Key Takeaways
- Hand washing cashmere in cold water preserves its delicate fibers. Use wool shampoo and rub gently without twisting.
- Dry the sweater flat, away from sources of heat, to avoid shrinkage.
- Use a cashmere comb regularly to gently remove lint and pilling.
- Storing flat and occasional ironing will keep your cashmere soft and supple.
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Choice of product for optimal washing
cashmere is a noble and delicate fiber which requires special care when washing. To preserve the softness and quality of your cashmere sweater, it is recommended to use a wool shampoo rather than a traditional detergent.
In fact, wool shampoos are specific products designed to gently clean delicate knits. They contain gentler washing agents that do not damage the fibers.
Many brands offer shampoos suitable for cashmere, such as a Cashmere Shampoo ideal for washing your sweaters, cardigans, scarves and necklaces. Some also sell a gentle shampoo enriched with vegetable keratin to strengthen the wool.
We recommend that you avoid classic detergents despite their attractive price: they are too aggressive for cashmere. Invest in a special wool shampoo to preserve your clothes.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Some also recommend washing cashmere with Marseille soap, known for its gentle degreasing power. Dilute a few shavings in lukewarm water and gently rub your sweater before rinsing.
Also read: How to wash a wool sweater ?
Preparing the cashmere sweater before washing
Before washing your cashmere sweater, a few simple steps allow you to prepare it properly:
- Turn the sweater inside out and brush it gently with a clothes brush to remove any dust and debris.
- Close exposed zippers to avoid damaging the fabric.
- Empty interior pockets that could contain hard objects like keys.
- For very delicate sweaters, it is recommended to place it in a mesh washing net which will protect it during washing.
A careful inspection will also allow you to identify and remove lint or pilling which may form on cashmere. A fine cashmere comb will allow them to be removed gently.
Hand and machine washing techniques
You can wash your cashmere both by hand and in the machine. Here are the recommended steps in both cases:
Machine wash your sweater
- Choose a washing program wool or delicate with a maximum temperature of 30°C.
- Preferably carry out a cold pre-wash to thoroughly soak the laundry.
- Use a special wool detergent in a moderate quantity, or a suitable shampoo.
- Opt for a slow spin speed, no more than 400 rpm so as not to damage the fibers.
Wash your sweater by hand
- Fill a basin with cold water and pour in the shampoo suitable for cashmere.
- Immerse the sweater and rub gently to remove dirt, without rubbing too much.
- Rinse with plenty of clean water until the water is transparent.
- Gently squeeze into a clean towel to absorb excess water. Do not twist.
In both cases, avoid washing your cashmere with other textiles and wash it inside out to preserve the softness of the fabric.
Also read: What is the best material for a sweater ?
Cashmere Sweater Washing and Drying Tips
To optimize the washing of your cashmere, you should know a few tips regarding fabric softener and drying.
Using wool softener
Softener is not required for washing cashmere, however it gives flexibility to the fabric and makes ironing easier. Choose a special wool softener , without chemical softener based on silicones which could damage natural fibers.
Pour a small dose at the end of the cycle or during the last rinse if you wash by hand.
How to remove stains in the wash ?
As cashmere is a delicate fiber, you must act quickly in the event of a stain to maximize the chances of completely removing it. Here are some tips:
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Immediately treat the stain with cold water and a clean damp cloth. Do not rub.
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Sprinkle with talcum powder to absorb the excess, leave to act then brush gently.
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Pour a few drops of Marseille soap onto stubborn stains before washing.
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Pre-treat using a special wool dry shampoo applied locally to the stain.
In the event of a greasy stain, do not hesitate to consult a dry cleaning service for professional stain removal.
Proper wringing and drying to prevent shrinkage
Cashmere shrinks easily, so it is essential to spin gently (400 rpm maximum), followed by drying flat, in the open air.
Spread your sweater on a towel, away from any heat source, and let it dry completely before storing or wearing it.
Tumble drying is strongly not recommended for cashmere because the heat risks shrinking the garment and altering the fibers.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®
Ironing with a gentle iron on the reverse side can be useful to restore the cashmere's beautiful hold after drying.
Additional tips for cashmere sweater care
In addition to washing, a few simple actions preserve the quality of your cashmere on a daily basis:
Pilling and felting management
Cashmere tends to pill or even felt over time. To avoid it:
- Wash your sweater every 2-3 wears to remove lint and debris.
- Unpilling regularly with a fine comb.
- Fold and store cashmere flat to avoid friction.
Ironing cashmere: good practices for your sweater
Occasional ironing with a gentle iron will restore fluffiness to the stitches. Think of:
- Always iron inside out
- Use an iron set to wool or silk
- Iron horizontally to avoid felting
Tips for preserving the shine of your cashmere sweater
Cashmere loves air! Let it breathe in your closet and:
- Avoid tight folding which marks the fabric
- Hang it on a hanger when not being worn
- Air it regularly to keep it soft
- Keep it in a cover to protect it from friction
Also read: Why put a sweater in the freezer ?
Using the cashmere comb
Invest in a cashmere comb, with fine, spaced teeth. It allows:
- Detangle and straighten fluffy hair
- Gently remove lint, pilling and debris
- Distribute the wool evenly after washing
Gently pass it over your dry sweater to refresh it.
Using the washing net
The washing net maintains the shape of the cashmere and protects it during washing:
- Avoid friction and deformation when washing
- Allows safe machine washing
- Preserves cashmere from the appearance of pilling
Moth prevention
Moths love wool and can damage your cashmere. To keep them away:
- Wash your cashmere regularly
- Preserve it with cedar balls
- Put it under cover or in an airtight bag
Thus, your cashmere will remain soft, fluffy and in good condition for a long time!
In summary: how to clean a cashmere sweater ?
In short, the maintenance of cashmere sweaters requires certain precautions but remains very accessible. Adopting good practices and appropriate products, such as wool shampoo and special wool softener, will allow you to preserve the exceptional quality and softness of this noble fiber.
Do not hesitate to contact the customer service of specialized brands like ours, available from Monday to Friday, to obtain advice and personalized tips for caring for your most beautiful cashmere.And with a little practice, I assure you that washing your cashmere will seem much easier than it seems!
| Characteristic | Information |
|---|---|
| Material | Cashmere |
| Washing method | Hand wash / Machine wash (delicate program) |
| Water temperature | 30°C maximum / Cold water |
| Recommended product | Gentle wool shampoo |
| Drying | Air dry, flat, away from heat sources |
| Additional Tips | Use a washing net, avoid strong spinning, iron at low temperature, use a cashmere comb to remove lint and pilling, store with cedar balls in a cover to prevent moths |
Also read: How to shrink a sweater that is too large effectively ?
FAQ
How to machine wash a cashmere sweater ?
To machine wash your cashmere sweater, choose a delicate or wool program, at a maximum temperature of 30°C. Use a special wool detergent or a suitable shampoo, and opt for a reduced spin speed, around 400 rpm.
How to wash and dry a cashmere sweater ?
It is recommended to wash cashmere by hand in cold water with wool shampoo. Rinse thoroughly then squeeze gently in a towel without wringing. Dry your sweater flat, at room temperature, away from any source of heat.
What product to wash a cashmere sweater ?
The ideal product for washing a cashmere sweater is a mild shampoo special wool. It gently cleans without attacking delicate fibres. Many brands offer them, notably Le Chat or Lainière de Paris.
What is the best detergent for washing cashmere ?
The best detergent for washing cashmere is a wool shampoo, gentler than a classic detergent that is too aggressive for this noble fiber. Cashmere shampoos are specifically formulated to gently clean knits.
How to wash a cashmere scarf ?
Wash your cashmere scarf by hand in cold water, with a suitable shampoo. Gently rub the fabric, rinse thoroughly then roll the scarf in a towel to wring it out without twisting it. Leave it to dry flat, away from sources of heat.
How to wash a cashmere sweater by hand ?
To wash a cashmere sweater by hand, pour wool shampoo into a bath of cold water. Immerse the sweater and rub gently to remove dirt. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, then squeeze without wringing in a clean towel. Dry flat.
Why wash cashmere with shampoo ?
The wool shampoo is more suitable than standard detergent for washing cashmere because it gently cleans this delicate fiber. Its cleaning agents are less aggressive and preserve the integrity of the mesh.
What to do if my cashmere sweater has shrunk ?
If your cashmere sweater has shrunk in the wash, you can try to gently re-expand it by stretching it over a damp pillowcase. Then dry it flat. Then avoid brutal spinning and tumble drying, sources of shrinkage.
How to care for your cashmere scarf ?
Wash the cashmere scarf by hand in cold water with a suitable shampoo. Do not twist it and dry it flat. Store it folded in a box with cedar balls to keep moths away. Use a cashmere comb regularly to remove lint and pilling. dry cleaning may be considered from time to time.
Updated January 23, 2024
