The Ultimate Guide To Washing & Caring For Cashmere
Cashmere is globally celebrated as one of the softest materials used in clothing design. Its ultra-smooth, velvety texture makes it a beloved wardrobe staple, but maintaining the quality of this luxurious fabric requires special care.
At John Smedley, we strive to simplify the process of washing your cashmere garments, ensuring they remain free from shrinkage, pilling, and other potential damage. This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to wash, dry, iron, and store your cashmere, helping you preserve its softness and longevity.
Why Cashmere?
Cashmere is renowned worldwide as an opulent, high-quality fabric used in clothing, homewares, and beyond. While there are many types of wool, each sourced from different animals or regions with unique characteristics, cashmere stands out as a noble fibre derived from goats, with a high crimp similar to merino wool. Its reputation as one of the finest fabrics is well-deserved; cashmere fibres are finer, softer, stronger, and lighter than sheep’s wool and are estimated to be three times more insulating. This means your cashmere sweater will not only be the softest item in your wardrobe but also the warmest.
Studies suggest that cashmere from newer production regions, such as the upper Alashan region of Mongolia — where John Smedley sources its cashmere — tends to be softer than traditional sources like China and may have lower resistance to compression. This lightweight, breathable fabric is also considered hypoallergenic, making it perfect for sensitive skin and preventing irritation.
Cashmere's popularity in the textile industry is no surprise, given its versatility in different climates and its famed softness. Cashmere is entirely recyclable, and there are a large number of used “circularity” projects which reduce the need for new or “virgin” wool, making it an excellent choice for those seeking sustainable clothing options. Additionally, cashmere doesn’t need to be washed after every wear, reducing laundry loads and further minimising environmental impact.
Cashmere is an elegant, timeless addition to any knitwear collection. Its only drawback is its slightly lower durability compared to merino wool. In response to this, we launched a blend of both—John Smedley’s Eco Cashmere combines 50% recycled cashmere with 50% merino wool. By blending the robustness of merino wool with the softness of cashmere, we offer the perfect combination of luxury, durability, and circularity.
High Maintenance? Not Exactly
Cashmere has garnered an undeserved reputation as a high-maintenance fabric, but it’s not nearly as delicate as you might think. While cashmere doesn’t need frequent washing, when you do decide to clean your cherished piece—whether by hand or machine—just follow a few essential steps to keep it in pristine condition. Proper care is crucial for this luxurious fabric, allowing you to maintain its softness, durability, and shape.
Cashmere fibres are susceptible to damage from harsh detergents, high water temperatures, or excessive handling. Incorrect washing and drying methods can lead to shrinkage, stretching, pilling, and the loss of its signature softness. By taking a little extra care, you can preserve the quality and comfort of your cashmere garments.
The golden rule of washing cashmere is to always read the label and understand the washing symbols, ensuring you treat each piece with the respect it deserves. Some items can be machine washed, others hand washed, and some only dry cleaned.
Washing Cashmere and Maintaining Softness
When laundry day arrives, your cashmere pieces need special attention to maintain their softness and shape. While the label might recommend dry cleaning, it's not always the best choice, as the solvents used in dry cleaning can strip cashmere of its natural oils, diminishing its luxurious feel. If the label doesn’t mandate dry cleaning, it’s best to avoid it.
You don’t need to wash your cashmere after every wear. For individual stains, apply a small amount of detergent and gently rub with a cotton swab. Let it sit for up to 30 minutes, then rinse. To freshen up your cashmere between washes, use a lint roller or a wool comb to remove fuzz and pills. The fewer washes, the better, both for your garment’s longevity and the environment.
When it is time to wash your cashmere, you have two options: hand wash or hand machine wash. We recommend treating cashmere and its blends delicately, preferably by hand. To hand wash, turn your knitwear inside out and fill a clean basin with cold water. Add a small amount of gentle detergent or even hair shampoo — our Wool Wash is designed specifically to protect cashmere. Submerge the garment and gently agitate the water, taking care not to stretch the fibres. Allow it to soak for up to 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water until it runs clear. Press the garment between two clean towels to remove excess water, but never wring it, as this can distort the fibres and alter the shape.
Hand machine washing (don’t use a full machine wash!) is less ideal for cashmere, but if permitted by the label, turn the garment inside out, wash with similar colours, and avoid overloading the machine, especially with items that have zippers, sequins, or other embellishments that could snag. A netted laundry bag offers extra protection. Opt for a 20°C delicate wool wash and set the spin speed to the lowest setting, ideally around 400 rpm. Always use a gentle detergent like our Wool Wash, and never use fabric softener, which can compromise the natural softness of the fibres.
Drying Cashmere and Preserving Its Shape
One of the greatest threats to cashmere is the tumble dryer, so in order to preserve its original shape, always opt for air drying. After gently removing excess water by pressing between towels (never wringing), lay your garment on a flat surface and reshape it. A clean, dry towel or a flat drying rack works perfectly. Avoid hanging your cashmere vertically on a drying rack, over a washing line, or using pegs, as these can distort the fabric's natural shape.
Let your cashmere dry naturally in a cool, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or excessive heat sources like radiators or fireplaces, as too much heat can cause shrinkage. For even drying, flip the garment over after a few hours.
Keep Your Cashmere Pill-Free
Pilling occurs when consistent rubbing causes the fibres in a material to migrate to the surface and form small, unsightly balls. To keep pilling at bay, follow these tips: wash your cashmere separately from other garments, opt for a low spin cycle if machine washing, handle with care when hand washing, and always air dry flat. Avoid friction from accessories like handbags that could rub against the fabric. Proper storage also plays a crucial role in preventing pilling. For those who find pilling a persistent problem, a cashmere comb can be a game-changer. Use it gently to remove any emerging pills and to preserve your garment’s smooth appearance. With these practices, your cashmere will remain as exquisite as ever.
Ironing and Steaming Cashmere
Ironing uses extreme heat to remove lines and keep your favourite pieces crease-free, but proceed with caution, as cashmere is susceptible to damage. Start by turning your item inside out to protect the surface fibres, and use a very low setting on your iron, specifically for delicate fabrics. It may help to use a damp cloth on top when ironing to provide an extra protective barrier and avoid direct contact with the surface. If you must iron directly onto the cashmere, press down gently without sliding, and reposition the garment on the ironing board each time rather than sliding the iron across. While this undoubtedly takes longer, it will be worth it.
Steaming is preferable as it doesn’t involve pressing down and flattening the natural fluffiness of the fibres, but be extremely careful with the distance of the steamer and the length of time you leave it on each section to avoid burning the fabric.
How to Store Your Cashmere
Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the longevity of your cashmere, so don’t overlook this final step after careful washing and drying. While storing cashmere is straightforward, it requires more attention than simply putting it in a drawer.
Avoid hanging cashmere, as this can distort the shoulder shape on the hanger. Instead, fold the garments to maintain their form. For added protection, wrap each piece in acid-free tissue paper to guard against moisture and place it in a breathable, sealed container to keep moths out - vacuum bags are ideal for this. Moths are drawn to wool products, but our Wool Wash is scented with natural moth deterrents like sandalwood and patchouli to help keep them away. Always store cashmere in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of excessive heat.
Everyone loves the luxurious feel and timeless appeal of cashmere. By following these guidelines for washing, drying, and storing, your cashmere pieces will remain in pristine condition and serve as wardrobe staples for decades to come.
Follow these expert tips and your collection of cashmere will stay just as it’s supposed to be. If you have any questions about your John Smedley knitwear, feel free to reach out to our team who are always on hand with advice.