Cashmere is one of the most luxurious fabrics in any wardrobe. It’s incredibly soft, naturally warm, and remarkably lightweight. That softness is part of what makes it so special, but it also means cashmere needs more considered care than everyday fabrics. Its fine fibres are delicate, vulnerable to shrinkage, distortion, and damage from improper storage or moth infestations.
Whether you’ve invested in a classic knit or inherited a cherished heirloom, understanding how to care for cashmere properly helps preserve your pieces for years to come. This guide shares everything you need to know about how to wash cashmere at home, how to store it correctly, and how to protect it from Clothes Moths.
Why Cashmere Needs Special Care
Cashmere is a luxurious natural fiber, gently collected from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats during their spring moulting season. However, unlike many other natural fibers, it is particularly sensitive to water temperature, agitation, and harsh chemicals. That’s why the care process matters so much.
Luxury fabrics deserve thoughtful handling. With the right techniques, you can keep your cashmere looking and feeling beautiful through every season.
How to Wash Cashmere at Home
The gentlest way to wash cashmere is by hand. Start by filling a clean basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water, no hotter than 86°F, and add a small amount of detergent formulated specifically for wool or delicates. Avoid household detergents, which can strip the fibers and leave the garment stiff or faded.
Gently immerse the item and move it through the water without rubbing or twisting. After five to ten minutes, drain the water and rinse with fresh cool water until all soap is removed. Do not wring or stretch the garment. Instead, press out excess water by rolling it inside a clean towel.
To dry, lay the item flat on a fresh towel, carefully reshape it to its original dimensions, and leave it to air dry naturally. Hanging is not recommended, as it can distort the garment’s shape, especially when wet.
Is It Safe to Machine Wash Cashmere?
Some modern cashmere blends are labelled as machine washable, but care should still be taken. If you do machine wash, place the item in a mesh laundry bag, choose a delicate or wool cycle, and ensure the temperature stays below 86°F. Use a low-spin setting or none at all.
However, for garments made from 100% cashmere or those with sentimental or financial value, hand washing remains the best choice. When in doubt, a professional cleaner who specializes in knitwear is always a safe option.
Treating Stains and Pilling
Stains should be treated quickly using a wool-safe solution. Gently blot - never rub - and avoid using bleach or abrasive treatments. If pilling occurs, as it naturally does in high-friction areas, use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver with a gentle touch to restore the surface.
How to Store Cashmere Properly
Once clean and fully dry, fold cashmere garments rather than hanging them. Hanging, even briefly, can stretch the shoulders and distort the fit. For longer-term storage, place items in breathable storage bags made from organic cotton or another natural fiber.
Avoid using plastic containers or vacuum-seal bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew. Store your garments in a cool, dry space away from direct light. You may wish to add cedar blocks or lavender sachets, which act as natural moth deterrents when refreshed regularly.
Always ensure your cashmere is thoroughly cleaned before storing. Clothes Moths are attracted not just to the fiber itself, but to any traces of perspiration, food, or body oils.
Understanding the Risk of Clothes Moths
The real threat to your wardrobe is not the adult moth, but its larvae. These small caterpillar-like pests feed on keratin, a protein found in animal fibers such as wool, silk, fur, and cashmere.
They thrive in dark, undisturbed environments. This makes closets, drawers, and under-bed storage prime areas of risk - especially when garments haven’t been washed before being put away.
Monitoring and Preventing Moth Infestations
The most effective way to monitor for activity is with pheromone moth traps. These discreet traps attract male moths, disrupting the breeding cycle before eggs are laid. Position traps near wardrobes and storage areas, and check them regularly. Replace every 12 weeks or as soon as they show signs of use.
Preserving What Matters
Cashmere offers exceptional softness and longevity, and it deserves thoughtful care in return. With a considered approach to washing, storing, and protecting, your pieces will retain their softness, shape, and beauty for years to come.
At Hayden Hill, we believe in caring for what we own. Our breathable organic cotton storage bags are designed to protect delicate garments from dust, moisture, and moth damage — without compromising on beauty. Because luxury is not just how something looks, but how it’s preserved.
