You just checked the label on your favorite cashmere sweater and started to wonder—can you really trust your washing machine with something so luxurious? Many cashmere owners face this dilemma, torn between convenience and the fear of ruining a beloved piece.
Knowing whether machine washing your cashmere is safe could save you time, money, and worry. In this article, we’ll deliver a clear answer, walk you through safe washing steps, and share top tips to keep your cashmere looking its best.
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Can I Wash Cashmere in the Washing Machine?
Cashmere is famous for its luxurious softness, warmth, and lightweight feel. But when it comes to cleaning this delicate fabric, many people hesitate: Can you safely wash cashmere in the washing machine, or will it ruin your favorite sweater?
The answer is yes – you can wash cashmere in the washing machine, but you must proceed with caution. It’s all about using the right settings, handling your garment gently, and being mindful of the fabric’s delicate nature. Below, you’ll learn exactly how to machine-wash cashmere without sacrificing its quality, along with care tips, potential pitfalls, and answers to common questions.
Understanding Cashmere: Why Is It So Delicate?
Before diving into the washing process, let’s look at what makes cashmere so special—and so sensitive.
– Cashmere fiber is obtained from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats.
– These fibers are extremely fine, light, and prone to damage from excessive heat, agitation, or chemicals.
– Improper washing can cause cashmere to shrink, lose its shape, or become scratchy.
Because of these characteristics, you should always treat your cashmere pieces more gently than your regular clothes, regardless of the washing method.
Machine-Washing Cashmere: Step-By-Step Guide
If hand-washing sounds intimidating or time-consuming, machine-washing can be a safe alternative—if you follow these steps carefully.
1. Read the Care Label
- Always check your garment’s care label first.
- Some cashmere items may specify “dry clean only” or advise against machine washing.
- If the label allows machine washing—or you’re willing to take a careful approach—move on to the next step.
2. Prepare Your Cashmere Garment
- Turn the garment inside out to reduce friction and pilling.
- Use a mesh laundry bag to protect the fabric from stretching or snagging during the cycle.
- Wash similar colors together to prevent dye transfer.
3. Choose the Right Detergent
- Use a mild, gentle detergent designed for wool or delicates.
- Avoid bleach, fabric softener, or strong detergents—these can damage fibers.
4. Set the Washing Machine Correctly
It’s vital to select the most gentle settings:
– Select the “delicate” or “wool” cycle on your washing machine.
– Use cold water; never use hot or even warm.
– Opt for the shortest cycle possible.
5. Load and Start the Wash
- Place your garment (inside the mesh bag) in the washing machine.
- Add the appropriate amount of gentle detergent.
- Start the cycle.
6. Dry With Care
- Never wring or twist cashmere—it can distort the shape permanently.
- Lay the garment flat on a clean, absorbent towel.
- Roll up the towel gently to remove excess water.
- Then, lay flat to dry on a clean, dry towel or drying rack, reshaping the sweater as needed.
- Avoid hanging: Hanging cashmere can stretch it out of shape.
- Never put cashmere in the tumble dryer.
Benefits of Machine Washing Cashmere
While hand-washing is often recommended, machine washing cashmere offers some advantages if you do it right:
- Convenience: Machine-washing is faster and less labor-intensive.
- Consistency: Using the same gentle cycle each time can be more consistent than variable hand-washing.
- Accessibility: Anyone can do it, even if you’re short on time or can’t hand wash.
However, these benefits hinge on following the proper steps—mistakes can be costly!
The Challenges and Risks
Machine-washing cashmere isn’t without its hazards. Here’s what you need to watch for:
- Shrinkage: Even gentle agitation or a small amount of heat can shrink cashmere.
- Loss of Shape: Machine spinning or stretching can cause your sweater to lose its original shape.
- Pilling: Friction from other clothes or the machine drum may cause surface fuzz (pills) to form.
- Color Bleeding: Washing brights or darks with lights may result in color transfer.
To reduce these risks, always use cold water, a mesh bag, the gentlest cycle, and wash similar items together.
Tips and Best Practices for Cashmere Care
Whether you wash by hand or machine, these insider tips will help your cashmere last for years:
Wash Less Often
- Cashmere doesn’t need frequent washing.
- Air out your sweater after use to minimize washing.
Remove Pills Gently
- Use a cashmere comb or sweater stone to lift pills off gently.
- Avoid scissors, razors, or pulling pills with your hands.
Store Smartly
- Fold cashmere; don’t hang it.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
- Use breathable cotton bags for off-season storage.
- Protect against moths with natural repellents (like cedar blocks).
Spot Clean When Possible
- For small stains, dab gently with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
- Avoid rubbing, which can damage fibers.
Freshen Between Washes
- Let cashmere rest between wears; this helps fibers recover.
- Air out in a shady spot—never in direct sunlight.
Must-Know Machine Washing Do’s and Don’ts
Here’s a cheat sheet for your laundry routine:
Do:
- Use a mesh laundry bag.
- Wash with similarly colored delicate items—never with heavy towels or jeans.
- Select a gentle, short, cold cycle.
Don’t:
- Use regular or strong detergents.
- Use fabric softener (it can coat and weaken fibers).
- Place in the dryer or wring the garment.
- Hang cashmere to dry.
What If You’re Unsure? The Hand Wash Option
If your cashmere is especially precious or the care label warns against machine washing, stick with hand-washing:
- Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of wool detergent.
- Gently immerse the sweater, swish for a few minutes, then soak briefly.
- Rinse with clean cold water.
- Remove excess water gently—don’t wring.
- Dry flat as described above.
Hand-washing remains the safest option for high-value or heirloom pieces.
Special Advice for Storing and Long-Term Care
Keeping cashmere beautiful is about more than just washing. Follow these guidelines for long-lasting luxury:
- Between seasons: Clean cashmere before storing to prevent stains from setting and deter moths.
- Storage: Store sweaters folded in breathable bags, with a cedar block or lavender sachet tucked inside.
- Reviving shape: If your cashmere sweater stretches, reshape it when damp and let it dry flat.
- Ironing: Use a cool iron, always on the reverse side, or steam gently if needed—never apply direct heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you machine wash 100% cashmere sweaters safely?
Yes, most 100% cashmere sweaters can be machine washed if you use a cold, gentle (delicate or wool) cycle, a mesh laundry bag, and a mild detergent. Always check the care label first, and when in doubt, opt for hand washing.
Will washing cashmere in the machine make it shrink or pill?
Cashmere can shrink or develop pilling if not washed correctly in a machine. Avoid hot water, harsh detergents, and machine drying. Always use cold water, gentle cycles, and let your item air dry flat to prevent these issues.
How often should you wash cashmere clothing?
Wash cashmere only when truly necessary—such as after several wears or if it gets dirty. Regular airing out or spot-cleaning is often enough to keep your cashmere fresh between washes.
Can you use regular detergent or fabric softener with cashmere?
It’s best to use detergents formulated for wool or delicates. Regular detergents can be too harsh and strip cashmere of its softness. Skip fabric softener, as it can coat the fibers and affect the feel and appearance of your garment.
Is the dryer ever safe for cashmere items?
No, never use the dryer for cashmere. The heat and tumbling action will damage, shrink, or distort the fibers. Always lay your cashmere flat on a clean towel or drying rack to air dry.
Summary
Washing cashmere doesn’t have to be intimidating. Modern washing machines with delicate cycles make it possible to clean your cashmere at home, saving trips to the dry cleaner. The keys are: be gentle, use the right products and settings, never use heat, and handle the fabric with care. When it doubt, hand washing is the safest route for safeguarding cashmere’s unrivaled softness and beauty.
With these expert steps and tips, you can confidently keep your cashmere cozy and luxurious year after year.