Protect the shape and softness of your cashmere pieces with these tips.
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Fall is officially upon us, which means all the cozy items in our closet will be coming out for the season. We’re talking about putting chunky knits, oversized scarves, and soft sweaters in a constant rotation throughout all the cold months. While we might be warm in our favorite cashmere or wool pullover, frequently wearing a garment leads to the inevitable wash day.
When it comes to cashmere pieces, they’re very delicate and tend to be pricier than your average cotton sweater or scarf. This makes the prospect of having to wash it yourself seem daunting. Thoughts of pulling a pilled cashmere sweater out of the washing machine that you accidentally shrunk two sizes are enough to get any person to run to the dry cleaners. But, as long as you handle your cashmere garments gently, it’s perfectly fine to wash them at home. But, how exactly do you do that?
We tapped Rechelle Balanzat, the founder and CEO of New York-based laundry and dry cleaning service Juliette, to share her tips for how to clean your cashmere properly. Ahead, find a full breakdown on how to wash cashmere.
How Often to Wash Cashmere
Balanzat recommends washing your cashmere after every three to four wears to protect the longevity of your garments. If you wash cashmere too frequently, it can cause damage to the fabric and lead to pilling, stretching, or shrinking.
Concerned about unwanted smells? Not to worry. Balanzat says cashmere is built to withstand a few wears before it requires a trip to the washing machine. “Cashmere is made from the soft undercoat of goats, which naturally resists odors and has moisture-wicking properties,” she explains. “This helps keep it fresh for multiple wears.”
What Is the Safest Way to Wash Cashmere?
You can use multiple washing methods with cashmere, but Balanzat says that handwashing with a gentle detergent is the safest way to clean the delicate fabric. “Machine washing, even on a delicate cycle, can cause damage unless placed in a mesh bag and set to cold water with low spin,” she explains. “Hand washing offers more control and better protects the delicate fibers.”
As for water temperature, Balanzat recommends using cold or lukewarm water “to preserve the softness and longevity of cashmere.” A colder cycle will help prevent shrinking, maintain fiber strength, and reduce pilling. “Cashmere fibers are highly sensitive to temperature changes,” she says. “Hot water can cause the fibers to shrink and lose their natural shape, making the garment look smaller or misshapen.”
How to Hand Wash Cashmere
Forgoing the machine requires a slightly more extensive washing process. Balanzat suggests starting by filling a basin or sink with cool water and adding in your detergent as the container fills. If you’re washing a hefty load or larger cashmere items, you can also use a bathtub.
Once the basin is full, Balanzat says to submerge the cashmere in the water and use your hands to gently swish it around. Drain the basin and refill it with cool water. Submerge the cashmere for a second time and gently move it around in the clean water to rinse out any remaining soap. Continue to repeat this step until no more soap is left.
Then, squeeze out any excess water. “Avoid lifting it when fully saturated to prevent stretching, and never wring it out, as this can damage the delicate fibers,” Balanzat advises. Roll the cashmere in a clean white towel and gently press down on it to absorb any remaining water.
How to Machine Wash Cashmere
Whether you’re running low on time to hand wash or simply prefer to machine wash your clothes, then there are a few steps you need to follow to protect your cashmere.
Balanzat recommends turning your cashmere garments inside out before placing them inside a mesh laundry bag. “This helps prevent agitation and friction, which can lead to pilling,” she says. Then, select a delicate or wool cycle on the machine and set the spin cycle to low. Don’t forget to also use a cold water cycle to prevent any shrinking before adding a gentle detergent of your choice.
How to Dry and Store Cashmere
The way you dry your cashmere is just as important as your washing method. According to Balanzat, the best method for drying your cashmere is laying it flat to dry. “Laying it flat and drying naturally is the gentlest way to preserve the softness and shape of cashmere,” she says.
Balanzat suggests placing your cashmere on a dry towel or a mesh drying rack and gently reshaping it to its original dimensions. She advises to never hang your cashmere to dry as it can distort the shape due to the weight of the water in the fabric. Then, place your cashmere to dry in a cool and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or any heat source to prevent fading or shrinkage. If you’re using the towel drying method, “flip the cashmere over after a few hours to help it dry evenly,” says Balanzat.
As for storage, Balanzat says the best way to protect your cashmere is to keep it in a cool, dry place, such as inside a breathable fabric bag or in drawers. She also suggests folding your cashmere garments instead of hanging them to prevent distortion. If you’re putting your cashmere away for the season, consider adding moth repellants to your storage area to offer even more protection.
How to Spot Clean Cashmere
Spilled on your cashmere sweater after the second wear? Spot cleaning will be your best friend in between washes.
As soon as you notice a stain, Balanzat recommends blotting it with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb any excess liquid. “Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain and damage the fibers,” she says. Then, create a gentle solution by mixing mild detergent with lukewarm water or white vinegar and water for tougher stains. Dab the solution onto the stain, moving from the outer edges of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading. Wet another clean cloth with cold water and blot the stained area to remove excess detergent. Pat dry the area with a towel and lay it flat to dry.
When Should You Dry Clean Cashmere?
In some cases, it may be necessary to send your cashmere to the dry cleaners. Dry cleaning is “a safe and effective option for cleaning delicate cashmere garments, especially if they have tough stains or are heavily soiled,” says Balanzat. “Dry cleaning is particularly recommended for structured items like cashmere coats, lined garments, or pieces with intricate details.” She also recommends dry cleaning a cashmere garment if you wear it frequently and it requires a deep cleaning.