How to Wash Cashmere at Home (Without Ruining It)
Cashmere has a reputation for being delicate — and many people assume it must always be dry cleaned.
The truth is that most 100% cashmere can be safely washed at home, and doing so can actually help your sweaters last longer.
At Marin Cashmere, we restore and resell preloved cashmere pieces every week. Many of these sweaters are decades old — and with proper care, they still feel incredibly soft.
The secret is simple: gentle washing and minimal handling.
Here’s exactly how to wash cashmere at home without damaging the fibers.
“Cashmere doesn’t need complicated care. It needs gentle care — and a little patience.”
First Rule: Always Read the Care Label
Before washing any cashmere piece, start with the care tag.
Some garments — especially vintage pieces, lined garments, or blended knits — may be labeled dry clean only.
Follow the label if the piece:
• Is structured or tailored
• Has lining or embellishments
• Is vintage or delicate
• Contains mixed fibers
My personal rule is simple:
If I would be heartbroken if something happened to it, I dry clean it. For example, I always dry clean my vintage Chanel cashmere cardigan.
How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?
Much less often than most people think.
Cashmere is a natural fiber that does not hold odor the way synthetic fabrics do, so frequent washing is unnecessary.
A good rule of thumb:
• Wash every 7–10 wears
• Wash sooner if the sweater is visibly soiled or has odor
Over-washing is one of the fastest ways to wear out cashmere fibers.
Often, simply airing out a sweater overnight is enough to refresh it.
How I Refresh Cashmere Between Washes
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of a cashmere sweater is simply refreshing it between washes instead of cleaning it constantly.
This is the method I use with many of my own sweaters.
First, place the sweater on a padded hanger to support the shoulders.
Then lightly mist it with a simple spray of water and a small amount of rubbing alcohol. The alcohol helps neutralize odor and evaporates quickly.
After misting, hang the sweater in a shaded outdoor area or near an open window for a few hours so it can air out.
Fresh air naturally refreshes the fibers and allows the sweater to relax.
Once it feels fresh and dry, simply fold the sweater and return it to your drawer or shelf.
This simple routine keeps sweaters feeling clean and refreshed while reducing how often they need to be washed, which helps preserve the delicate cashmere fibers.
Marin Cashmere Tip
Always use a padded hanger when briefly hanging cashmere. Thin hangers can stretch the shoulders, especially while the garment is airing out.
For long-term storage, cashmere should always be folded rather than hung.
Spot Clean Between Washes
Cashmere doesn’t need to be fully washed every time it gets a small mark. In fact, spot cleaning is often the best way to extend the life of your sweater between washes.
If you notice a small spot:
• Dab the area gently with cool water and a tiny amount of wool or cashmere wash
• Use a soft cloth or your fingertips to lightly work the detergent into the spot
• Rinse the area with cool water
• Press gently with a towel to remove moisture
Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the fibers, which can cause pilling.
Once dry, the sweater is usually perfectly refreshed without needing a full wash.
Spot cleaning is one of the easiest ways to keep cashmere looking beautiful while washing it less often — which ultimately helps the fibers last longer.
Step-by-Step: How to Hand Wash Cashmere
Hand washing is the safest and gentlest method for cleaning cashmere.
1. Fill a Sink or Basin
Use cool or lukewarm water only. Hot water can cause shrinkage and damage the fibers.
2. Add a Gentle Detergent
Use a wool or cashmere wash designed for delicate fibers.
Only a small amount is needed.
3. Submerge the Sweater
Place the sweater in the water and gently swish it through the water.
Do not scrub or rub the fabric.
4. Let It Soak
Allow the sweater to soak for 10–15 minutes.
This allows the detergent to release dirt and oils without agitation.
5. Rinse Carefully
Drain the sink and refill with cool water.
Rinse until the water runs clear.
Removing Excess Water Without Damaging Cashmere
After rinsing, never wring or twist cashmere. Twisting stretches the fibers and can permanently change the shape of the sweater.
Instead, remove water gently using a towel.
Lay the sweater flat on a clean, dry towel
Roll the towel up with the sweater inside
Gently press the towel to absorb excess water
The towel pulls moisture out of the fibers without stretching the knit.
Once the sweater is no longer dripping, lay it flat on a dry towel or drying rack and reshape the neckline, sleeves, and hem while it is still damp.
Cashmere dries best when it is laid flat and undisturbed.
A drying rack that allows airflow underneath can help the sweater dry faster, but a clean towel works perfectly well too.
Can You Wash Cashmere in the Washing Machine?
Yes — some cashmere can be washed in the washing machine, but only with extra care.
Hand washing is always the safest method, but if you choose to use a machine, follow these guidelines carefully.
The most important rule
Always place your sweater in a fine mesh laundry bag before putting it in the washing machine.
This protects the delicate fibers from stretching, snagging, and friction during the wash cycle.
Machine Washing Guidelines
• Place the sweater in a fine mesh laundry bag
• Use the delicate or wool cycle
• Wash with cold water only
• Use a gentle wool or cashmere detergent
• Wash only with other delicate items
Avoid washing cashmere with heavy garments like jeans, sweatshirts, or towels, which can cause friction and pilling.
After washing, gently press out excess water in a towel and lay the sweater flat to dry.
❌ Never place cashmere in the dryer.
When You Should Not Wash Cashmere at Home
While most simple cashmere sweaters can be safely washed at home, some pieces are better left to professional care.
Avoid washing cashmere at home if the garment has:
• Embellishments like beads, sequins, or embroidery
• Structured shapes that would be difficult to reshape while drying
• Lining or mixed fabrics
• Very delicate or vintage construction
If you feel it would be difficult to reshape the garment while it is damp, it’s usually best to dry clean it.
Cashmere becomes heavier when wet, and delicate pieces can easily stretch or lose their structure during drying.
When in doubt, professional cleaning helps preserve the garment’s original shape.
At Marin Cashmere, we evaluate every piece before washing. The simpler the knit, the safer it is to wash at home.
The Marin Cashmere Philosophy
Cashmere doesn’t require complicated care routines.
In fact, the best way to preserve cashmere is often the simplest:
• Wash it less often
• Handle it gently
• Allow it to dry naturally
With thoughtful care, a great sweater can last 10, 20, even 30 years.
And that’s exactly why we believe:
Buy better. Wear longer.
✔ Want the full guide?
Download the Ultimate Cashmere Care Guide for washing, storing, depilling, and caring for your sweaters so they last for decades.
Buy Better. Wear Longer.
