How to wash cashmere: a simple guide to keep it soft
Cashmere is a natural fiber of exceptional value, one that calls for specific attention to preserve its original beauty over time. Drawn from the soft undercoat of the Hircus goat, this raw material is noticeably lighter, warmer and more delicate than traditional wool. An incorrect wash can lead to felting or irreversible shrinkage, while careful attention allows a sweater to keep its softness for decades.
This guide walks through how to wash cashmere by hand, when the washing machine can be used without risk, the correct way to dry it and the most common mistakes to avoid so the quality of the fibers is never compromised.
Why cashmere needs special care
Cashmere fibers are shorter and finer than sheep's wool, a quality that gives the fabric its characteristic softness but also makes it more vulnerable to heat and friction. Excessive agitation can cause the fiber's scales to interlock, triggering a felting process that cannot be reversed. The longevity of a garment, in other words, depends closely on the cleaning method chosen.
To learn more about what determines the quality of the raw material itself, read our dedicated guide to cashmere micron.
How to wash cashmere by hand
Hand washing remains the most reliable way to preserve the structure of a cashmere garment, and it's the method we recommend for our Cashmere Collection.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Fill a basin with cold or room-temperature water.
- Add a small amount of detergent formulated for delicate fibers, avoiding harsh products that strip away the fiber's natural oils.
- Submerge the garment and let it soak for a few minutes.
- Move the fabric with extreme care, without rubbing or wringing.
- Rinse gently, keeping the water temperature consistent throughout.
- Press lightly to remove excess water, without ever twisting the fabric.
The goal is to let the water and detergent do the work, keeping manual handling to an absolute minimum.
How to wash cashmere sweater
When it comes to washing a cashmere sweater, the most iconic garment made from this fiber, the same steps apply, with a few preliminary precautions:
- Check the label first, to rule out the need for dry cleaning.
- Turn the garment inside out to protect the outer surface.
- Treat any stains gently before full immersion.
- Use the slow, careful movements typical of hand washing.
- Reshape the sweater while it's still damp, easing the shoulders and cuffs back into place.
You can explore the range of cashmere knitwear suited to this method in our men's and women's collections.
Can you wash cashmere in the washing machine?
Machine washing is possible, but only with strict precautions and only if the label explicitly allows it, since it carries greater risk than hand washing:
- Turn the garment inside out and place it in a dedicated wash bag.
- Select only a wool or delicates cycle, strictly on cold.
- Use a minimal amount of a detergent formulated for delicate fibers.
- Skip the spin cycle entirely, or choose the lowest setting available.
- Remove the garment as soon as the cycle ends, to avoid permanent creasing.
When in doubt, hand washing remains the safer choice.
How to dry cashmere correctly
Drying is often the stage where the most damage occurs. Heat and gravity are the two main culprits: the first can shrink the fibers, while hanging a wet garment permanently distorts its shape.
- Never wring the garment: blot away excess water by rolling it in a clean towel instead.
- Never hang cashmere to dry; lay it flat on a level surface instead.
- Gently reshape the garment to its original dimensions while the fabric is still damp.
- Keep it away from radiators and direct sunlight.
- Wait until it's fully dry before putting it away.
- Never use a dryer, even if it has delicates cycle
Proper storage matters just as much. You'll find more guidance in our article on cashmere storage tips for long-lasting softness.
Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning cashmere
- Washing at high temperatures: causes immediate shrinkage of the fibers.
- Generic detergents: standard fabric softeners can strip cashmere of its natural softness.
- Wringing and twisting: permanently damage the elastic structure of the garment.
- Intense spin cycles: put excessive stress on such fine fibers.
- Vertical drying: the weight of the water pulls the sweater out of shape.
- Ignoring the label: essential for knowing whether a garment needs professional cleaning instead.
Consistent, gentle care is the real secret to keeping cashmere soft and impeccable for years.
Caring for your cashmere is an investment in both its future and your personal style. At Fedeli 1934, we believe that nurturing our garments with the utmost care allows them to retain their beauty and craftsmanship for many years to come. With proper storage techniques, your cashmere will remain as soft and luxurious as the first day you wore it—ready to embrace the next season with elegance and grace.
Caring for your cashmere is an act of respect for its quality, ensuring that each piece remains as refined as the day you first wore it.
