The Care of Cashmere Sweaters

Washing Cashmere

Cashmere sweaters can be gently hand washed since they are knitwear. Fill your sink with cold water and add a small amount of a gentle soap or shampoo. Since cashmere is made from goat hair, the same shampoo you use for washing your hair will work for washing the fabric. Gently mix the soap or shampoo and water together so it is evenly distributed. Place your sweater into the sink and lightly massage the soap and water throughout the sweater. Don't twist or rumple the sweater or it will become misshapen and wrinkled. Once your sweater is rinsed, very gingerly squeeze out the excess water. Lay the sweater flat onto a towel and let it air dry. Do not put your cashmere sweater in the dryer or hang it to dry, or it could shrink or become misshapen.

Take care of any stains on your cashmere sweater as soon as possible. Select a commercial stain remover that can be used safely on cashmere. Stain removers that contain bleach will generally have a warning that states it should not be used on cashmere. Apply the stain remover directly on the stain and let it set according to the manufacturer's directions. Rinse with cold water, then lay flat to dry. If you're nervous about trying to remove stains at home or the stain doesn't come out, take your sweater to the dry cleaners.

According to the Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute, only heavy-duty cashmere jackets or coats should be stored on hangers. To prevent misshaping or stretching of your cashmere sweater, place a piece of tissue paper on a flat surface. Lay your sweater onto the tissue paper. Fold the sleeves under the sweater, around the tissue paper, then fold the bottom of your sweater around the tissue paper. The tissue paper should act as a barrier layer between the folds of the sweater to prevent wrinkles. Spray the sweater with moth spray to keep away moths, the winged insects that are drawn to the cashmere fibers. Store your folded cashmere sweater in a drawer or non-plastic sweater bag.

Cashmere sweaters are prone to pilling, which looks like small fuzzy balls on the sweater. To prevent pilling, avoid wearing a purse or backpack strap over your shoulder while wearing your cashmere sweater. The friction can wear away at the cashmere fibers and make them more likely to pill. If you notice any pills, lay your sweater flat and use your fingers to gently remove them. Avoid wearing jewelry with your cashmere sweater if possible to prevent snagging. Only iron your cashmere sweater on low heat to prevent any heat damage; however, if you launder and store your sweater correctly, you won't generally have any wrinkles.