Cashmere Care Made Easy: Wash Your Sweaters Like a Pro!

Why Cashmere Deserves Special Care

Ah, cashmere – soft, luxurious, and practically begging to be your favorite sweater. But let’s be real: when it’s time to clean that cozy masterpiece, things can get… stressful. Wash it the wrong way, and you could end up with a child-sized sweater, stretched-out sleeves, or a ruined favorite. Yikes.

Luckily, keeping your cashmere soft, fluffy, and fabulous isn’t as hard as you think. With the right techniques, you can clean it at home, save money, and help your sweaters last season after season. 

Here’s everything you need to know to keep your cashmere feeling as good as new.

Section 1: The Do’s and Don’ts of Washing Cashmere

Cashmere is like the VIP of fabrics – it needs some extra care, ideally you’d want to wash your Cashmere sweaters and the like twice a season. Here’s what you need to do when that time comes. Stick to these rules, and you’ll never have to worry about ruining your favorite pieces.

Do:

• Always use cold water to prevent shrinking.

• Choose a detergent designed for delicates or wool/cashmere (no random laundry pods here!).

• Stick to hand washing if you can – it’s the gentlest way to clean cashmere.

Don’t:

• Toss your cashmere in the washing machine unless it’s labeled "machine washable" – and even then, only on the gentlest cycle.

• Use bleach or harsh detergents. They strip away the softness that makes cashmere feel magical.

• Wring or twist cashmere when drying – that’s a fast track to stretched-out disaster.
  

Section 2: Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Washing Cashmere

Ready to hand wash your cashmere like a pro? Follow these easy steps:

1. Prep Your Tools:
   Grab a clean basin, cold water, and a detergent specifically for delicates.

2. Soak It:
   Fill the basin with cold water and a small splash of detergent. Gently swish your cashmere item in the water and let it soak for 5-10 minutes.

3. Rinse:
   Swap out the soapy water for fresh, cold water. Gently rinse your cashmere until all the detergent is gone.

4. Press, Don’t Twist:
   After rinsing, lay the sweater flat on a clean towel. Roll it up like a sushi roll to absorb excess water – no wringing or twisting allowed!

5. Dry Flat:
   Lay your cashmere flat on another clean towel, shaping it to its original form. Let it air dry away from direct sunlight or heat. Hanging it will stretch it out, so resist the urge to grab a hanger.
   

Section 3: Can You Machine Wash Cashmere? (Yes, But Be Careful!)

Yes, you can machine wash cashmere – but only if it’s labeled "machine washable." Even then, it’s all about using the gentlest settings.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Use cold water and set the machine to the most delicate cycle.

• Place your cashmere in a mesh laundry bag to protect it.

• Add a small amount of detergent designed for cashmere or delicates.

• After washing, skip the dryer! Lay your cashmere flat to air dry.

Machine washing can save time, but hand washing is always the safest bet for your most treasured pieces.

Section 4: Keeping Cashmere Looking Its Best Between Washes

Cashmere doesn’t need to be washed after every wear. In fact, overwashing can wear down the fibers. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refresh Without Washing:

• Use a fabric spray designed for delicates to remove light odors.

• Steam your cashmere for a quick refresh – the steam lifts wrinkles and kills bacteria.
  

Banish Pilling:

• Pills are tiny balls of fuzz that naturally form over time. Use a cashmere comb or sweater stone to gently remove them without damaging the fabric.

Store Smartly:

• Always fold cashmere instead of hanging it – hanging can stretch it out over time.

• Store your cashmere in breathable bags with lavender or cedar sachets to keep moths away.
  
  

Sometimes, no matter how many cashmere care tips you follow or how gentle you are, things go sideways. Life (and stains) happen! Maybe you spilled your latte on your favorite cashmere sweater, or perhaps it took an accidental spin in the washing machine. Don’t panic – this is the perfect time to call in the pros.

Caring for cashmere doesn’t have to be stressful – it just takes a little extra love and the right techniques. With these tips, you can keep your favorite pieces soft, luxurious, and looking brand new for years to come.

And if you ever feel like leaving your laundry to the pros? OrangeBag has you covered. As the only certified Green Laundry Service in Los Angeles, we’ll handle your cashmere with care and sustainability in mind. Because your favorite sweater deserves the best – and so does the planet.