Wash Cashmere by Hand: Quick Guide
The 6-Step Process
Hand washing cashmere is simpler than most guides make it sound. Six steps, 15 minutes of active work, and your sweater comes out clean without any risk of shrinkage or damage.
Step 1: Fill a Basin With Cold Water
Use any clean container — a sink, a bucket, a plastic tub. Fill with cold water, 30°C (86°F) max. Add one teaspoon of cashmere detergent or baby shampoo. Swirl to dissolve.
Step 2: Submerge the Sweater
Turn inside out first. Lower the sweater into the water gently. Press down until fully submerged. Do not drop it in or bunch it up.
Step 3: Soak for 20 Minutes
Leave it alone. Press down gently a few times if you want, but no rubbing, scrubbing, twisting, or wringing. The detergent does the work over time — friction just damages the fibers.
Step 4: Rinse
Lift the sweater out by scooping from underneath (support the full weight). Drain the water. Refill with fresh cold water. Submerge and press gently. Repeat until the water runs clear — usually 2-3 rinses.
Step 5: Remove Water
Lay the sweater on a clean towel. Roll the towel and sweater together. Press firmly to squeeze water into the towel. Unroll. Repeat with a dry towel if needed. Never wring or twist.
Step 6: Dry Flat
Lay on a fresh dry towel. Reshape to original dimensions — smooth the shoulders, align the seams, pull gently to correct length. Flip once during drying. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Takes 12-24 hours.
The Cheat Sheet
| Do | Do Not |
|---|---|
| Use cold water | Use warm or hot water |
| Use cashmere/wool detergent or baby shampoo | Use regular laundry detergent |
| Soak and press gently | Rub, scrub, twist, or wring |
| Press water out in a towel | Wring the sweater out |
| Dry flat on a towel | Hang to dry or tumble dry |
| Reshape while damp | Skip reshaping and hope for the best |
| Wash every 3-5 wears | Wash after every single wear |
Detergent Options
Best: Dedicated cashmere or wool detergent (The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, Eucalan, Soak). These are pH-neutral and enzyme-free.
Good substitute: Baby shampoo. Same gentle pH, widely available, inexpensive.
Emergency only: A tiny drop of mild dish soap. Will work in a pinch but can strip some natural oils.
Never: Standard laundry detergent (enzymes damage protein fibers). Fabric softener (coats and dulls fibers). Bleach (destroys the fiber permanently).
Common Questions Answered Briefly
How often? Every 3-5 wears. Air overnight between wears. Spot clean stains instead of full washes when possible.
How long to soak? 20 minutes minimum, 30 minutes maximum.
How long to dry? 12-24 hours flat at room temperature.
Can I speed up drying? A fan pointed from a distance is safe. A hairdryer or radiator is not.
What if it shrinks? Re-wet, stretch gently to original dimensions, pin flat, and dry under tension. See our unshrinking guide.
Is hand washing better than dry cleaning? For sweaters, yes. Dry cleaning solvents strip natural oils over time. Hand washing preserves them. See our full comparison.