How to Clean Cashmere Sweater

What You'll Need

• Baby shampoo or cashmere wash
• Cool water
• Clean dry towel
• Flat drying surface

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Fill a basin with cool water

   Use cool water only. Add a small amount of baby shampoo or cashmere-specific wash. Swirl gently to dissolve.

2. 2

   Soak for 10 minutes

   Submerge the cashmere garment and let it soak without agitation for 10 minutes. The soap will do the work.

3. 3

   Gently press out water

   Lift the garment supporting its full weight. Press water out gently between your palms. Never wring or twist cashmere.

4. 4

   Roll in a towel

   Lay the garment flat on a dry towel. Roll the towel and garment together and press firmly to absorb excess water.

5. 5

   Dry flat in original shape

   Unroll and reshape the garment to its original dimensions on a clean flat surface. Flip halfway through. Allow 24-48 hours.

Pro Tips

• TIPWash cashmere after every 3-4 wears. Over-washing breaks down the delicate fibers.
• TIPUse a cashmere comb instead of a fabric shaver to remove pills -- it is gentler on the fine fibers.
• TIPStore folded in a drawer with cedar blocks, never on hangers, which cause shoulder dents and stretching.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing hot water or a dryer, which shrinks and felts cashmere permanently.
• XWringing or twisting, which stretches and distorts the delicate fibers irreversibly.
• XHanging cashmere to dry, which causes the wet garment to stretch dramatically under its own weight.

Frequently Asked Questions