How to Care for a Cashmere Sweater

Cashmere is one of the most luxurious — and most misunderstood — natural fibers in your wardrobe. Proper care keeps cashmere soft and beautiful for decades. Improper care can permanently ruin it in a single wash. Here's what every cashmere owner needs to know.

Can You Wash Cashmere at Home?

Yes, with caution. Most cashmere sweaters can be hand-washed in cold water with a gentle detergent — but the margin for error is thin. Machine washing, even on delicate cycles, risks felting (irreversible shrinkage and hardening). Hot water causes shrinkage. Wringing or twisting breaks fibers.

If your cashmere is a significant investment — anything over $100, or heirloom pieces — professional dry cleaning is the safer choice.

Between Wears: The Right Habits

• Never hang cashmere — folding is essential. Hanging causes the fibers to stretch under their own weight, creating permanent shoulder bumps and a misshapen body.
• Air out after wearing — lay flat on a clean towel for a few hours before folding and storing. This releases moisture and reduces the need for frequent washing.
• Use a cashmere comb or lint shaver — pilling is normal on cashmere, especially in friction areas (underarms, sides). A fabric shaver removes pills without cutting fibers.
• Rotate pieces — wearing the same sweater every day accelerates wear. Giving it at least one day off between wears extends its life significantly.

Hand Washing Cashmere (Step-by-Step)

1. Fill a basin or sink with cool water (never warm or hot).
2. Add a small amount of gentle wool wash or baby shampoo. Never use regular laundry detergent — it's too harsh for cashmere.
3. Submerge the garment and gently squeeze water through — do not agitate, rub, or scrub.
4. Let it soak for 15–20 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly in cool water until no soap remains.
6. Do not wring. Instead, gently press out water between your palms and the side of the basin.
7. Lay the sweater on a clean dry towel, reshape it to its original dimensions, and roll the towel to absorb excess moisture.
8. Unroll and lay flat on a drying rack or clean towel to air dry completely. Keep away from direct sunlight or heat.

Storing Cashmere

Houston may not have cold winters by national standards, but the storage principles still matter:

• Store cashmere clean — body oils and food particles attract moths and other pests
• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets — not mothballs, which leave a chemical odor that's difficult to remove
• Store in a breathable cotton storage bag — plastic bags trap moisture
• Fold, never hang

When to Take Cashmere to a Professional Dry Cleaner

Some situations always warrant professional care:

• Stains — particularly wine, oil, or protein-based stains (blood, sweat). Rubbing a stain on cashmere causes permanent fiber damage. Blot gently and bring it in.
• Heavy soil or odor buildup — if it needs a deep clean, professional dry cleaning is more effective and gentler than home washing.
• Cashmere blends with silk or wool — mixed fibers add complexity that's better handled professionally.
• Valuable or heirloom pieces — don't risk a cherished sweater to save the cost of dry cleaning.

River Oaks Cleaners — Cashmere Experts in Houston

At River Oaks Cleaners, cashmere, wool, and fine knit garments get specialist treatment. We've been caring for Houston's finest wardrobe pieces for 35 years, and our team knows how to clean cashmere without shrinkage, matting, or loss of softness.

We offer free pickup and delivery across Houston — schedule online and we'll handle your most delicate pieces with the care they deserve.