How to Clean Cashmere Sweaters Without Damaging Them

There’s nothing quite like the feel of a soft, warm cashmere sweater. But owning one comes with a question many sweater lovers eventually ask: How do you actually wash this without ruining it?

Caring for cashmere isn’t complicated, but it does take a gentler approach than your usual laundry routine. If you’ve ever Googled “can you machine wash cashmere?” or “how to clean cashmere sweaters” without getting a clear answer, don’t worry—we’re breaking it all down in this guide.

What Is Cashmere?

Cashmere is a luxurious, lightweight wool made from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats. Known for being soft, warm, and breathable, it’s often used in high-end sweaters, scarves, and coats. Because the fibers are so fine, they feel amazing against the skin—but they’re also more delicate than standard wool or cotton.

Why Does Cashmere Require Special Care When Cleaning?

Unlike synthetic or cotton fabrics, cashmere is made of natural protein fibers that are prone to stretching, shrinking, or becoming misshapen if washed incorrectly. Rough agitation, hot water, or harsh detergents can cause serious damage. That’s why laundering cashmere sweaters requires a soft touch and a bit of patience.

How Often Should You Wash Cashmere Sweaters?

You don’t need to wash cashmere sweaters after every wear. In fact, frequent washing can wear down the fibers. 

As a rule of thumb:

• Wash after every 3–5 wears, unless it’s stained or smells
• Spot-clean small stains in between full washes
• Always wash before storing for the season to prevent odors and moths

What Is the Best Method for Washing Cashmere at Home?

You can absolutely wash cashmere at home. You just need to do it carefully. Here’s a breakdown of the two main methods, plus tips for drying cashmere properly.

Hand Washing vs. Machine Washing

Many people wonder: Can you machine wash cashmere? The answer is: sometimes, but handwashing is always safer. That said, modern machines with delicate cycles can handle it if done right. Let’s walk through both.

How to Hand Wash a Cashmere Sweater

1. Fill a basin or sink with cool water.
   Avoid hot or warm water as it can cause shrinking.
   
2. Add a small amount of gentle detergent.
   Look for one specifically made for wool or laundering cashmere.
   
3. Turn your sweater inside out and gently submerge.
   Soak it for 5-10 minutes without rubbing or twisting.
   
4. Swish gently.
   Lightly move it through the water to loosen dirt or body oils.
   
5. Rinse with cool water.
   Gently press (not wring) the water out.

How to Machine Wash a Cashmere Sweater

If you choose to wash cashmere sweater in washing machine, follow these steps:

1. Use a mesh laundry bag.
   This protects the sweater from friction and snagging.
   
2. Select the delicate or wool cycle.
   Make sure cold water is selected, and set spin to the lowest level.
   
3. Use a wool-safe detergent.
   Skip fabric softener—it can coat the fibers.
   
4. Remove immediately after the cycle ends.
   Letting it sit wet can cause stretching or wrinkles.
   

How to Dry a Cashmere Sweater

1. Lay the sweater flat on a clean towel.
   Gently roll the towel to press out moisture—don’t twist or wring.
   
2. Reshape the sweater while damp.
   Lay it on a dry towel or mesh drying rack and reshape the arms and hem.
   
3. Air dry away from heat or sunlight.
   Don’t hang it—it can stretch out. Avoid using the dryer.
   

What Type of Detergent Should You Use for Cashmere?

When it comes to washing cashmere jumpers or sweaters, the detergent you use matters just as much as how you wash them. Cashmere is made from natural protein fibers, which means it’s sensitive to harsh chemicals. Using the wrong detergent—even just once—can strip the softness, cause pilling, or leave behind a residue that dulls the fabric over time.

So, what should you use?

Stick with a mild, pH-balanced detergent that’s specifically made for delicate fabrics like wool, silk, or cashmere. These formulas are gentle enough to clean without damaging the structure of the fibers. 

When reading labels, look for phrases like:

• “Wool wash” – These are made to clean without harsh ingredients, and they rinse out easily.
• “Cashmere-safe” – If the bottle says it’s safe for cashmere, that’s a good sign the formula was made for fragile fibers.
• “Gentle formula for natural fibers” – This usually means it’s free from enzymes, bleach, and other aggressive ingredients.
  

Avoid using:

• Regular laundry detergent – These are often too alkaline and may contain enzymes that break down protein-based fibers like cashmere.
• Bleach or brighteners – Even “gentle” versions can weaken the fabric and cause fading or yellowing.
• Fabric softeners – These may leave a coating on the fibers, which can actually reduce softness and trap odors over time.
  

If you’re not sure where to start, brands like The Laundress, Eucalan, or Soak are well-known for their gentle formulas and often come in cashmere-specific versions.

In short: choose something soft, simple, and made for delicate care.

How Do You Remove Stains from Cashmere Without Damaging the Fabric?

Accidents happen, but treating stains on cashmere takes care. 

Here’s what to do:

• Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean, dry cloth to gently absorb the stain.
• Use cold water and mild detergent. Apply a dab to the spot and gently pat with your finger or a cloth.
• Let it soak if needed. For tough stains like wine or oil, let the area sit in cool water with detergent for 15 minutes before rinsing.
• Avoid scrubbing or using stain pens. These can damage or discolor delicate fibers.
  

If a stain doesn’t lift after one attempt, don’t keep scrubbing—this may be a case for a professional cleaner.

How Should You Store Cashmere Sweaters to Keep Them in Good Condition?

Proper storage keeps your sweater looking good and protects it from moths and stretching:

• Fold, don’t hang. Hanging stretches out the shoulders and neckline.
• Store in breathable cotton bags. Avoid plastic bins unless you add moisture control packets.
• Keep them in a cool, dry place. Cashmere is sensitive to humidity and heat.
• Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets. These repel moths naturally without using harsh chemicals.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Cashmere?

Cashmere is one of those fabrics that looks low-maintenance—until you accidentally shrink your favorite sweater or stretch out the neckline. The truth is, a lot of the most common laundry habits can quietly ruin cashmere if you’re not careful. 

Here are the most frequent mistakes people make—and how to avoid them:

Using hot water

It might seem like hot water gets things extra clean, but with cashmere, it’s a fast track to shrinkage. The heat causes the fibers to contract, which can leave you with a sweater two sizes too small. Always use cold or cool water to help the fabric keep its shape and softness.

Wringing out the sweater

It’s tempting to squeeze or twist your sweater to get the water out quickly, but don’t do it. Wringing stretches and distorts the delicate fibers, especially when they’re wet and heavy. Instead, press the water out gently using a clean towel—roll it up like a sushi roll and let the towel absorb the moisture.

Tossing it in the dryer

This one’s a big no. The heat and tumbling action in a dryer can make cashmere shrink, felt (turn fuzzy and stiff), or pill excessively. Even the air-dry setting can be too rough. Always lay your sweater flat to dry, away from direct heat or sunlight.

Hanging it to dry

Hanging wet cashmere might seem harmless, but gravity isn’t your friend here. It can cause the sweater to stretch, especially around the shoulders and neck. To keep its shape, lay it flat on a dry towel or mesh drying rack instead.

Using regular detergent

Everyday laundry detergents are often too harsh for natural fibers like cashmere. They can strip away the oils that give the fabric its signature softness, leaving it stiff or dull. Stick with a detergent made for wool, delicates, or natural fibers to protect the texture.

Avoiding these small but damaging habits will help your cashmere pieces stay soft, cozy, and wearable for seasons to come.

When Should You Take Your Cashmere Sweater to a Professional Cleaner?

Washing cashmere at home is totally doable in most cases—but there are times when it’s smarter to hand it over to the pros. If you’re ever unsure or dealing with a tricky situation, a professional cleaner can help you avoid accidental damage and keep your sweater in top shape.

Here’s when it makes sense to go that route:

The sweater has oil, ink, or set-in stains

Some stains are just too stubborn for gentle at-home methods. Oil, ink, makeup, or wine can be especially tough to remove without the risk of damaging the fabric. Professional cleaners use advanced techniques and solvents that can treat these spots without harming the fibers.

It’s part of a tailored or structured piece

If your cashmere item is a blazer, coat, or something with lining and shape, it’s best to leave it to a cleaner. These pieces often require careful pressing or steam finishing that’s hard to replicate at home.

You don’t feel confident about laundering cashmere yourself

If you’re feeling anxious about washing it—maybe it’s your favorite sweater, a pricey investment, or a sentimental gift—it’s okay to play it safe. Dry cleaners experienced with cashmere know how to clean it gently and return it in perfect condition.

The care label says “dry clean only”

Some cashmere blends or weaves are more delicate and meant for dry cleaning only. In this case, it’s best to follow the label’s instructions to avoid shrinking, pilling, or fading.

Keep Your Cashmere Cozy, Clean, and Long-Lasting

Laundering cashmere sweaters might feel intimidating at first, but once you understand the basics—cold water, gentle detergent, no twisting or heat—you’ll find that it’s easier than expected. Are you hand washing or machine washing cashmere? The goal is to keep those fibers soft, fresh, and looking as luxurious as the day you bought it.

If you’d rather leave it to the experts, and you’re searching for the best laundromat in Chicago, the best place to go is SpinXpress. Our wash and fold service makes it easy to handle delicate garments like cashmere with care, and their pickup and drop-off options save you time, especially when you’re juggling a busy schedule. With a location right in Chicago, SpinXpress makes caring for cashmere convenient, simple, and stress-free.