The Complete Cashmere Care Handbook

How you wash cashmere wool determines whether a jumper lasts twenty years or doesn't survive its second season.

Cashmere is one of the finest natural fibres in the world — and one of the most misunderstood. Most damage to cashmere happens not from wear but from care. The wrong water temperature. The wrong detergent. A spin cycle that takes ten seconds to cause irreversible damage. A single careless wash can permanently alter a piece that cost hundreds of pounds and was built to last a lifetime.

The good news is that caring for cashmere correctly is not complicated. It simply requires knowing what to do — and what never to do.

At The Cashmere Choice we have been selling and caring for premium natural fibre knitwear since 2001. We hold a Feefo Platinum Award and are proud members of the Sustainable Fibre Alliance. This guide brings together everything we have learned about how to wash cashmere wool, care for it properly and protect it for life — so your cashmere looks and feels as beautiful in ten years as it does today.

In this guide you will learn:

  • How to wash cashmere wool by hand — step by step

  • How to wash a cashmere jumper in a washing machine safely

  • Which detergent to use for your cashmere wool wash — and what to avoid completely

  • How to dry cashmere without losing its shape

  • How often you should wash cashmere wool

  • How to remove stains from a cashmere jumper

  • How to deal with pilling — and why it is not a quality defect

  • How to unshrink cashmere if the worst happens

  • How to care for cashmere blends

  • How to store cashmere properly and protect it from moths

  • A complete seasonal cashmere care calendar

Why Cashmere Needs Special Care

Cashmere comes from the fine undercoat of the Kashmir goat — fibres so delicate they measure just 14 to 19 microns in diameter, roughly six times finer than a human hair. It is this extraordinary fineness that gives cashmere its legendary softness. It is also what makes it vulnerable.

Unlike cotton or synthetic fabrics, cashmere fibres have a natural scale structure that reacts badly to heat, agitation and harsh chemicals. Expose them to the wrong conditions and those scales lock together permanently, causing the fabric to shrink, felt and lose its softness in ways that cannot be reversed.

 This is why a cashmere wool wash – cool water, gentle detergent, minimal agitation – is not optional. It is the only approach that protects the fibre's natural structure rather than destroying it.

The same principles apply whether you are washing a cashmere jumper, a scarf, a hat or a pair of gloves. The fibre is the same. The care should be too.

For cashmere blends – pieces that combine cashmere with silk, merino or other natural fibres – the same gentle approach applies. Always follow the care instructions for the most delicate fibre in the blend. A cashmere silk blend, for example, requires even more care than pure cashmere alone.

Which Detergent to Use for Washing Cashmere

Choosing the right detergent for your cashmere wool wash matters more than most people realise. The wrong product strips the natural oils from cashmere fibres, leaving them brittle, dull and significantly more prone to pilling and damage over time. The right one protects those oils — keeping the fibre soft, lustrous and resilient wash after wash.

What to use

Baby shampoo is a widely used solution to wash cashmere wool. It is gentle, pH balanced and kind to natural fibres. Use a small amount; no more than a teaspoon for a single garment, and dissolve it fully in the water before submerging the piece.

What to avoid

  • Biological detergents contain enzymes designed to break down protein-based stains. Cashmere is a protein fibre. Those same enzymes will gradually break down the cashmere fibre itself with repeated use, weakening it invisibly over time until the garment loses its softness and integrity entirely.

  • Fabric softener coats fibres in a chemical film that dulls the natural softness of cashmere rather than enhancing it. It is unnecessary and counterproductive on any natural fibre knitwear.

  • Bleach and any stain removers containing bleach will damage cashmere on contact. Never use them on natural fibre knitwear of any kind.

 

How to Wash Cashmere Wool by Hand

Hand washing is the gold standard for cashmere care. It is the method that best honours the fibre, preserving its softness and extends its longevity. Once you know how to wash cashmere by hand correctly, it can take under ten minutes and becomes second nature.

These steps apply to all pure cashmere pieces: jumpers, scarves, hats and gloves. For cashmere blends, follow the same method unless the care label specifies otherwise. When in doubt, the most cautious approach is recommended.

Step 1: Check the care label

Before washing any cashmere piece, check the care label. Look for the hand wash symbol – a hand inside a water basin – which confirms hand washing is appropriate. 

The most common cashmere care symbols at a glance:

  • Hand inside a water basin: Hand wash in cool water

  • Crossed-out washing machine: Hand wash only - do not machine wash!

  • Circle: Professional dry cleaning recommended only 

  • Crossed-out square with a circle: Do not tumble dry, air dry only

  • Basin with 30 inside: Maximum washing temperature

If the label has been removed or is illegible, treat the piece as hand wash only in cool water. When the care history of a garment is unknown, err on the side of caution.

Step 2: Turn the garment inside out

Turning the piece inside out before washing protects the outer surface from friction during the wash. It also helps preserve the colour and surface texture — particularly important for darker shades which can be more susceptible to surface wear over time.

Step 3: Fill a basin with cool water

Use cool or lukewarm water – never warm, never hot. Temperature is the single greatest risk in cashmere wool wash. Heat causes the microscopic scales on cashmere fibres to open and lock together permanently – shrinking and felting the fabric in ways that cannot be undone. The water should feel cool and comfortable against your wrist. Cold tap water is ideal.

What is felting?

Felting is when the microscopic scales on each fibre open up and lock together with neighbouring fibres, creating a dense, matted, shrunken fabric that cannot be reversed.

The result is a garment that is:

  • Significantly smaller than its original size

  • Stiff and dense rather than soft and fluid

  • Permanently altered in texture – the characteristic softness is gone

  • Beyond repair – there is no way to unfelt cashmere once it has happened

Step 4: Add your detergent

Lower the garment into the water and squeeze gently and repeatedly to work the water through the fabric. The motion should be slow, deliberate and completely without friction – pressing the fabric together and releasing, never rubbing one surface against another. 

Allow the garment to soak for no more than ten minutes. Extended soaking weakens the fibres over time and is unnecessary for a piece that has been worn rather than heavily soiled.

Step 5: Submerge and gently squeeze

Place the garment in the water and gently squeeze the water through the fabric. Never rub, twist or wring. Rubbing causes friction between fibres, which leads to pilling and felting. A gentle squeezing motion is all that is needed. Allow the garment to soak for no more than ten minutes.

Step 6: Rinse thoroughly

Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with fresh cool water at the same temperature as the wash water. A sudden temperature change at this stage – even from cool to cold – can shock the fibres. 

Gently squeeze the rinse water through the fabric repeatedly until it runs completely clear. Incomplete rinsing leaves detergent residue in the fibres which dulls the natural lustre of cashmere over time and can attract moths during storage.

Step 7: Press out excess water

Never twist or wring cashmere to remove water. The mechanical stress of wringing pulls fibres out of alignment permanently. Instead, press the garment gently against the side of the basin to remove as much water as possible. Then transfer it to a clean dry towel, lay it flat, roll the towel and the garment together from one end and press firmly but gently along the length. Unroll and transfer to a fresh dry towel for drying.

Step 8: Reshape and lay flat to dry

Lay the garment flat on a clean dry surface — a fresh towel, a drying rack laid horizontally or a clean section of floor covered with a towel. Reshape carefully and thoroughly while the piece is still damp. Pay close attention to the shoulders, returning them to their correct width. Ease the body back to its original length. Straighten the cuffs and hem. Reshape the neckline or collar carefully by hand. These small adjustments made now, while the fibres are still mobile, are the difference between a piece that dries perfectly and one that dries distorted.

Leave to air dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct heat and sunlight. A standard weight cashmere jumper will take approximately 24 hours to dry completely. Turn it over halfway through to ensure both sides dry evenly and no moisture becomes trapped underneath.

A note on colour care

Wash dark and light coloured pieces separately. Some natural dyes – particularly deep saturated tones such as navy, black and burgundy – can bleed very slightly during the first few washes. Washing separately prevents colour transfer onto lighter pieces and keeps both looking their best.

Non-negotiable precautions: How to machine wash a cashmere jumper safely

  • Always place the garment inside a mesh laundry bag before putting it in the machine. The bag creates a physical barrier between the cashmere and the drum, preventing the friction and snagging that causes pilling and surface damage during the wash cycle. This single step makes a significant difference to the outcome.

  • Use a specialist detergent for cashmere wool that is pH neutral, enzyme-free and safe for machine use. Never use a biological detergent or fabric softener.

  • Never wash cashmere alongside heavy items such as jeans, towels or anything with zips or metal hardware. The friction and weight will damage the cashmere fibres.

Settings

  • Select the wool or delicates cycle — never a standard cotton or synthetic programme. Set the water temperature to a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. Cooler is better. Even a few degrees above the recommended maximum can initiate the irreversible shrinkage process in cashmere fibres.

  • Set the spin speed to a maximum of 400 RPM. A fast spin exerts significant centrifugal force on wet cashmere fibres – stretching and distorting them in ways that become apparent only once the piece is dry. Most modern washing machines with a wool cycle will default to an appropriate spin speed automatically.


After machine washing

Remove the garment from the machine promptly once the cycle ends. Do not leave it sitting in a damp drum. The weight of the water combined with the compressed position in the drum can distort the shape of the piece. Reshape immediately while damp and lay flat to dry following the same method described in Section 7. Never tumble dry.

Hand washing remains the safer and more considered choice for how to wash cashmere wool. Reserve machine washing for occasions when hand washing is genuinely not practical, and never treat it as a routine alternative.

Should You Dry Clean Cashmere?

Dry cleaning is widely assumed to be the safest option for cashmere. The assumption is understandable as it feels like the cautious, professional choice. The reality is more nuanced.

Occasional dry cleaning is safe for cashmere and is the right choice in certain situations. Repeated dry cleaning, however, uses chemical solvents that gradually strip the natural oils from cashmere fibres over time, leaving them brittle, dull and less soft than they should be. 

A piece dry cleaned ten times will not feel as beautiful as one that has been hand washed with care throughout its life.

When dry cleaning is the right choice

Dry cleaning is appropriate for heavily structured cashmere pieces: a tailored cashmere coat or blazer, for example, where hand washing risks distorting the shape. 

It is also the right choice for heavily soiled garments, pieces with significant staining that home treatment has not resolved, or any garment whose care label explicitly states dry clean only.

If you suspect a piece has moth larvae present, perhaps you have found damage nearby or noticed signs of activity in your wardrobe, dry cleaning will kill the larvae and eggs. 

In this situation it is worth telling your dry cleaner specifically that you suspect moth activity so they can treat the piece accordingly.

When hand washing is preferable

For regular maintenance washing of a cashmere jumper – removing light soiling, refreshing the fibres, preparing for storage – knowing how to wash cashmere by hand is always the better choice. It is gentler, less expensive and kinder to the fibre over the long term.

A simple rule of thumb: dry clean when the garment demands it. Hand wash everything else.

How to Dry Cashmere Wool Correctly

Washing cashmere wool correctly is only half the process. How you dry it matters just as much, and this is where many people make mistakes that cannot be undone.

Never tumble dry

Heat is cashmere's greatest enemy after moths. A tumble dryer exposes wet cashmere fibres to sustained high heat combined with mechanical agitation, the precise combination that causes permanent shrinkage and matting. Even a short tumble on a low heat setting can irreversibly alter the size, shape and texture of a cashmere piece. 

Never tumble dry cashmere under any circumstances.

Never hang to dry

The instinct to hang a wet jumper is understandable as it is how most clothes are dried. For cashmere it is a mistake. A wet cashmere jumper is significantly heavier than a dry one, and gravity will pull the fibres downward while they are at their most vulnerable. The result is a garment that has stretched at the shoulders and body, losing its original shape permanently.

The lay flat method

After pressing out excess water using the towel roll method described in the hand washing section, transfer the garment to a fresh dry towel or a clean flat surface. A drying rack laid flat or a clean section of floor works well.

Reshape the garment gently but thoroughly while it is still damp. Pay particular attention to:

  • Shoulders: ease back to their original width

  • Body length: gently stretch or compress back to the correct proportions

  • Cuffs and hem: straighten and neaten

  • Collar or neckline: reshape carefully to its original form

Leave to dry naturally at room temperature. A standard cashmere jumper will typically take 24 hours to dry completely, and longer for heavier or chunkier pieces. Turn the garment over halfway through drying to ensure both sides dry evenly and no moisture becomes trapped underneath.

Keep away from direct heat and sunlight

Never place cashmere near a radiator, in direct sunlight or in front of a fan heater to speed up drying. Direct heat causes uneven drying which can distort the shape and weaken the fibres. Natural air drying at room temperature is always the right approach.

What to Do If Cashmere Gets Wet Accidentally

Rain, spills, and unexpected soaking – wet cashmere in an unplanned moment is a situation most owners will face at some point. The instinct is often to rub the fabric dry as quickly as possible. This is the worst thing you can do.

Rubbing wet cashmere causes immediate friction between the fibres – the condition that leads to permanent matting and pilling. A moment of panic can cause more damage than the wetting itself.

The right response: step by step

  • Blot the affected area gently with a clean dry towel or cloth. Press the towel against the fabric and lift – never rub or drag across the surface.

  • If the entire garment is wet – as it would be after being caught in rain, lay it flat immediately on a clean dry towel and reshape gently while damp. Follow the same drying process as after hand washing.

  • Never apply heat to speed up drying – no radiator, no hairdryer, no direct sunlight. Allow the garment to dry naturally at room temperature.

  • If the garment has been soaked rather than just dampened, or submerged in water, for example, or thoroughly rain-soaked, once it dries, wash it properly before wearing again or storing.

 How Often Should You Wash Cashmere Wool?

Less often than most people assume and there is no single rule that applies to every situation.

Washing frequency is one of the most debated questions in cashmere care, and the range of advice from reputable sources is wide — from every three wears to once or twice a season. The variation exists because the right answer depends on how a piece is worn, the conditions it is worn in and the individual wearer.

What is consistent across all expert sources is this: over-washing cashmere causes cumulative damage. Every wash, however gentle, puts the fibre under a degree of mechanical and chemical stress. The goal is to wash only when the piece genuinely needs it,  and to use gentler alternatives in between.

The principle that matters

Rather than counting wears, let the garment tell you when it needs washing. The reliable signals are visible soiling, a noticeable odour that airing has not resolved, or preparation for seasonal storage. In the absence of any of these, a piece does not need washing regardless of how many times it has been worn.

A cashmere jumper worn over a base layer in cool weather, with no visible soiling and no noticeable odour, may comfortably go an entire season between washes. The same piece worn directly next to skin in warmer conditions may need washing after two or three wears. Context is everything.

Between washes: the right alternatives

Airing is the simplest and most effective way to refresh cashmere between wears. After wearing, lay the piece flat or hang it briefly in a well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight for a few hours. This allows moisture and any residual odour to dissipate naturally, without any mechanical or chemical stress on the fibre.

Steaming is the next step up from airing. A brief pass with a handheld steamer held 6 to 8 inches from the surface refreshes the drape and softness of the fabric, removes light odour more effectively than airing alone and can extend the time between washes significantly. Full steaming guidance is covered in Section 14.

Wearing a fine base layer next to the skin, a lightweight cotton or silk T-shirt beneath a cashmere jumper, reduces the transfer of body oils and perspiration to the cashmere fibres directly, meaningfully extending the time between necessary washes.

The one occasion when washing is never optional

Always wash cashmere before storing it for the season, regardless of how clean it appears. Moths are strongly attracted to body oils, perspiration and food residue that are invisible to the eye. A piece stored unwashed is significantly more vulnerable to moth damage than a clean one. This single wash before storage is the most important wash of the year.

 

How to Remove Stains from a Cashmere Jumper

Stains on cashmere require a calm, methodical response. The instinct to rub immediately is understandable — but rubbing wet cashmere causes friction that leads to permanent surface damage. Speed matters, but technique matters more.

The golden rule: act immediately but carefully

The sooner a stain is treated the better. A fresh stain that has not yet set into the fibres is significantly easier to remove than one that has dried. But the method must be right.

Always use cold water. Heat sets protein-based stains — including food, wine and body soiling — permanently into natural fibres. Cold water keeps the stain mobile and workable.

Specific stain guidance

Red wine and dark liquids

 Blot immediately with a clean white cloth — never rub. Once excess liquid is absorbed, apply a small amount of cold water and blot again. Repeat until no further colour transfers onto the cloth. If a mark remains once dry, put a single drop of baby shampoo directly onto the stain. Using a clean soft cloth or your fingertip, work the shampoo very gently into the stained area using small circular movements — applying minimal pressure. Leave for two to three minutes. Then rinse by dabbing the area repeatedly with a clean cloth dampened in cool water until all shampoo residue is removed. Never pour water directly onto the garment. Lay flat to dry naturally.

Oil and grease

Do not apply water immediately. Sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder or cornflour directly onto the stain and leave for 30 minutes to absorb the oil. Brush away gently and assess. If a mark remains, apply a single drop of washing up liquid — not biological detergent — directly onto the stain. Using a clean soft cloth or fingertip, work gently into the area using small circular movements. Leave for two to three minutes. Remove by dabbing repeatedly with a clean cloth dampened in cool water until completely clear. Lay flat to dry naturally.

Food soiling

Allow any solid residue to dry completely before attempting to remove it. Trying to treat wet food soiling spreads the stain. Once dry, lift the residue carefully with a soft brush or the edge of a clean cloth. If a mark remains, put a single drop of baby shampoo onto the stain. Work gently into the area using a clean soft cloth or fingertip in small circular movements — applying minimal pressure. Leave for two to three minutes. Remove by dabbing repeatedly with a clean damp cloth in cool water until completely clear. Lay flat to dry naturally.

Ink Ink on cashmere is one of the most difficult stains to treat at home. Do not attempt to treat it yourself beyond blotting any excess immediately with a clean dry cloth. Take the piece to a professional dry cleaner as soon as possible and tell them specifically what type of ink it is. The more information the dry cleaner has, the better the outcome.

When to go straight to a dry cleaner

If a stain covers a large area, has already dried and set, or is of a type you are uncertain about, take it to a professional dry cleaner rather than risking further damage at home. Point out the stain specifically and describe what caused it.

After treating any stain, wash the cashmere jumper as normal following the hand wash method described in Section 4, a full wash ensures any treatment residue is completely removed from the fibres.

 How to Deal with Pilling on Cashmere

Pilling is a natural characteristic of fine natural fibres, and while it is not a sign of poor quality or damage, it is undeniably one of the more frustrating aspects of cashmere ownership.

The good news is that it is entirely manageable. A cashmere comb or fabric shaver used correctly will restore even a heavily pilled piece to something very close to its original appearance, often in just a few minutes.

Why pilling happens

Cashmere fibres are exceptionally fine. During wear, friction, for example, from a bag strap, coat lining, or repeated arm movements, causes the shorter loose fibres on the surface of the fabric to work their way free and tangle together into small balls. This is pilling.

Pilling tends to be most pronounced on new cashmere pieces during the first few wears, as the loose surface fibres work themselves free. Once those fibres have gone the piece typically pills less over time, which is one of the reasons well-loved older cashmere often looks better than a newer piece.

How to remove pilling

A cashmere comb or a good quality fabric shaver are the two most effective tools. Both remove the pills without damaging the underlying fabric when used correctly.

A cashmere comb, a fine-toothed comb with a wooden or tortoiseshell handle, is the more traditional and gentle option. Lay the garment flat on a clean surface. Hold the fabric taut with one hand and draw the comb lightly across the surface in short, even strokes in one direction only. Never press hard or drag aggressively. The goal is to lift the pills free, not to pull at the fabric beneath them.

A fabric shaver achieves the same result more quickly and is particularly effective on heavily pilled pieces. Use on a low setting and keep the shaver moving continuously across the surface. Never hold it in one place.

After depilling, the piece will look noticeably refreshed, often remarkably close to its original appearance. This is one of the most satisfying aspects of proper cashmere care.

How to reduce pilling going forward

Always wash cashmere inside out. This reduces friction on the outer surface during washing. Use a mesh laundry bag for machine washing. Avoid wearing cashmere under coarse or heavily textured outerwear that creates sustained friction against the surface. A fine base layer worn beneath a cashmere jumper reduces underarm friction significantly.

How to Unshrink Cashmere

Discovering that a cashmere piece has shrunk in the wash is a deflating experience. It is worth knowing that unshrinking cashmere is sometimes possible, and the method is simpler than most people expect.

What is achievable?

The success of the unshrinking process depends on the degree of shrinkage and how it happened. Mild shrinkage caused by slightly too-warm water or gentle agitation can often be substantially reversed. 

Severe shrinkage caused by hot water or a vigorous machine cycle – where the fibres have fully matted together – is significantly harder to reverse and in some cases cannot be undone completely. 

Partial recovery, however, may be possible and worth attempting before giving up on a piece entirely.

The baby shampoo method: Step by step

This method works by using baby shampoo to relax the cashmere fibres temporarily, making them pliable enough to be gently stretched back toward their original dimensions while damp.

Step 1: Fill a basin or sink with cool water. Add one tablespoon of baby shampoo and swirl gently until dissolved.

Step 2: Submerge the shrunken garment fully and leave to soak for 30 minutes. Do not rinse. The baby shampoo needs to remain in the fibres to keep them relaxed and pliable during the stretching process.

Step 3: Lift the garment from the water and press out excess moisture gently. Never wring or twist. Lay it flat on a clean dry towel, roll the towel and garment together and press firmly to absorb as much water as possible.

Step 4: Lay the garment flat on a fresh clean towel or drying surface. Working methodically and gently, begin to stretch the piece back toward its original shape – pulling the fabric outward at the shoulders to restore width, easing the body length downward, stretching the sleeves and cuffs carefully. Apply consistent gentle pressure rather than sharp tugging. The fibres are relaxed and responsive at this stage.

Step 5: Leave to dry flat, checking and re-stretching gently every hour or so as the garment dries. The fibres will gradually set in their new position as the moisture evaporates. Continue to reshape until the piece is completely dry.

What to expect

A piece with mild shrinkage can often be restored to very close to its original dimensions. The attempt costs nothing beyond time and is always worth making before a piece is written off.

Prevention is always preferable

Knowing how to wash cashmere wool correctly from the outset: with cool water, gentle handling, no heat during drying, makes this process unnecessary. But if it does happen, the baby shampoo method offers a genuine and often effective solution.

Caring for Cashmere Blends

Not all cashmere pieces are pure cashmere. Many garments combine cashmere with other natural or synthetic fibres — silk, merino wool, cotton or elastane — to create fabrics with different characteristics. Knowing how to care for a cashmere blend correctly requires understanding what is in it.

How to identify a blend

Check the care label. The fibre content will be listed as a percentage — for example 70% cashmere, 30% silk, or 90% cashmere, 10% elastane. The higher the cashmere percentage, the closer the care requirements are to pure cashmere. A piece that is predominantly cashmere should be treated as cashmere throughout.

The golden rule for blends

Always follow the care instructions for the most delicate fibre in the blend — not the most robust one. A cashmere silk blend, for example, requires the same cool water temperature and gentle handling as pure cashmere, with the additional consideration that silk is particularly sensitive to prolonged soaking and should be rinsed promptly and thoroughly.

Common cashmere blend combinations

Cashmere and silk One of the most luxurious combinations — extraordinarily soft and with a natural lustre that pure cashmere does not have. Also the most delicate. Wash in very cool water — as close to cold as possible — with a specialist delicate wash. Limit soaking to no more than five minutes. Handle with exceptional care during rinsing and water removal. Lay flat to dry away from any light source — silk is particularly susceptible to fading in both natural and artificial light.

Cashmere and merino wool

A practical and robust combination. Merino adds durability and resilience to the blend without significantly compromising softness. Slightly more forgiving than pure cashmere — a cool machine wash on a wool cycle is appropriate for most cashmere merino blends. Hand washing remains preferable.

Cashmere and elastane

Elastane is added to provide stretch and shape retention. The elastane content is typically small — five to ten percent — and does not significantly alter the washing requirements. Follow cashmere care guidelines throughout. Avoid high spin speeds which can stress the elastane fibres and cause the garment to lose its stretch over time.

Cashmere and cotton

A lighter, more breathable combination suited to transitional seasons. Slightly more robust than pure cashmere. Cool machine washing on a delicate cycle is appropriate. The cotton content means the piece may take longer to dry than pure cashmere — ensure it is completely dry before storing.

Steaming and Refreshing Cashmere Between Washes

Between washes, steaming is the most effective tool available for keeping cashmere looking and feeling its best. It refreshes the drape and softness of the fabric, removes light odour, reduces the appearance of surface creases and can meaningfully extend the time between necessary washes – all without any of the mechanical or chemical stress that washing involves.

How to steam cashmere safely

A handheld garment steamer is the ideal tool. Hold the steamer head six to eight inches away from the surface of the garment and keep it moving continuously. Never hold it in one position over the fabric. Work methodically across the entire surface, paying particular attention to the areas most prone to creasing: the body, the underarms and the sleeves.

Steam is safe for cashmere when applied correctly. The distance and continuous movement prevent water spotting and ensure the steam reaches the fibres gently and evenly rather than concentrating heat in one area.

What steaming does not do

Steaming is a complement to washing, not a substitute for it. It is also not a reliable treatment for a serious moth infestation. 

How to Store Cashmere Wool

Storage is where most cashmere damage happens — not during wear, not during washing, but during the months a piece spends sitting in a wardrobe or drawer while you are not thinking about it. Getting storage right is therefore not a peripheral consideration. It is one of the most important things you can do for the long-term life of your knitwear.

Always wash before storing

Never store cashmere unwashed. Moths are strongly attracted to body oils, perspiration and food residue that are invisible to the eye but deeply appealing to moth larvae. A piece stored unwashed is significantly more vulnerable than a clean one. The wash before storage is the most important wash of the year — treat it accordingly.

Ensure the piece is completely dry before folding and storing. Even slightly damp cashmere stored in a sealed environment will develop mildew within weeks — a problem that is both unpleasant and difficult to reverse.

Fold — never hang

Hanging cashmere for extended periods causes the fibres to stretch permanently under their own weight — distorting the shoulders and body shape in ways that cannot be corrected. Always fold cashmere for storage. Fold along the natural seams of the garment — shoulders to shoulders, sleeves folded in — to create a flat compact parcel that sits cleanly without unnecessary creasing.

Choose the right storage environment

Store cashmere in a cool, dark, dry and well-ventilated space. Avoid areas that are subject to temperature extremes, high humidity or direct sunlight. A well-organised wardrobe shelf or a dedicated drawer is ideal. Avoid storing cashmere in attics, basements or any space where temperature and humidity fluctuate significantly.

Use a breathable knitwear storage bag

This is the single most important practical step in cashmere storage. A breathable organic cotton storage bag creates a physical barrier that moths and their larvae cannot penetrate, while allowing natural airflow that prevents moisture build-up and mildew. It is the only storage solution that addresses both threats simultaneously.

Never store cashmere in plastic bags or airtight containers. Plastic prevents airflow entirely — trapping moisture around the fabric and creating the damp conditions that weaken fibres, dull colour and in severe cases cause permanent mildew damage. The breathability of the storage environment is as important as the seal.

Look for a storage bag with a double zip closure for complete sealing, translucent viewing windows so you can identify the contents without opening the bag, and a label card slot for easy organisation. Our Deluxe Cotton Storage Bag meets all of these criteria and is available in three sizes to suit every wardrobe.

The freezing method for uncertain pieces

If you are storing a piece and are uncertain whether it may have been exposed to moth activity during the season — perhaps you have noticed moths in your wardrobe, or found damage nearby — treat it with the freezing method before storing. Place the garment in a zip-lock food bag and freeze at minus 18 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 72 hours. Allow to return to room temperature slowly before folding and placing in its storage bag. This kills any larvae or eggs present before they are sealed into storage with the piece.

Natural moth deterrents

Place natural moth deterrents — cedar blocks or lavender sachets — in your wardrobe, on shelves and in drawers around your storage bags. These work at the level of the wardrobe environment, discouraging adult moths from entering and settling. They are a complement to the physical protection of the storage bag — each working at a different level. Cedar products typically remain effective for up to three months in UK conditions. Check and replace when the scent has noticeably faded.

Complete Moth Protection for Cashmere

Moths represent the greatest threat to stored cashmere. Understanding how they cause damage  and how to prevent it is an essential part of knowing how to care for cashmere well.

How moth damage happens

It is not the moth itself that damages your cashmere. It is the larvae, hatching from eggs laid on natural fibres and feeding quietly and invisibly on the fabric while it is in storage. By the time the holes become visible, the damage is already done and cannot be repaired. This is why prevention is the only viable strategy. There is no remedy for moth damage, only protection against it.

The three-layer protection system

Effective moth protection for cashmere requires three things working simultaneously at different levels: a physical barrier, a natural deterrent and an active trap. Each addresses a different stage of the moth lifecycle.

Layer 1: Physical barrier

A sealed breathable cotton storage bag prevents moths and their larvae from reaching your cashmere. Nothing gets in. This is the foundation of the system and the most important layer.

Layer 2: Natural deterrent

Cedar balls and lavender sachets placed throughout the wardrobe environment discourage adult moths from entering and settling. They do not kill moths — they deter them. Placed on shelves and in drawers around your storage bags they create an environment that adult moths actively avoid.

Layer 3: Active trap

A pheromone moth trap placed in your wardrobe attracts and captures male moths using a natural lure, breaking the breeding cycle at source by preventing males from mating. Fewer matings means fewer eggs. Fewer eggs means fewer larvae. Fewer larvae means dramatically reduced risk of damage to your treasured clothes.

Together these three layers create a complete, chemical-free protection system that addresses every stage of the moth lifecycle: from the adult moth entering the wardrobe to the larvae that cause the actual damage.

What to do if you find moth damage

If you find a moth hole in a cashmere piece, act quickly. Remove all affected pieces from the wardrobe. Make sure to wash everything — not just the damaged piece but each natural fibre garment in the same space. Deep clean the wardrobe space. Then, implement the three layers of protection to prevent it happening again.

Our Complete Moth Protection Bundle combines all three layers in one package.

Seasonal Cashmere Care Calendar

Cashmere care is not a single event, but more like a rhythm that follows the seasons. A simple seasonal calendar can help you manage the process and make sure that nothing important is missed when it matters most.

Spring: March to May

Spring is the transition from wearing season to storage season, and the most important period of the cashmere care year.

Before storing anything away, wash every piece that has been worn during the winter, even pieces that appear clean. Body oils and food residue invisible to the eye are highly attractive to moth larvae. A piece stored unwashed is a piece at risk.

Inspect each garment carefully before folding. Check for any signs of moth activity such as small irregular holes, silky webbing or tiny larvae. If you find anything suspicious, treat the piece with the freezing method before storing.

Fold each piece carefully, place in a breathable cotton storage bag, label clearly and store in a cool dry space. Place fresh cedar or lavender deterrents throughout the wardrobe. Set a moth trap. Set a reminder in your phone for mid-summer to check your deterrents.

This is also a good moment to de-pill any pieces that have accumulated pilling during the winter wearing season. A cashmere comb used now means everything comes out of storage in autumn looking its best.

Summer: June to August

Summer is peak moth season in the UK. Adult moths are most active between May and October, which means your stored knitwear is at its greatest risk during the months when you are least likely to be thinking about it.

Resist the temptation to open storage bags unnecessarily. Every time a bag is opened and reclosed the seal is briefly compromised. If you need to check a piece, reseal carefully and completely.

Check your moth deterrents at the midpoint of summer, typically late July. Cedar products remain effective for up to three months in UK conditions. Replace them if the scent has faded noticeably. Check your moth trap and replace if it is full or has been in place for more than three months.

If you find any signs of moth activity in your wardrobe during the summer months — act immediately rather than waiting until autumn.

Autumn: September to November

Autumn is reunion season, the moment you bring your cashmere back out and enjoy how well it has been protected.

Winter: December to February

The time when your cashmere is in regular use and the care focus shifts from storage to maintenance.

Rotate your pieces rather than wearing the same ones repeatedly. Giving cashmere time to rest between wears – at least a day or two – allows the fibres to recover their natural shape and reduces pilling.

Air pieces thoroughly after each wear before returning them to the wardrobe. 

How to air cashmere safely between wears

One to two hours is sufficient, and the approach matters as much as the duration.

Lay the piece flat on a clean surface in a well-lit room during daylight hours. Moths prefer dark, undisturbed environments – a bright, ventilated room during the day carries minimal risk. Give the piece a gentle shake before laying it flat and again before putting it away.

Never leave cashmere out overnight or on an open shelf for extended periods. Once aired, fold carefully and return to a sealed breathable storage bag. During peak moth season, May to October, keep airing periods brief and always reseal promptly.

Important: Do not leave cashmere folded on an open shelf between wears. Your storage bag is the piece's protective home between wears as much as between seasons.

During peak moth season: extra precautions 

  • Between May and October when moth activity is at its highest, keep airing periods to under an hour where possible and always return pieces to their sealed storage bags promptly afterwards.

  • Steam regularly to refresh between washes. Wash when genuinely necessary — visible soiling, persistent odour or preparation for a special occasion — following the hand wash method described in Section 4.

  • Depill as needed throughout the season. A quick pass with a cashmere comb every few weeks keeps pieces looking consistently well-maintained rather than allowing pilling to accumulate.

 The Complete Cashmere Care Checklist

A practical reference to keep, save or download. Everything covered in this guide distilled into two simple checklists — one for washing, one for storage.

Before washing a cashmere jumper

  • Check the care label

  • Turn the garment inside out 

  • Use cool water only, never warm or hot 

  • Use baby shampoo or a specialist pH neutral enzyme-free wool detergent 

  • Squeeze gently – never rub, twist or wring 

  • Rinse thoroughly until the water runs completely clear 

  • Press out excess water using the towel roll method

  • Reshape carefully while damp Lay flat to dry at room temperature — never hang, never tumble dry 

  • Keep away from direct heat and sunlight throughout drying

Before storing cashmere for the season

Wash every piece before storing — even pieces that appear clean Ensure every piece is completely dry before folding Fold along natural seams — never hang for storage Place each piece in a breathable organic cotton storage bag Seal the zip completely Label each bag with the contents Place natural moth deterrents throughout the wardrobe — not inside the storage bags Set a moth trap in the wardrage Set a reminder to check deterrents mid-season Note the date stored so you know when to check deterrents.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Washing and Caring for Cashmere

Can you wash cashmere?

Yes. For most pieces, washing at home is not only possible but preferable to dry cleaning. Hand washing in cool water with a gentle pH neutral detergent is the safest and most effective method for regular maintenance washing. The full step by step process is covered in Section 4 in this guide.

How do you wash cashmere wool by hand?

Fill a basin with cool water and add a teaspoon of baby shampoo or specialist wool detergent. Submerge the garment and squeeze gently, and never rub or wring. Rinse thoroughly in fresh cool water until it runs clear. Press out excess moisture using the towel roll method and lay flat to reshape and dry naturally. The complete step by step guide is in Section 4.

How do you wash a cashmere jumper without shrinking it?

Temperature is the critical factor. Always use cool water – never warm or hot. Heat causes cashmere fibres to lock together permanently, shrinking and matting the fabric in ways that cannot be reversed. Keep water temperature cool throughout both the wash and the rinse, handle gently throughout and lay flat to dry away from any heat source.

What temperature do you wash cashmere at?

Cool to lukewarm for hand washing. For machine washing, 30 degrees Celsius is the absolute maximum. Cooler is always better. Never exceed 30 degrees under any circumstances.

How often should you wash cashmere wool?

Less often than most people assume. Wash when the piece is visibly soiled, has a persistent odour that airing has not resolved, or is being prepared for seasonal storage. Between washes, air the piece for one to two hours after wearing and steam regularly to refresh the fabric. Over-washing causes cumulative damage to cashmere fibres over time.

What detergent should you use when washing cashmere wool?

Baby shampoo is our recommendation: gentle, pH balanced and kind to natural fibres. A specialist pH neutral enzyme-free wool detergent is equally suitable. Never use biological detergent, fabric softener or bleach. Biological detergents contain enzymes that gradually break down the protein structure of cashmere fibres with repeated use.

Can you tumble dry cashmere?

Never. Heat combined with mechanical agitation is the fastest way to permanently shrink and mat cashmere fibres. Always lay flat to dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct heat and sunlight. A standard cashmere jumper takes approximately 24 hours to dry completely.

Can you machine wash cashmere?

In some cases yes, but with strict conditions. Use a mesh laundry bag, select the hand washcycle, set the temperature to a maximum of 30 degrees and the spin speed to a maximum of 400 RPM. Use a specialist detergent for cashmere wool that is pH neutral, enzyme-free and safe for machine use. Hand washing is always the safer and more considerate choice.

How do you unshrink cashmere?

Soak the shrunken piece in cool water with a tablespoon of baby shampoo for 30 minutes. Do not rinse. Press out excess water gently, lay flat and carefully stretch the piece back toward its original dimensions while damp. Re-stretch periodically as it dries. Mild shrinkage can often be substantially reversed. The full method is in Section 12.

How do you get stains out of a cashmere jumper?

Act immediately and always use cold water — heat can set stains permanently into natural fibres. Blot gently with a clean cloth — never rub. For most stains, apply a single drop of baby shampoo directly to the mark, work in gently with a fingertip using small circular movements, leave for two to three minutes and remove by dabbing repeatedly with a cool damp cloth. The full stain guide by stain type is in Section 10.

Is dry cleaning better than hand washing cashmere?

Not for regular maintenance washing. The chemical solvents used in dry cleaning are safe occasionally but strip natural oils from cashmere fibres with repeated use, leaving them brittle and dull over time. Dry cleaning is the right choice for heavily soiled pieces, structured garments or anything labelled dry clean only. For everything else, hand washing is gentler, less expensive and better for the long-term life of the piece.

How do you store cashmere after washing?

Ensure the piece is completely dry before storing. Damp cashmere stored in a sealed environment develops mildew. Fold carefully along the natural seams and place in a breathable organic cotton storage bag sealed with a double zip. Place natural moth deterrents throughout the wardrobe environment. Never store in plastic. The complete storage guide is in Section 15.

How do you protect cashmere from moths?

A three-layer approach is most effective. First, store in a sealed breathable cotton storage bag that moths cannot penetrate. Second, place natural deterrents such as cedar blocks and lavender sachets throughout the wardrobe environment. Third, use a pheromone moth trap to capture male moths and break the breeding cycle. Always wash cashmere before storing. Moths are strongly attracted to body oils and food residue on unwashed fabric.

How do you care for a cashmere blend?

Follow the care instructions for the most delicate fibre in the blend. A cashmere silk blend requires the same cool water and gentle handling as pure cashmere, with shorter soaking times. Always check the care label percentage before washing.

What is the best way to care for cashmere?

Wash only when necessary using cool water and baby shampoo or a specialist wool detergent. Air and steam between washes to extend the time between laundering. Lay flat to dry. Never hang, never tumble dry. Store in a breathable cotton storage bag with natural moth deterrents in the wardrobe. Depill regularly with a cashmere comb. Follow the seasonal care calendar in Section 17 to keep every piece in perfect condition throughout the year.


About The Cashmere Choice

Founded in London in 2001, The Cashmere Choice began as a boutique on The Strand. Today we serve knitwear lovers worldwide from our online home. We hold a Feefo Platinum Award for customer service and are proud members of the Sustainable Fibre Alliance, committed to the responsible sourcing of natural fibres.

Everything in this guide comes from twenty-five years of experience, shared freely because well-cared-for knitwear is better for everyone.