You’ve just invested in a beautiful cashmere sweater—now you’re wondering if tossing it in the washing machine is a recipe for disaster. Cashmere feels luxurious and delicate, which makes caring for it feel daunting.
But what if you could safely machine wash it at home and keep it soft, cozy, and looking new?
This article will guide you through the step-by-step process of machine washing cashmere, share essential tips, and offer expert advice to protect your prized pieces.
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How to Machine Wash Cashmere: A Complete Guide for Lasting Softness
Cashmere is one of the world’s most luxurious and cherished fabrics. Its cloud-soft touch and lightweight warmth make cashmere sweaters, scarves, and throws constant favorites. Yet, when it comes to cleaning cashmere, many people get nervous, especially if machine washing is involved. If you’ve wondered whether you can safely machine wash cashmere—and how to do it without ruining your precious knit—you’re in the right place.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to confidently machine washing your cashmere, along with helpful tips and answers to the most common questions.
Can You Safely Machine Wash Cashmere?
Yes, you can machine wash cashmere—if you do it correctly and with care. While hand washing is generally best for preserving cashmere’s softness and structure, modern washing machines and delicate cycles make it possible to wash cashmere safely at home. It’s all about using the gentlest methods, the right detergent, and taking precautions to avoid stretching, felting, or pilling.
Preparing Your Cashmere for Machine Washing
Before you even touch the wash cycle button, prep your cashmere knits. This will greatly reduce wear and help maintain their luxurious feel.
1. Read the Care Label
- Always check your cashmere item’s care tag.
- Some cashmere blends or special weaves may only allow dry-cleaning or hand washing.
- If the label says “dry clean only,” machine washing can risk permanent damage.
2. Inspect and Treat Stains
- Spot-treat any stains gently with a tiny bit of delicate (wool/cashmere-safe) detergent and cool water.
- Blot—don’t rub—the stain, so as not to spread or embed it deeper into the fabric.
3. Turn Inside Out and Sort Carefully
- Turn your sweater or accessory inside out to protect the soft outer fibers.
- Wash cashmere on its own, or with other similarly soft, gentle items.
4. Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
- Place your cashmere item in a mesh laundry bag.
- This helps prevent snagging, stretching, or rubbing against rougher fabrics and the machine drum.
Step-by-Step: Machine Washing Cashmere
Take it slow and gentle—your cashmere will thank you! Here’s how to safely machine wash your favorite knits:
1. Select the Right Detergent
- Use a specialized cashmere, wool, or other delicate-garment detergent.
- Regular detergents are too harsh and may strip the fibers, cause felting, or lead to fading.
2. Adjust Water Temperature
- Always use cold or lukewarm water (never hot).
- High temperatures can shrink, felt, or deform cashmere beyond repair.
3. Pick the Most Gentle Cycle
- Set your machine to its gentlest wash option—often labeled “delicate,” “hand wash,” or “wool.”
- Reduce the spin speed to the lowest setting to prevent stretching.
4. Wash Only Similar Items Together
- Wash cashmere by itself or with similar delicate items.
- Never combine with coarse fabrics (like jeans or towels) which can cause friction, pilling, or snagging.
5. Brief, Minimal Wash
- Limit washing time to the shortest cycle available.
- The less agitation, the better.
Drying Cashmere: Crucial Steps for Softness and Shape
How you dry cashmere is as important as how you wash it. The wrong method can lead to a misshapen, stiff, or shrunken sweater.
1. Never Use the Dryer
- Heat and tumbling will shrink and ruin cashmere.
2. Remove Excess Water Carefully
- After washing, gently press out excess water (do not wring or twist).
- Lay the item flat on a clean, dry towel.
- Roll the towel with the cashmere inside and gently press to blot out water.
3. Reshape and Lay Flat
- Place the garment on a fresh, dry towel or a mesh drying rack.
- Gently pat it into shape, smoothing out any wrinkles or folds.
- Let it air dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Practical Tips and Best Practices
Take these extra steps for cashmere that stays soft, plush, and beautiful year after year:
- Only wash when necessary. Cashmere doesn’t need frequent washing. Air out between wears and spot-clean minor marks.
- Avoid fabric softeners or bleach. These can damage the fibers and reduce softness.
- De-pill regularly. Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to gently remove tiny fuzz balls (pills) that form with use.
- Store with care. Always store cashmere clean, folded (not hanging, which stretches it), and away from direct sunlight. Using a breathable storage bag protects against dust and pests.
- Protect from moths. Store with cedar chips or lavender sachets to repel wardrobe pests without harsh chemicals.
- Handle while damp. If you need to reshape or gently stretch your sweater, do so while it’s still slightly damp.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
Caring for cashmere isn’t complicated, but common mistakes can lead to avoidable problems. Here’s what to watch out for:
Pilling
- Normal with wear, especially with friction.
- Minimize by washing inside out and storing with soft items.
- Remove pills gently with a cashmere comb after drying.
Shrinking or Felting
- Typically caused by heat, rough agitation, or harsh detergents.
- Always wash with cold water, on a gentle cycle, and use delicate detergents.
Stretching Out
- Don’t hang wet cashmere.
- Always dry flat and reshape promptly after washing.
Color Fading or Bleeding
- Stick with cold water.
- Don’t let damp cashmere sit crumpled; colors may transfer.
The Benefits of Washing Cashmere at Home
There’s no need to trek to the dry cleaner for every wash. Washing cashmere at home, even in the machine, is safe when done properly and offers several advantages:
- Cost-effective: Save on frequent dry-cleaning bills.
- Gentler: No harsh chemicals that can degrade fibers.
- Convenience: Enjoy fresh, soft cashmere whenever you want.
By following proper guidelines, you can enjoy years of comfort and luxury from your cherished cashmere pieces, right from your own laundry room.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I put cashmere in the dryer on low heat?
Never put cashmere in the dryer, even on low or gentle settings. Any amount of heat and tumbling can shrink or distort the fibers. Always lay flat and air dry.
2. What detergent is best for machine washing cashmere?
Use a detergent specifically designed for delicates, wool, or cashmere. These are gentle, pH-balanced, and won’t strip natural oils. Avoid regular detergents, fabric softeners, or bleach.
3. Is it better to hand wash or machine wash cashmere?
Hand washing is usually the gentlest, but careful machine washing on a delicate, cold cycle yields excellent results too. The key is using mesh bags, mild detergent, and gentle handling.
4. How often should I wash my cashmere sweaters?
Wash cashmere only when needed—usually after three to five wears, or when it’s visibly dirty. Airing out between uses reduces the need for frequent washing.
5. Can washing cashmere in the machine cause pilling?
Pilling can occur with both machine and hand washing. Reduce pilling by turning garments inside out, using mesh bags, and avoiding washing with rough or lint-prone fabrics.
In Summary
Machine washing cashmere is entirely possible—and safe—when you use the right precautions. Choose a gentle detergent, wash in cold water on the most delicate cycle, always use a mesh bag, and avoid heat when drying. Treat your cashmere kindly, and it will reward you with softness and elegance for many seasons to come.
With this guide, you can keep your favorite cashmere pieces lovely, fresh, and cozy—no professional cleaning required!