How to Clean Cashmere: A Complete Guide for Jumpers, Scarves, Coats and More
Cashmere is one of the softest natural fibres you can own, but it also requires more care than everyday knitwear. Whether you’re wondering how to clean cashmere, how to clean a cashmere sweater, or the safest way to care for a cashmere scarf or blanket, using the right cleaning method will help preserve its softness and shape for years to come.
While some cashmere garments can be gently cared for at home, delicate fibres don’t leave much room for error. At ihateironing, we professionally clean cashmere items including everyday cashmere jumpers to designer knitwear and structured cashmere coats, carefully selecting the safest cleaning method for every garment.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to care for different types of cashmere, when home washing is appropriate, and when professional cleaning is the safest choice:
- What Makes Cashmere Different?
- Before You Clean Cashmere
- How to Clean Cashmere
- Can You Machine Wash Cashmere?
- How to Dry Cashmere Correctly
- How to Clean a Cashmere Sweater or Jumper
- How to Clean a Cashmere Scarf
- How to Clean a Cashmere Blanket
- How to Clean a Cashmere Coat
- How to Clean Cashmere Socks
- How to Remove Common Stains from Cashmere
- How Often Should You Clean Cashmere?
- Common Cashmere Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
- Storing Cashmere Properly
- When to Seek Professional Cleaning
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Cashmere Different?
Cashmere is made from the soft undercoat of cashmere goats. The fibres are exceptionally fine, making the fabric:
- Soft and lightweight
- Naturally warm without feeling bulky
- Breathable
- Delicate compared to standard wool
Because the fibres are so fine, they can shrink, stretch or lose their softness if washed incorrectly. Harsh detergents, high temperatures and excessive agitation are the most common causes of damage.
Before You Clean Cashmere
Before washing any cashmere garment:
- Read the care label first.
- Check for stains and treat them before washing.
- Fasten any buttons or zips.
- Turn garments inside out where appropriate.
- Use a detergent specifically designed for wool or cashmere.
Many cashmere garments recommend hand washing, while structured items such as coats may be labelled “dry clean only.”
How to Clean Cashmere
If your care label allows hand washing, keep the process as gentle as possible.
Step 1: Fill a basin with lukewarm water.
Step 2: Add a gentle detergent, preferably one specifically for wool or delicate fabrics.
Step 3: Wash gently, submerge the garment and gently move it through the water. Do not scrub or wring.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly by draining out the soapy water and refilling the basin with cool water.
Step 5: Remove excess water and lay the garment flat on a clean towel.
Cashmere doesn’t respond well to excessive handling, so less is often more when it comes to how often you clean it. If you’re ever unsure, particularly with expensive knitwear or sentimental pieces, professional cleaning offers peace of mind while helping preserve the softness, shape and longevity of the garment.
Can You Machine Wash Cashmere?
Some modern cashmere garments can be machine washed, but only if the care label specifically permits it.
If using a washing machine:
- Select a wool or delicate cycle.
- Place the garment safely inside a mesh laundry bag to protect it from friction.
- Wash in cold water.
- Use a low spin speed.
Hand washing is generally the gentlest option, but for high-value cashmere or garments you’re reluctant to risk, professional cleaning remains the safest choice.
How to Dry Cashmere Correctly
Drying cashmere correctly is just as important as how you wash it.
To help your cashmere retain its shape:
- Lay it flat on a clean towel.
- Reshape it while damp.
- Allow it to air dry naturally.
Avoid tumble dryers, radiators and hanging garments while wet, as these can stretch fibres or cause shrinkage.
How to Clean a Cashmere Sweater or Jumper
Whether you’re searching for how to clean a cashmere sweater or how to clean a cashmere jumper, the advice is largely the same.
Cashmere knitwear generally benefits from occasional gentle washing rather than frequent cleaning. Between wears, simply airing your jumper can help refresh it naturally.
If your sweater develops stains, noticeable odours or has become misshapen, our specialists can professionally clean and restore cashmere knitwear while protecting the delicate fibres that make it so comfortable to wear.
How to Clean a Cashmere Scarf
Cashmere scarves often come into contact with makeup, perfume and skincare products, meaning they may need cleaning more frequently than other knitwear.
Gentle hand washing is suitable for many scarves, provided the care label allows it.
For designer scarves or those with embellishments, a specialist garment care team can professionally clean them using the most appropriate method, helping preserve both their softness and finish.
How to Clean a Cashmere Blanket
Many people ask how to clean a cashmere blanket, but because blankets become particularly heavy when wet, home washing isn’t always straightforward.
Smaller blankets may be suitable for careful hand washing, while larger or luxury blankets are often better professionally cleaned to reduce the risk of stretching or distortion.
How to Clean a Cashmere Coat
If you’re wondering how to clean a cashmere coat, professional cleaning is usually the recommended option.
Unlike knitted garments, cashmere coats often include:
- Structured linings
- Shoulder padding
- Interfacing
- Multiple fabric layers
These features can lose their shape if cleaned incorrectly at home.
How to Clean Cashmere Socks
Cashmere socks experience more friction than almost any other cashmere garment.
If the care label allows, gentle washing will help maintain their softness while reducing unnecessary wear.
Avoid tumble drying, which can damage delicate fibres and reduce the lifespan of the socks.
How to Remove Common Stains from Cashmere
The best advice when dealing with stains is to act quickly but gently.
Rather than scrubbing the fabric or applying harsh stain removers, carefully blot fresh spills and follow the garment’s care instructions.
Avoid bleach, strong stain removers or excessive rubbing, as these can permanently damage delicate cashmere fibres.
If you’re dealing with oil, red wine, makeup or older stains, it’s often safer to leave the garment untreated and allow a specialist cleaner to assess it. Incorrect home treatments can sometimes make stains much more difficult to remove.
How Often Should You Clean Cashmere?
One of cashmere’s advantages is that it doesn’t need washing after every wear.
As a general guide:
| Item | Recommended Cleaning Frequency |
| Cashmere sweater or jumper | Every 5–10 wears |
| Cashmere scarf | As needed throughout the season |
| Cashmere blanket | Once or twice per season |
| Cashmere coat | At the end of the season or when required |
| Cashmere socks | After each wear |
Between cleans, airing garments overnight and storing them correctly can help keep them feeling fresh.
Common Cashmere Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
To help your cashmere last longer, avoid:
- Washing in hot water
- Using biological detergents or bleach
- Wringing or twisting garments
- Hanging cashmere while wet
- Tumble drying
- Scrubbing stains aggressively
- Storing knitwear on hangers for long periods
Small mistakes can significantly shorten the lifespan of luxury knitwear.
Storing Cashmere Properly
Proper storage is just as important as cleaning.
To keep cashmere in excellent condition:
- Fold garments rather than hanging them.
- Store them clean and completely dry.
- Use breathable storage bags where possible.
- Protect against moths with cedar blocks or suitable natural repellents.
These simple steps help preserve softness between seasons.
When to Seek Professional Cleaning
While many cashmere garments can be cared for at home, professional cleaning is often the safest option for valuable or delicate pieces.
We recommend specialist cleaning for:
- Cashmere coats
- Designer cashmere garments
- Structured or lined items
- Luxury blankets
- Delicate knitwear with stubborn stains
- Vintage or sentimental pieces
At ihateironing, every wool and cashmere garment is individually assessed before cleaning. Our experienced garment care specialists choose the safest cleaning method for the fabric and construction, helping protect the softness, shape and finish of your favourite pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash cashmere at home?
Yes, many cashmere sweaters, jumpers and scarves can be gently hand washed if the care label permits it. For valuable, designer or structured garments, professional cleaning is often the safer option.
Can cashmere be dry cleaned?
Yes. Many cashmere garments, particularly coats and tailored pieces, are best professionally dry cleaned or cleaned using the most appropriate specialist process based on the care label and construction.
Can ihateironing clean cashmere?
Absolutely. We regularly clean cashmere jumpers, sweaters, scarves, coats, blankets and other delicate garments. Every item is assessed individually to determine the safest cleaning method before being professionally cleaned and returned ready to wear.
Can you remove stains from cashmere?
Many stains can be successfully treated, but the sooner they’re assessed, the better. Avoid harsh home stain removers, as they can damage delicate fibres or set stains permanently.
How do you stop cashmere from shrinking?
Always follow the care label, avoid hot water and heat during drying, and handle the fibres as gently as possible. If you’re unsure, professional cleaning removes the guesswork.
ihateironing is a network of professional dry cleaners providing the finest dry cleaning and laundry service with convenient collection and delivery at any time that suit you. We operate in London, New York, Brighton, Edinburgh, Oxford, and beyond.