water — never hot.

    

2. Add a small amount of mild detergent (preferably wool or cashmere-specific). You can also use a baby shampoo as an alternative.

    

3. Turn your sweater inside out.

    

4. Soak it for 5–10 minutes gently.

    

5. Swish slowly, avoid rubbing, wringing, or twisting.

    

6. Rinse with cold water until the soap is gone.

    

Pro Tip: Add a teaspoon of white vinegar during the final rinse to remove detergent residue and restore softness.

3. Avoid Machine Washing (Unless It Has a Delicate Setting)

If your washing machine has a “wool” or “hand wash” cycle, you can use it — but carefully.

• Place the sweater in a mesh laundry bag.

   

• Use cold water and a gentle detergent.

   

• Skip the spin cycle or keep it extremely short.

   

Still, hand washing is always safer to preserve your sweater’s texture and fit.

Read More: How to wash sweaters at home