How to Care for Cashmere: The Ultimate Cashmere Maintenance Guide

Cashmere is known for its softness, warmth, and quiet elegance. But its beauty isn’t just something to admire — it’s something to maintain. Learning how to care for cashmere is the key to keeping your favorite sweater, scarf, or blanket in its best shape for years.

Proper care doesn’t have to feel complicated. With a few simple habits, you can protect your cashmere from damage, keep it soft, and make it last season after season.

Why Proper Cashmere Care Matters

Cashmere isn’t just another fabric. It’s an investment. A well-cared-for piece can last for decades, growing softer and more comfortable with time. But without the right care, even the finest fibers can lose their shape, texture, and warmth. Maintaining the natural shape and original dimensions of your garment is essential to preserving its luxurious drape and fit.

Exposure to heat can cause shrinkage. Rough washing can stretch or damage the delicate weave. And improper storage can leave it vulnerable to moths and other pests. These small habits make a big difference in how long your cashmere stays beautiful.

At 4 Loving People, we believe in mindful fashion. Investing in pieces that are made to last means caring for them in a way that respects their quality. When you care intentionally, you extend the life of your garment and reduce waste, turning one timeless piece into a lasting part of your wardrobe. This philosophy reflects the soul of our knitted creations — pieces designed to feel cozy, soft, and enduring.

How to Wash Cashmere

When it comes to how to wash cashmere, less is more. You don’t need to wash it after every wear. Because cashmere is naturally breathable, allowing your cashmere garments to air dry naturally after each wear also helps maintain freshness between washes.

Hand Wash Cashmere

When it does need a wash, hand washing is the gentlest and safest method.

Use a sink or basin that’s clean and wide enough to let your piece move freely, avoiding friction that could raise a pile on the surface. Fill the sink or clean basin with cool water and add a mild, cashmere-safe detergent like baby shampoo or The Laundress Cashmere Shampoo—a great option specially formulated for delicate yarns. Turn the garment inside out, soak it gently, then rinse with clean water. Always be mindful of water temperature, as washing in cold water or lukewarm water prevents fibers from tightening and helps retain the piece’s original shape.

Avoid rubbing, twisting, or wringing wet cashmere. Instead, remove excess water by laying the piece flat on a clean towel, pressing another towel on top, and carefully pressing it down. Then place it on a fresh dry towel to air dry completely instead of using a spin cycle or machine. This preserves the fiber’s natural softness and shape.

Can You Machine Wash Cashmere?

No. Machine washing can damage cashmere fibers and cause them to lose their shape. Even on delicate cycles, changes in water temperature or agitation can distort your cashmere’s natural shape. It’s best to hand wash with care or, if needed, bring your garment to a trusted dry cleaner.

Best Detergent and Smart Choices

When it comes to caring for cashmere, the detergent you use matters just as much as how you wash it. Harsh products can strip away the natural softness of the fibers, while the right gentle formula helps preserve their strength and luxurious feel over time. Avoid ordinary soap or chemical-heavy products that can alter the dye and weaken the fibers’ integrity.

The best detergent for cashmere is simple and clean: enzyme-free, pH balanced, and free from bleach or harsh additives. We recommend keeping it pure and gentle: no chemicals, no fabric softeners, and nothing extra. These delicate fibers deserve care that protects, not coats or weakens them. If you’re removing spots, a mild stain remover made for wool or cashmere can help lift marks without harming the weave.

A small amount of a wool- or cashmere-safe detergent is all you need. If you’re unsure, test it on a hidden area first to make sure it’s gentle enough.

By making thoughtful choices about what touches your garment, you’re not just washing cashmere — you’re preserving its softness, beauty, and longevity. This kind of gentle approach ensures that your cashmere sweaters and other cashmere pieces stay soft and beautifully colored.

How to Dry Cashmere & Revive Softness

The drying stage can make or break your cashmere. After rinsing, gently press out excess water—never wring or twist. Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel and reshape it while it’s still damp. For best results, place another towel on top to press out extra moisture, then transfer it to a fresh towel to finish drying. Let it air dry naturally and avoid heat, as even mild warmth can change its original shape and feel.

Avoid hanging your cashmere or exposing it to direct sunlight or heat, which can distort its shape and damage the fibers. Flat drying helps the garment retain its natural structure and keeps it feeling soft to the touch. Always avoid direct sunlight, as UV rays can weaken fibers and fade dye over time.

Proper drying isn’t just a practical step. It’s part of the ritual that helps cashmere stay beautiful and last for years.

How to Store Cashmere and Protect It from Damage

Cashmere is meant to be treasured, not just tucked away and forgotten. How you store it can make the difference between a piece that lasts for seasons and one that loses its magic too soon.

Instead of hanging, gently fold your cashmere to help it keep its shape. Place it in a breathable cotton bag or storage box so the fibers can rest without trapping moisture. Keep your garment out of bright light, and store it in a cool, dry place. Our sustainable, breathable garment bag (the same one your piece arrived in) is perfect for keeping it fresh and protected during longer periods of storage.

Before putting it away, make sure the garment is clean and completely dry. Moths are naturally drawn to cashmere, especially when it carries traces of body oils or perfume. To keep them at bay, use natural repellents like cedar balls or lavender sachets. Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers that can make the fibers lose their softness over time.

Everyday habits matter, too. Protect your cashmere from friction, rough fabrics, zippers, and sharp jewelry that can snag its delicate weave. A regular pass with a sweater comb or soft brush can refresh fibers and prevent excess pile buildup too. With thoughtful storage and care, your favorite cashmere will stay soft, strong, and beautiful for years to come.

Pilling and Maintenance Rituals

Even the finest cashmere can develop tiny pills over time, especially in areas where there’s more friction, like under the arms or along the sides. This isn’t a flaw or a sign of poor quality. In fact, pilling is a natural part of the fabric’s journey as the soft fibers gently move against each other.

The good news is that it’s easy to keep your pieces looking fresh. To remove pilling from cashmere, use a gentle cashmere comb (include a link to our cashmere comb) or fabric stone, gliding it lightly over the surface in smooth, careful strokes. A few passes are often all it takes to bring the fabric back to its clean, soft finish. Avoid over-combing when fibers are wet, as this can pull at the weave and disturb its knitted pattern.

To keep your garments in their best shape, build small habits into your routine. Air them out between wears instead of washing too often, and try to rotate your pieces so each one has time to rest. These simple rituals extend the life of your cashmere and help it maintain its timeless beauty. Your mindful attention keeps your cashmere garments beautifully cozy and ready for every season. 

Special Cases and Additional Care

Not all cashmere pieces are worn the same way, but they all deserve the same level of care. Whether it’s a scarf draped around your shoulders or a blanket folded at the foot of your bed, a little extra attention goes a long way.

Cashmere scarves are delicate by nature. Their narrow shape and soft edges can stretch or fray more easily, so wash and dry them gently using the same hand-wash method as sweaters. Lay them flat to dry to help maintain their shape, and store them folded in a cool, dry place.

Cashmere blankets follow the same care principles, just on a larger scale. Wash by hand in cool water with a gentle detergent, rinse carefully, and dry flat on a clean surface. For longer storage, cover them with a breathable garment bag or cotton sheet to keep them fresh without trapping moisture.

To revive old cashmere, a gentle soak and proper drying can work wonders. Over time, fibers soften again with care, giving your beloved pieces a second life. It’s less about perfection and more about preserving the quiet luxury of a fabric meant to last.

The Beauty of Care

Cashmere is crafted to last, and the way you care for it becomes part of its story. Every gentle wash, thoughtful fold, and moment of mindful care helps preserve its softness and beauty, allowing it to remain timeless for years to come. From the hands of artisans to your home, every step in caring for cashmere garments honors the legacy of the cashmere goats that made them possible.

A well-cared-for piece isn’t just part of your wardrobe. It’s a trusted companion through changing seasons, carrying warmth, comfort, and understated elegance with every wear.

Explore our cashmere collection and find timeless companions for every season.