You just scored a beautiful cashmere sweater, but laundry day leaves you wondering—can cashmere actually survive a spin in the washing machine? Many of us love cashmere for its softness and luxury, but fear ruining our favorite pieces with a simple wash.
This question matters—caring for cashmere the right way can keep it plush and timeless for years. In this article, you’ll find out if machine washing is safe, along with expert tips to help your cashmere last.
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Can I Machine Wash Cashmere? A Complete Guide
There’s no denying the luxurious softness and warmth of a cashmere sweater. When it comes to cleaning, however, the very qualities that make cashmere so wonderful—its fine texture, light weight, and delicate fibers—often leave you wondering: can you machine wash cashmere, or is it destined for handwashing forever? Let’s break down the best way to care for your cashmere, so it lasts for years and feels just as cozy and stylish as the day you bought it.
Can You Machine Wash Cashmere?
The short answer: Yes, you can machine wash cashmere—if you do it carefully and follow best practices.
However, handwashing is generally safer and kinder to cashmere’s delicate fibers. Machine washing involves some risk, but with the right precautions, many people find it a convenient and effective way to clean their favorite knits.
Let’s dive into the details so you can decide what works best for your lifestyle and your wardrobe.
Understanding Cashmere’s Delicate Nature
Why all the fuss about how to wash cashmere? The answer lies in its structure:
- Cashmere is made from ultra-fine fibers taken from the undercoat of cashmere goats.
- These fibers are extremely soft but also quite fragile compared to everyday wool or cotton.
- High heat, agitation, or harsh detergents can stretch, shrink, or damage cashmere garments.
Because of this, washing cashmere—whether by machine or by hand—should always be done gently.
The Right Way to Machine Wash Cashmere
If you prefer to use your washing machine, you absolutely must take special precautions to avoid disasters like felting, shrinking, or pilling. Here’s how to do it:
1. Check the Care Label
Before anything else:
- Look at the manufacturer’s label inside your cashmere garment.
- If it says “dry clean only,” proceed with caution. Many modern cashmere pieces are labeled “gentle wash” or “hand wash.”
- If in doubt, handwashing is the safest route.
2. Prepare Your Sweater
Follow these essential steps:
- Turn your garment inside out to minimize friction and protect the surface.
- Fasten any buttons or zippers to avoid snagging.
- Place cashmere items in a mesh laundry bag. This prevents excessive movement and tangling in the wash.
3. Select the Right Washing Machine Settings
When machine washing:
- Use the gentlest cycle available, often called “Delicate,” “Wool,” or “Hand Wash.”
- Cold water only! Hot or warm water can cause cashmere to shrink.
- Extra rinse option is helpful to ensure all detergent is removed.
4. Choose the Proper Detergent
Cashmere needs special care when it comes to cleaning agents:
- Use a mild, wool-safe detergent, ideally one formulated for delicates or cashmere.
- Never use bleach or regular laundry detergent, as these can damage the fibers.
5. Remove Promptly and Handle Carefully
- As soon as the wash cycle is complete, take your cashmere out of the washer.
- Do not let it sit crumpled. This helps prevent creasing and stretch.
How to Dry Cashmere
One of the biggest mistakes people make is drying cashmere incorrectly.
What NOT to Do
- Do not put cashmere in the dryer. The heat and tumbling will cause shrinkage and ruin the fibers.
- Do not hang your cashmere sweater to dry. It will stretch out of shape.
The Right Method
- Gently Press Out Excess Water: Lay the sweater on a clean, dry towel. Roll it up with the sweater inside and press gently to absorb water. Do not wring or twist.
- Lay Flat to Dry: Lay the sweater flat on another dry towel, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Place the towel and sweater on a flat, ventilated surface out of direct sunlight.
- Let Air Dry Completely: Do not move it until it is thoroughly dry.
Benefits of Machine Washing Cashmere (When Done Properly)
- Convenience: Machine washing saves time and effort, especially for those with multiple cashmere items.
- Consistent Cleaning: The modern washer’s delicate cycles can provide a gentle, thorough clean when used correctly.
- Savings: Avoids the cost of frequent dry cleaning.
Challenges and Risks of Machine Washing Cashmere
- Potential Damage to Fibers: Even delicate cycles agitate garments more than handwashing, increasing the risk of pilling or stretching.
- Shrinkage: Any misstep in the temperature or detergent can cause irreversible shrinkage.
- Lifetime Shortening: Repeated machine washing may gradually shorten the life of cashmere items compared to handwashing.
When Handwashing Might Be Best
There are times when you should put the machine aside, such as:
- If the care label says “dry clean only.”
- If the sweater has embellishments, beads, or loose knits.
- If the garment is sentimental, rare, or high-value.
- If you notice previous machine washing has caused pilling or wear.
Step-by-Step: How to Handwash Cashmere
Prefer a gentler approach? Here’s a quick guide:
- Fill a basin or sink with cold water.
- Add a small amount of cashmere-friendly detergent.
- Submerge the sweater and gently swish. Do not scrub or wring.
- Let soak for about 5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all soap is gone.
- Remove excess water as described above (using a towel).
- Lay flat to dry.
Extra Tips for Keeping Your Cashmere Beautiful
Follow these practical tips to keep your cashmere soft, shapely, and long-lasting:
- Wash Less Often: Cashmere is naturally odor-resistant. Wash only when needed, such as if there’s a spill or after a season of wear.
- Store Properly: Always store cashmere folded, never hanging, to maintain its shape.
- Protect from Moths: Place freshly cleaned garments in storage bags with lavender or cedar sachets.
- De-Pill Regularly: Use a fabric shaver or a cashmere comb to remove fuzz gently.
- Spot Clean: For small stains, dab gently with cold water and a drop of gentle detergent.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Both when washing and drying, keep cashmere out of direct sun, which can fade and weaken fibers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use regular laundry detergent for cashmere?
No, regular laundry detergents can be too harsh for delicate cashmere fibers. Stick to a gentle, wool-safe or cashmere-specific detergent to protect your sweater’s softness and longevity.
2. What happens if I accidentally put my cashmere sweater in the dryer?
Unfortunately, the heat and motion of the dryer can cause cashmere to shrink, felt, or lose its shape. If this happens, you can try to reshape it gently when wet, but full recovery is unlikely.
3. How often should I wash cashmere garments?
You don’t need to wash cashmere with every wear. Generally, wash after four to five wears, or at the end of the season before storing. Spot treat minor stains to avoid overwashing.
4. Is dry cleaning safer than washing cashmere at home?
Dry cleaning is often recommended for cashmere, especially for structured garments or when you’re unsure. However, gentle hand or machine washing with the proper method is also safe for most cashmere items and can keep fibers softer over time.
5. How do I avoid pilling on my cashmere sweaters?
Pilling is natural with soft fibers like cashmere. To reduce it, wash inside out, use a laundry bag, and avoid over-agitation and friction. Regularly remove pills gently with a cashmere comb or fabric shaver.
In Summary
Washing cashmere does not have to be intimidating. With careful handling, you can machine wash many cashmere pieces safely, but always check the care label first. Use cool water, a mild detergent, and a delicate cycle. Skip the dryer, dry flat, and treat your cashmere kindly. With a little extra care, your favorite cozy knits will stay soft, shapely, and stylish for many seasons to come.