How to Clean Cashmere Sweaters — Professional Cashmere Care in Houston

Cashmere is one of the world's most luxurious natural fibers — and one of the most easily ruined by improper cleaning. A single wash cycle at the wrong temperature can turn a $400 cashmere sweater into a misshapen mess. River Oaks Cleaners has been caring for cashmere in Houston for 35 years, and we're here to walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Cashmere Needs Special Care

Cashmere comes from the fine undercoat of cashmere goats. The fibers are incredibly soft but also fragile — they shrink when agitated in hot water, felt when rubbed roughly, and pill when abraded against other fabrics. Standard laundry detergents are too harsh for cashmere's delicate protein-based structure.

Can You Wash Cashmere at Home?

Some light cashmere items — a thin cardigan, for example — can survive a careful hand wash in cool water with a specialty wool wash like Woolite. But for anything with:

• Embellishments, beading, or delicate knit patterns
• A lined interior or structured shape
• Deep stains or odors
• High value (over $150)
• Cashmere blended with silk or other specialty fibers

Professional dry cleaning is the safest choice. The solvents used in professional dry cleaning are gentle on cashmere's natural oils and won't cause shrinkage or felting.

What River Oaks Cleaners Does for Your Cashmere

When you bring cashmere to us — or schedule a pickup — our team:

1. Inspects the fabric for stains, pilling, and any damage before cleaning.
2. Pre-treats any spots or stains with appropriate solvents tested safe for cashmere.
3. Cleans the garment using professional dry cleaning methods that protect the fiber structure.
4. Reshapes and blocks the sweater to its original dimensions while damp.
5. Finishes the garment with a light steam press — never harsh pressing that can damage cashmere's loft.

Storing Your Cashmere After Cleaning

Clean cashmere before storing for the season — moths and insects are attracted to the natural protein in soiled cashmere but not clean fiber. Store folded (never on a hanger, which stretches the shoulders) in breathable cotton garment bags or cedar-lined drawers. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture.

Pilling: What Causes It and What We Can Do

Pilling is caused by surface fibers breaking and tangling into small balls. It's most common in areas of friction — underarms, cuffs, and sides. A professional cashmere de-piller can remove existing pills without damaging the underlying knit. Ask us about this service when you drop off or schedule your pickup.

Schedule Your Cashmere Pickup in Houston

River Oaks Cleaners offers free pickup and delivery throughout Houston, River Oaks, Memorial, Galleria, Midtown, the Heights, and surrounding areas. As the fall season approaches, now is a great time to refresh your cashmere collection before the first cool front arrives. Schedule your pickup at riveroakscleaners.com or call us today.