Wash a Cashmere Sweater at Home
You Do Not Need a Dry Cleaner
Most cashmere sweaters can be washed at home with better results than dry cleaning. Dry cleaning solvents strip the natural lanolin oils that keep cashmere soft, and over time the fiber becomes dull and brittle. Home washing with the right technique preserves those oils and keeps the sweater softer for longer.
You have two options: hand washing (safest) and machine washing (convenient, with caveats). Both work. The method you choose depends on the sweater's value and your washing machine's capabilities.
Option 1: Hand Washing (Recommended)
Hand washing gives you complete control over water temperature, agitation, and handling. It is the method recommended by every cashmere brand and textile conservator.
What You Need
- A clean basin, sink, or bucket
- Cold water — 30°C (86°F) or below
- Cashmere detergent, wool wash, or baby shampoo
- Two clean towels
The Process
- Fill the basin with cold water. Add one teaspoon of detergent. Swirl until dissolved.
- Turn the sweater inside out and submerge it gently. Press down until fully covered by water.
- Soak for 20 minutes. You can press the sweater against the basin bottom a few times during soaking. No rubbing, scrubbing, or twisting — ever.
- Rinse. Lift the sweater out by scooping from underneath. Drain the basin. Refill with clean cold water. Submerge and press gently. Repeat until no suds remain — usually 2-3 rinses.
- Remove water. Lay the sweater flat on a dry towel. Roll them together and press firmly. The towel absorbs water through pressure. Repeat with a second towel if needed.
- Dry flat. Lay on a fresh towel. Reshape — smooth shoulders, straighten seams, pull gently to correct length and width. Flip once during drying. Keep away from heat and direct sunlight. Drying takes 12-24 hours.
For the complete hand wash guide with troubleshooting, see our detailed hand washing guide.
Option 2: Machine Washing
Machine washing is safe for cashmere if — and only if — your machine meets these requirements:
- Has a dedicated wool or delicate cycle
- Allows you to set the spin speed to 600 RPM or below
- Uses cold water (30°C or below)
If your machine lacks a wool cycle or you cannot control the spin speed, hand wash instead. A standard gentle cycle with a high spin speed can felt cashmere in one wash.
Machine Wash Steps
- Turn the sweater inside out
- Place in a mesh laundry bag — this prevents the sweater from snagging on the drum or other items
- Select wool/delicate cycle, cold water, low spin (400-600 RPM)
- Add cashmere detergent to the detergent compartment — not directly on the sweater
- Wash alone or with one other delicate item — never in a full load
- Remove immediately when the cycle ends — do not leave sitting wet in the drum
- Dry flat using the same method as hand washing
For machine-specific settings by brand, see our machine washing guide.
Detergent Guide
| Detergent Type | Safe for Cashmere? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cashmere/wool detergent | Yes — best option | pH-neutral, enzyme-free, formulated for protein fibers |
| Baby shampoo | Yes | Gentle, widely available, inexpensive substitute |
| Eucalan / Soak | Yes | No-rinse formulas that save time and reduce handling |
| Regular laundry detergent | No | Contains enzymes that break down protein fibers |
| Fabric softener | No | Coats fibers, reduces softness over time, blocks breathability |
| Dish soap | No | Too harsh — strips natural oils aggressively |
| Bleach | Never | Destroys the fiber permanently |
How Often to Wash
Less than you think. Cashmere does not need washing after every wear — in fact, washing too frequently shortens the fiber's life.
- Over a base layer: Every 5-7 wears
- Against skin: Every 3-4 wears
- Visible stain or odor: Wash now
- Before storage: Always wash first — body oils attract moths
Between washes, air the sweater overnight on a flat surface after wearing. Spot clean isolated stains with a damp cloth and a drop of detergent rather than washing the entire garment.
The Rules That Never Change
- Cold water only. Hot water felts cashmere permanently.
- No agitation. No rubbing, wringing, twisting, or scrubbing wet cashmere.
- Never hang wet cashmere. The water weight stretches the fibers beyond recovery.
- Never tumble dry. The heat and tumbling cause simultaneous shrinkage and felting.
- Always reshape while damp. Cashmere sets its shape as it dries.