Cashmere Care Guide

When it comes to luxury fabrics, nothing beats cashmere. Known for its superior softness, warmth and unparalleled comfort, garments made from this material can form the centrepiece of a well-edited wardrobe. But as with any luxury fabric it’s important to take good care of it. When looked after correctly your cashmere garments will last for years to come. 

Read on to find out how to best care for your cashmere garment: from washing and drying, to storing and general upkeep.

Why Proper Cashmere Care Matters

Cashmere is a natural fibre, derived from the undercoat of cashmere goats. Yet, its delicate fibres require special handling to retain its structural integrity and softness.

Still, we advocate that cashmere requires minimal effort. With its natural self-cleaning properties it’s best to hang up, preferably in fresh air, to freshen it up. 

Should you want to give your cashmere an extra treatment then you can occasionally wash it. Read on to find out more.

How to Wash Cashmere

Here’s a simple table on how you should care for your cashmere.

If you want more information then read on:

Hand Wash (recommended)

• Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of non-bio detergent or baby shampoo. Using biological detergents can damage animal fibres over time.
• Gently submerge your garment and swirl it slowly to loosen any dirt. Soak for up to 15 minutes, gently moving it around every so often.
• Rinse carefully in clean cold water a couple of times but avoid running water over it as it can stretch the fibres.
• Gently press out any excess water from the garment - never wring or twist to avoid changing its shape.

Machine Wash (if label permits)

• Steer clear of fabric softeners as they break down natural fibres. Instead use a hand-wash or delicate cycle with cold water and low spin.
• Place your cashmere item(s) in a mesh laundry bag to protect against friction.

How To Dry Your Cashmere

• Reshape gently while damp and allow it to air dry completely before storing.
• Lay flat on a towel or drying rack but be patient as it needs to be completely dry before you put it away.
• Keep away from sunlight and radiators to prevent the fibres from weakening and becoming brittle.
• Avoid ironing.

How To Store Cashmere

Before storing away your cashmere it’s worth giving your garments an annual MOT at the laundrette for a good dry clean. Once at home, follow these steps: 

• Always fold (never hang) cashmere to avoid stretching.
• Use cotton or linen storage bags to protect from dust and pests.
• Don’t put your woollens away dirty! Any food or body scents can attract moths. 
• Before placing your cashmere in your cupboards or wardrobe, consider placing it in a vacuum pack bag or breathable cotton/linen bags to protect from dust and moths. 
• While mothballs are toxic we use natural moth repellents like cedarwood or lavender sachets - the scents keep these pests at bay. 

Or if you love wearing your cashmere then why not consider wearing it all year round. With its thermoregulating properties it’ll keep you warm in winter and, as a layering piece, it can keep off a summer night’s breeze. For styling inspiration, check out our popular article, ‘how you can wear cashmere every season’.

Tips for Long-Term Cashmere Maintenance

1. Wear in rotation: Let the fibres rest between wears. This helps regenerate their natural strength and structure.

2. Don’t overwash: Air your garment near a window after each wear to refresh.

3. Spot clean minor stains with a non-bio detergent. This is better than washing the entire garment.

4. Avoid fabric softeners as they break down natural fibres.

5. Repair snags early to prevent permanent damage. A pull can be esily fixed by pulling the loose thread back through to the other side while a hole can be sewn up or darned over, depending on the size.

How To Prevent & Remove Pilling

Pilling - those tiny fuzz balls - is a common occurrence with cashmere clothing due to the delicate nature of this luxury fibre. It’s, therefore, not a sign of inferior quality but is rather a natural characteristic of this material.

Beth Ranson (Rise & Fall’s Knitwear Product Development Lead) says that “to achieve the softest, must luxurious hand feel we avoid any use of harsh chemicals to artificially prevent pilling as this can compromise the softness, drape and appearance of cashmere”.

Instead we recommend using a cashmere comb to lightly brush away pilling. This removes the surface ‘fuzziness’ without damaging your knitwear." To do this: 

• Lay the garment flat and gently brush away the bobbles using your hand or a cashmere comb. Use a smooth motion, moving in one direction.
• Avoid frequent combing, which can thin the fabric and create holes in your garments.
• Don’t use an electric fabric shaver as these cut the threads instead of removing the piling, which naturally uncovers a softer cashmere layer.