Cashmere is one of life’s pleasures. And with some know-how, it’s easy to keep your favourite knits feeling soft, looking fresh and ready for whatever you’ve got in store.
WASH IT
You definitely don’t need to wash cashmere after every wear. Simply air it out and only wash it when it really needs freshening up – ideally just a few times a season.
So how do you wash cashmere? For machine-washable styles, choose the recommended gentle cycle and use a detergent for wool and cashmere. Turning your knit inside out and popping it into a mesh laundry bag can give it a little extra protection. Cashmere jumpers like lots of room in the machine, and should be kept away from heavy items that could snag them.
For hand washes, fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water and a little wool-safe detergent. Swirl your item through the water, rinse and press out excess liquid without twisting or wringing it.
A quick note on spot-stain treating. Always check the care label first, test any suitable cleaning product on an inconspicuous area and avoid harsh stain removers. Blot, don't rub. If a stain won’t budge, consider calling in the professionals (cleaners, not hitmen).
DRY IT
Firstly, press out excess water. Never, ever wring or twist your cashmere. Next, lay the knit on a clean, dry towel and roll it up to absorb extra moisture. After that, unroll it and reshape the garment, straightening the sleeves and doing up any buttons. Lay it flat on a new dry towel or suitable drying rack, away from direct heat and sunlight and leave it to dry fully before putting it away.
We get asked a lot if you can tumble dry or iron cashmere, and as tempting as it is, we wouldn’t advise it. Heat and movement can shrink or damage the fibres, so unless the care label screams and shouts that you can, then don’t.
As for looking sharp, cashmere rarely needs much ironing. If the label says it’s OK, you can use a low heat and a pressing cloth, or try gentle steaming from a safe distance. Please don’t press hard on the fibres or stretch the knit while it’s damp.
STORE IT
The cardinal rule of cashmere storage? Fold, don’t hang. Unless pointy shoulders are the look you’re going for, keep your knitwear piled in your chosen fashion in a clean, dry place.
How to store cashmere is a personal topic, but it really must be dry. Bonus points for folding it neatly in a breathable bag designed for knitwear to help protect it from dust (and other things).
If you’re a cosy-season pro, you’ll know what those “other things” are that we’re referring to: moths. It’s said that cedar balls placed near your knitwear may help deter moths, although they’re no substitute for checking your clothes and cleaning your storage space.
SMOOTH IT
Scientifically speaking, pilling happens when fibres work loose and tangle together through friction. You might notice it under the arms, around the sides or where a bag rubs against your jumper. It’s a normal characteristic of cashmere, not necessarily a sign of poor quality.
How to remove cashmere pills is another personal matter. Purists prefer a cashmere comb, while others like the satisfying ease of an electric de-bobbler. In both cases, keep the fabric flat and work slowly without pressing hard. Resist the temptation to pull pills off by hand, as this can damage the fibres.
There are a few things you can do to prevent cashmere from pilling. You can’t prevent every bobble, but giving your cashmere a rest between wears really helps. Similarly, wash only when needed, following the care label instructions, and be mindful of friction from bags, belts and rougher fabrics.
THE SOFT SIDE
SHOP CASHMERE