How to Care for Cashmere

Proper cashmere care extends garment life from 3-5 years to 10-15 years. This guide covers washing techniques, storage methods, and maintenance practices based on fiber science and textile research.

Key Takeaways

• Hand wash in cool water (below 30°C) with wool-specific detergent
• Machine washing is possible on gentle cycle with mesh bag
• Never wring or twist; press water out gently and lay flat to dry
• Store folded (never hung) in breathable cotton bags with cedar
• Remove pills with fabric shaver or cashmere comb after first few wears

Washing Cashmere

Hand Washing (Recommended)

Hand washing provides the gentlest cleaning method and extends garment life:

1. Fill basin with cool water (below 30°C/86°F)
2. Add detergent designed for wool or cashmere (1-2 teaspoons)
3. Submerge garment and gently agitate for 3-5 minutes
4. Soak for 10-15 minutes without agitation
5. Rinse in cool water until detergent is removed (2-3 rinses)
6. Press water out gently—never wring or twist
7. Roll in towel to absorb excess moisture
8. Lay flat on dry towel away from direct heat or sunlight

Machine Washing (When Necessary)

Machine washing is acceptable with precautions:

• Use gentle/delicate cycle with cool water
• Place garment in mesh laundry bag to reduce friction
• Use wool-specific detergent (avoid regular detergent)
• Select low spin speed (400-600 RPM maximum)
• Remove immediately after cycle completes

Avoid machine washing for:

• Heavily embellished pieces
• Garments with delicate construction
• Items you plan to keep for 10+ years

Detergent Selection

Choose detergents specifically formulated for wool and cashmere. These products:

• Maintain pH balance (slightly acidic, 4.5-5.5)
• Contain no enzymes that break down protein fibers
• Include lanolin or similar conditioning agents
• Rinse cleanly without residue

Avoid:

• Regular laundry detergent (too alkaline)
• Fabric softener (coats fibers and reduces breathability)
• Bleach or whitening agents (damage fiber structure)

Drying

Never tumble dry cashmere. Heat and agitation cause irreversible felting and shrinkage.

Proper drying method:

1. Reshape garment to original dimensions while damp
2. Lay flat on clean, dry towel on flat surface
3. Flip after 12 hours to ensure even drying
4. Allow 24-48 hours for complete drying
5. Keep away from direct heat, sunlight, and radiators

For faster drying:

• Use drying rack in well-ventilated room
• Place near (not on) dehumidifier
• Use fan for air circulation (not direct airflow on garment)

Storage

Folding vs Hanging

Always fold cashmere—never hang. Hanging stretches shoulders and distorts shape, especially in heavier knits.

Proper folding technique:

1. Lay garment face-down on flat surface
2. Fold sleeves across back
3. Fold in half lengthwise
4. Fold in half or thirds depending on storage space
5. Store in breathable cotton bag or on shelf

Moth Prevention

Moths are attracted to natural fibers, especially those with food stains or body oils. Prevention strategies:

Before storage:

• Wash or dry clean all items
• Ensure garments are completely dry
• Inspect for existing moth damage

During storage:

• Use cedar blocks, rings, or sachets (replace annually)
• Add lavender sachets for additional protection
• Store in breathable cotton bags (not plastic)
• Keep storage area clean and vacuumed

Alternative moth deterrents:

• Pheromone traps to monitor moth presence
• Airtight containers for long-term storage
• Freezing garments for 72 hours kills eggs and larvae

Seasonal Storage

When storing cashmere for summer:

1. Clean thoroughly before storage
2. Fold properly and place in breathable bags
3. Add cedar and lavender
4. Store in cool, dry location (avoid attics and basements)
5. Check monthly for moth activity
6. Air out garments mid-season if possible

Pilling Management

Why Cashmere Pills

Pilling occurs when short fibers work to the surface during wear and form small balls. All cashmere pills initially—it's a natural characteristic, not a defect.

Factors affecting pilling:

• Fiber length: Shorter fibers pill more
• Yarn twist: Looser twist pills more readily
• Friction areas: Underarms, sides, and anywhere fabric rubs
• Grade: Grade A pills less than Grade B or C

Removing Pills

Fabric shaver (recommended):

• Use electric fabric shaver designed for delicate knits
• Work in small sections with light pressure
• Empty reservoir frequently
• Avoid over-shaving (removes surface fibers)

Cashmere comb:

• Lay garment flat on hard surface
• Comb in one direction with gentle pressure
• Work systematically across entire garment
• More time-consuming but gentler than shaver

What to avoid:

• Pulling pills by hand (damages surrounding fibers)
• Scissors (risk of cutting garment)
• Razors (too aggressive for cashmere)

Preventing Excessive Pilling

• Reduce friction by avoiding rough surfaces
• Alternate wearing to allow fibers to recover
• Wash less frequently (air out between wears)
• Store properly to minimize compression
• Choose higher-grade cashmere with longer fibers

Stain Removal

Immediate Action

For fresh stains:

1. Blot (don't rub) with clean, dry cloth
2. Dilute stain with cool water if possible
3. Treat with appropriate stain remover
4. Wash entire garment soon after treatment

Common Stains

Oil-based (food, makeup):

• Apply small amount of wool-safe detergent directly to stain
• Gently work in with fingers
• Let sit 10 minutes
• Wash as normal

Water-based (coffee, wine):

• Blot immediately with damp cloth
• Apply diluted wool detergent
• Rinse thoroughly
• Wash entire garment

Protein-based (blood, sweat):

• Use cool water only (hot water sets protein stains)
• Soak in enzyme-free detergent solution
• Rinse thoroughly
• Wash as normal

Professional Cleaning

Consider dry cleaning for:

• Stubborn stains that don't respond to home treatment
• Structured garments (blazers, coats)
• Items with special finishes or embellishments
• Once-per-season deep cleaning

Choose dry cleaners experienced with cashmere. Specify "gentle process" and "no pressing" to avoid shine or flattening.

Repair and Restoration

Small Holes

Small holes from moths or snags can be repaired:

• Professional reweaving: Invisible repair for valuable pieces
• Darning: DIY option using matching thread
• Patches: For larger holes, use cashmere patches on inside

Stretched Cuffs or Hem

To restore shape:

1. Dampen affected area with cool water
2. Reshape to original dimensions
3. Pin in place on towel
4. Allow to dry completely

For severe stretching, professional blocking may be necessary.

Refreshing Between Washes

To extend time between washes:

• Air out garments for 24 hours between wears
• Steam lightly to remove wrinkles and odors
• Spot clean small marks instead of full wash
• Brush with soft garment brush to remove surface dust

Frequency of Washing

Wash cashmere:

• After 3-5 wears for items worn against skin
• After 5-7 wears for layering pieces
• End of season for all stored items
• Immediately after stains or heavy soiling

Overwashing shortens garment life. Cashmere's natural antibacterial properties resist odor better than synthetic fibers.

The Auralia Care Standard

All Auralia cashmere includes care instructions specific to the garment's construction and grade. We recommend:

• Hand washing in cool water with pH-balanced detergent
• Flat drying away from heat
• Folded storage with natural moth deterrents
• Professional cleaning once per season for structured pieces

Our Grade A cashmere maintains softness and shape through hundreds of wears when cared for properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I machine wash cashmere?

Yes, on gentle cycle with cool water, in a mesh bag, using wool detergent. Hand washing is gentler and extends life, but machine washing is acceptable for everyday pieces.

How often should I wash cashmere?

After 3-5 wears for items worn against skin, 5-7 wears for layering pieces. Cashmere resists odor better than synthetic fibers, so less frequent washing is fine.

Why does my cashmere pill?

All cashmere pills initially as short fibers work to the surface. Grade A with longer fibers pills less. Pilling stabilizes after first few wears. Remove pills with fabric shaver.

Can I hang cashmere?

No. Hanging stretches shoulders and distorts shape. Always fold cashmere and store flat or on shelves.

How do I prevent moth damage?

Wash before storage, use cedar and lavender, store in breathable bags, keep storage area clean, and check regularly for moth activity.

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Related Articles:

• What is Cashmere?
• Cashmere Quality Grades Explained
• Why Does Cashmere Pill?
• How Long Does Cashmere Last?