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Cashmere
Cashmere is a luxuriously soft but delicate type of wool. Gentle care keeps it soft and in shape for years.
At a glance
- Washing
- Hand-wash (or gentle wool cycle)
- Temperature
- Lukewarm, up to 30 °C
- Drying
- Flat
- Ironing
- Cool, through a cloth if needed
- Dry cleaning
- Fine, especially for coats
Washing
- Wash cashmere every 3–4 wears or when stained — over-washing felts the fibre.
- Hand-wash in lukewarm water with a drop of mild detergent, gently moving the item for 5–10 minutes.
- Rinse several times until the water runs clear; leftover detergent stiffens the fibre.
Drying
- Don't wring — press out water by rolling the item in a dry towel.
- Reshape and dry flat, away from direct heat.
- Dry it fully before putting it away to avoid odour or mildew.
Storing
- Store folded on a shelf; a hanger stretches the shoulders and distorts the knit.
- Keep it clean and dry with a cedar or lavender sachet against moths.
- Out of season, store in a breathable bag rather than plastic.
Stain removal
- Treat stains immediately with lukewarm water and mild detergent, dabbing gently.
- Avoid stain removers with bleach or strong solvents — they damage the fibre.
Pilling & shape
- Pilling is natural, especially at first; gently remove it with a cashmere comb or shaver.
- Rest the item for at least a day between wears so the fibre recovers.
- A slightly stretched knit can be revived with a lukewarm wash and reshaping as it dries.
Common mistakes
- Hot water and wringing are the most common causes of permanent distortion.
- Hanging stretches it; always store folded.
- Ignoring the label: some cashmere is dry-clean only.