Most cashmere is not ruined by wear. It is ruined by one bad wash.
Knowing how to wash cashmere correctly is the difference between a piece that softens with age and one that shrinks, felts and loses its shape after a single cycle. The process is straightforward once you understand why cashmere behaves the way it does.
This guide covers hand washing, machine washing, drying, and the mistakes that cause irreversible damage. If you own a cashmere pullover, cardigan or accessory, this is the only guide you need.
Why Cashmere Reacts Differently to Water
Cashmere fibres measure between 14 and 16 microns in diameter. Standard wool runs at 20 microns or more. That fineness is what makes cashmere soft — and what makes it respond differently to heat and agitation.
Each cashmere fibre has microscopic scales on its surface. In cold water with minimal movement, those scales stay flat and separate. In hot water or with agitation, the scales open, interlock and lock together permanently. That process is called felting.
Once cashmere has felted, it cannot be reversed. The fabric becomes dense, stiff and significantly smaller. No amount of stretching or conditioning will restore it.
Cold water and minimal agitation are not optional steps in cashmere care. They are the conditions that prevent felting from happening in the first place.
How to Hand Wash Cashmere
Hand washing gives you complete control over temperature and agitation. It is the safest method for any cashmere piece.
- Fill a clean basin or sink with cold water — 30 degrees Celsius maximum
- Add a small amount of gentle detergent designed for wool or delicates. Baby shampoo works well as an alternative
- Submerge the cashmere piece and press it gently into the water
- Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes — do not agitate or rub
- Lift the piece out carefully, supporting its full weight
- Press gently to remove excess water — never wring or twist
- Rinse in cold water until all detergent is removed
- Press again between two clean towels to remove remaining moisture
The entire process should take around 20 minutes. The key is minimal movement throughout — press, do not rub.
How to Machine Wash Cashmere
Machine washing is possible with the right settings. It is not the preferred method but it works for most cashmere knitwear when done carefully.
Place the cashmere piece inside a mesh laundry bag. This protects the fabric from friction during the cycle — friction is the main cause of pilling and felting in machine washing.
Select the delicate or wool cycle. Cold water only — never warm or hot. Use a small amount of gentle detergent. Set the spin speed to 400rpm or below. Higher spin speeds put excessive stress on cashmere fibres and can distort the shape of the garment.
Remove the piece immediately when the cycle ends. A wet cashmere garment left sitting in a drum will stretch under its own weight.
One thing to avoid entirely: the standard cotton or synthetics cycle. The agitation levels are too high for cashmere regardless of water temperature.
How to Dry Cashmere Correctly
Drying is where most cashmere is damaged — not the wash itself.
Never hang a wet cashmere piece to dry. The weight of the water pulls the fabric downward, stretching the shoulders and distorting the shape permanently. Even 20 minutes of hanging while wet can cause visible stretch marks at the shoulder seams.
Never tumble dry. The heat and movement will felt the fibres in minutes.
The correct method is flat drying. Lay the piece on a clean dry towel. Reshape it gently while still damp — smooth the sleeves, straighten the hem, adjust the neckline back to its original shape. Roll the towel with the piece inside to absorb more moisture. Unroll and transfer to a fresh dry surface.
Leave flat until completely dry. This takes 12 to 24 hours depending on the weight of the knit and the humidity of the room. Room temperature is ideal — avoid radiators, direct sunlight and tumble dryers.
How to Wash Cashmere Wool Blends vs Pure Cashmere
Pure cashmere and cashmere wool blends require slightly different handling.
Pure cashmere — like the 100% Mongolian cashmere used in Fiora Muse pieces — is more delicate than blended alternatives. The fibre is finer and the scales are more responsive to heat and agitation. Cold water and the delicate cycle are non-negotiable.
Cashmere wool blends typically contain 10 to 30% wool alongside the cashmere. Wool fibres are coarser and more resilient, which means blended pieces can tolerate slightly more agitation. That said, the care label should always take precedence over general guidance. If the label says hand wash only, hand wash only.
The practical difference: a pure cashmere piece should always be hand washed or machine washed on the most delicate setting available. A blend may tolerate a wool cycle, but cold water remains essential for both.
How Often Should You Wash Cashmere
Less often than most people expect.
Cashmere does not need washing after every wear. The fibre is naturally resistant to odour — a quality of the protein structure of the fibre itself. Airing the piece after wearing, laid flat in a well-ventilated room for a few hours, removes most odours and refreshes the fabric without the stress of washing.
Wash when visibly soiled or after 3 to 5 wears, depending on how close to the skin the piece is worn. A cashmere cardigan worn over a shirt needs washing less frequently than a fine-knit top worn directly against the skin.
Over-washing accelerates wear. Each wash puts some stress on the fibres, however gentle. Washing less frequently extends the life of the garment significantly. A well-maintained cashmere piece washed correctly and infrequently will outlast one that is washed every week regardless of technique.
How to Store Cashmere After Washing
Storage after washing is as important as the wash itself.
Ensure the piece is completely dry before folding and storing. Even slight residual moisture can cause mildew and damage the fibre over time.
Fold cashmere — never hang. A cashmere piece stored on a hanger will develop stretch marks at the shoulders over weeks. Store flat in a drawer or on a shelf, or inside a breathable cotton bag if storing for longer periods. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture.
Cedar blocks or lavender sachets placed near stored cashmere will deter moths without the chemical smell of mothballs. Replace cedar blocks every few months as the scent fades.
Store clean. Body oils and food residues attract moths during storage. Wash before putting pieces away for the season, even if they appear clean.
For full storage and care guidance, read the Fiora Muse care guide.
Three Questions About Washing Cashmere
People often ask whether dry cleaning is better than hand washing for cashmere. It is not necessarily better. The chemicals used in dry cleaning can strip the natural oils from cashmere fibres over time, gradually reducing softness. Hand washing with a gentle detergent preserves those oils and is the preferred method for most cashmere pieces. Reserve dry cleaning for heavily soiled garments or structured pieces where hand washing is impractical.
A second question is what to do if cashmere has already shrunk. If the shrinkage is minor and the fabric has not felted, soaking the piece in cold water with a small amount of hair conditioner and gently stretching it back to shape while wet can partially restore the original dimensions. Work slowly and evenly. If the fabric has become dense and stiff rather than soft, the felting is permanent.
Finally, whether cashmere can be ironed. Yes, with care. Use the lowest steam setting available and iron on the reverse side of the fabric with a clean pressing cloth between the iron and the cashmere. Never iron directly onto cashmere without a cloth. The heat can damage the surface of the fibres and leave permanent marks.
The Cashmere Worth Caring For
Knowing how to wash cashmere correctly only matters if the piece is worth the effort.
Fiora Muse cashmere is knitted from 100% Mongolian cashmere — 12-gauge, 2-ply construction, SFA certified and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 approved. Pieces designed to be worn for years, not seasons.