Cashmere is a little bit magical, isn’t it? Feather-light, cloud-soft, unbelievably warm, and somehow elegant even when you’re just wearing jeans. It’s the kind of fabric you instinctively treat with reverence, because it just feels so rare, refined, and worth protecting.
So, naturally, owning cashmere also comes with unique pressures: what if one wrong wash turns your investment piece into a fuzzy, misshapen mystery? How do you keep something so soft looking structured, polished, and luxe year after year?
Time to remove all the guesswork. Here’s how to wash, store, and maintain cashmere so it stays exquisite and chic for all the seasons to come.
Read More: The Complete Guide to Washing Wool
Why Cashmere is So Delicate
Cashmere fibers come from the soft, downy undercoat of the cashmere goat. They’re ultrafine, delicate, and naturally elastic. Unfortunately, they can also:
- Shrink when exposed to heat
- Stretch under their own weight
- Felt when agitated
- Pill with friction
- Absorb oils and odors more quickly than wool
This means regular laundry rules don’t apply. Cashmere thrives with gentleness, low heat, minimal movement, and well-thought-out storage.
How to Safely Wash Cashmere at Home
It’s often best to dry clean sensitive materials like cashmere. Always consult your garment’s care tag to ensure whatever you want to wash isn’t “dry clean only.” If you’ve decided it’s safe to clean your cashmere clothing yourself, gentle hand washing is the best way to go.
1. Prepare a Gentle Wash Bath
Use a clean basin filled with cool water and a detergent made specifically for wool/cashmere. Standard detergent or anything with enzymes can weaken the fibers.
2. Submerge Without Scrubbing
Gently press the sweater into the water. Let it soak for 5–10 minutes. No wringing, twisting, or rubbing, since cashmere felts and pills easily with friction.
3. Rinse Carefully
Drain and refill with cool water, then gently press (don’t wring) the garment to release soap. Repeat until the water runs clear.
4. Remove Water Without Stretching
Lay the piece on a towel, roll it up like a sushi mat, and lightly press to remove excess water.
5. Reshape Immediately
Cashmere remembers how it dries, so adjust the neckline, sleeves, and hem gently to their original proportions.
6. Always Dry Flat
Hanging cashmere can stretch it beyond repair. Keep it flat, supported, and away from direct sunlight or heat.
How to Prevent Cashmere Pilling (Or at Least Slow It Down)
Pilling is bound to happen with sensitive types of wool. Cashmere’s tiny fibers naturally migrate to the surface where friction creates soft little bobbles.
To minimize pilling:
- Avoid wearing cashmere under rough jackets, bags, or seatbelts
- Let sweaters “rest” at least a day between wears
- Store folded, never hung
- Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to remove pills gently
- Choose higher-quality cashmere pieces when possible, as their longer fibers pill less
A good sweater stone, comb, or other methods can quickly revive most pilly pieces.
Cashmere Stain Removal
Cashmere should never be treated like cotton or synthetics. Stains need delicate, fast action.
Do:
- Blot (never rub) gently with a clean cloth
- Use cold water only
- Pre-treat with a small amount of wool-safe detergent
- Air dry before you evaluate the stain
Avoid:
- Scrubbing
- Hot water
- Bleach and other chemicals
- Vinegar or baking soda (too harsh for cashmere)
- Throwing it straight in the washer
If the stain is oil-based (makeup, salad dressing, body lotion, etc.) or deep-set, home care may not fully lift it.
Cashmere Storage Tips
Cashmere can last decades when stored properly. The key is avoiding stretching, humidity, and bugs, especially with long-term or off-season storage.
For Everyday Storage:
- Fold, don’t hang
- Store in a breathable cotton bag or drawer
- Keep away from direct heat or sunlight
For Off-Season Storage:
- Clean before storing, since body oils attract fabric pests
- Use airtight, breathable containers (cotton or canvas preferred)
- Lay garments flat, not stacked too heavily
- Add cedar or lavender sachets for natural pest and odor protection (not mothballs)
Well-stored cashmere can look brand new every time it leaves the dresser drawer.
Read More: How to Fold Clothes to Maximize Wardrobe Space
Cashmere vs. Traditional Wool Care: What Makes Cashmere Different?
While both are natural fibers in the same textile family, cashmere is significantly finer, lighter, and more delicate than most wool varieties, including merino.
This means that cashmere:
- Requires more gentle washing
- Should never be hung to dry
- Is more prone to stretching
- Needs softer, specialized detergents
- Benefits more from professional cleaning
Both everyday wool and cashmere make beautiful, comfy garments, but they’re not interchangeable as far as care is concerned.
When to Take Cashmere to a Professional
Cashmere will take care of you if you take care of it. Dependable Cleaners uses advanced, eco-friendly luxury garment cleaning techniques that protect fiber integrity while removing dirt, oils, odors, and stains far more thoroughly than at-home methods.
Professional care is recommended for:
- High-end or heirloom cashmere
- Structured or embellished pieces
- Stains (oil, wine, makeup, protein-based)
- Odors that won’t lift
- Cashmere that has stretched out or lost shape
- Items labeled “Dry Clean Only”
If your cashmere is expensive, sentimental, or simply too important to risk, professional dry cleaning offers next-level cleaning bundled with peace of mind. Plus, Dependable’s same-day service, free pickup & delivery, and convenient 24-hour self-serve kiosks mean we’re ready to tackle any fashion emergency, all on your schedule.
Looking for cashmere care that’s Dependable? Call us today at 303-777-2673, or visit one of our convenient Denver area locations.
