How to Care for Cashmere: Washing, Drying and Storage Guide

By Oana, founder of Onika Knitwear

At Onika Knitwear, every piece is made to last. The fibres we select, the construction methods we use, and the small-batch approach we take are all oriented towards longevity - knitwear that is still part of your wardrobe in ten years. But how long a cashmere piece lasts depends not only on how it is made, but on how it is cared for once it reaches you.

Cashmere is not fragile. It is one of the most durable natural fibres when treated correctly. This guide covers everything you need to know: how to wash cashmere by hand and by machine, how to dry it without distortion, how to store it between seasons, and how often each step should happen.

Why Cashmere Requires Specific Care

Cashmere fibres are exceptionally fine - in our Grade A pieces, under 16 microns in diameter. This fineness is what gives cashmere its softness and lightness, but it also means the fibres respond differently to heat, friction, and agitation than coarser wool.

The most common causes of cashmere damage are not wear - they are incorrect washing, heat exposure, and improper storage. Understanding these three areas protects your investment completely.

How to Wash Cashmere by Hand

Hand washing is the preferred method for premium cashmere. It gives you full control over temperature, agitation, and handling - the three variables that matter most.

What you need:

• Cold or lukewarm water (never above 30°C)
• A mild detergent formulated for wool or cashmere
• A clean basin or sink
• A dry, clean towel

The method:

• Fill the basin with cold or lukewarm water and add a small amount of detergent
  Submerge the garment and let it soak for 5–10 minutes
• Gently press the water through the fibres - do not rub, twist, or wring
• Drain and refill with clean cold water to rinse
• Press out excess water by gently squeezing - never wring
• Lay flat immediately to dry (see drying section below)

The entire process should be unhurried. Cashmere responds well to patience and badly to force.

How to Wash Cashmere in a Washing Machine

Machine washing cashmere is possible, and for many people it is the practical reality of regular care. Done correctly, it will not damage your cashmere. Done incorrectly - wrong cycle, wrong temperature, wrong spin speed - it can felt the fibres irreversibly in a single wash.

The non-negotiables:

• Use the wool or delicate cycle only - never a standard or quick wash cycle
  Set the temperature to cold or 30°C maximum
• Use a mesh laundry bag to protect the garment from friction inside the drum
• Use a detergent specifically formulated for wool or cashmere - standard detergents are too alkaline
• Set the spin speed to 600rpm or below - high spin causes felting and distortion
• Never use fabric softener - it coats the fibres and reduces their natural softness over time

What to expect from machine washing versus hand washing: a wool cycle on a modern machine is gentle enough for routine care, but it cannot replicate the control of hand washing entirely. Over many washes, hand-washed cashmere tends to retain its structure and softness more consistently. For everyday maintenance, machine washing on a correct cycle is perfectly acceptable. For your most precious pieces, hand washing remains the higher standard.

How to Dry Cashmere Without Damage

Drying is where most cashmere damage actually happens - not in the wash itself.

The rules are simple but absolute:

• Never hang wet cashmere - the weight of the water stretches the fibres and permanently distorts the shape
• Never tumble dry - heat causes irreversible felting
• Never dry near a radiator, in direct sunlight, or in front of a fan heater
• Always lay flat on a clean dry surface, reshaping the garment gently while it is still damp

To speed up drying without heat: after pressing out excess water, lay the garment on a clean dry towel, roll the towel up with the cashmere inside, and press gently. This transfers a significant amount of moisture to the towel before you lay the garment flat. Change to a second dry towel if needed.

Drying time flat at room temperature is typically 12–24 hours depending on the weight of the piece and the humidity of the room.

How to Store Cashmere

Storage is as important as washing for long-term care, and it is where moth damage - the other main threat to cashmere - is either prevented or invited.

Daily and weekly storage:

• Always fold cashmere - never hang it, even when dry. Hanging causes shoulder stretch and gradual distortion of the knit structure
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light
• Allow garments to air between wears before folding and putting away

Seasonal storage:

• Wash all cashmere before storing for the season - moths are attracted to body oils and food residue, not to clean fibres
• Store in breathable cotton bags or boxes - not plastic, which traps moisture
• Add natural moth deterrents: cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or dried rosemary
• Check stored pieces every few weeks and air them occasionally

One important note on cedar: cedar repels moths effectively when fresh, but loses potency over time. Sand cedar blocks lightly each season to refresh the surface and restore the repellent oils.

How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?

Less often than you might think. The golden rule with cashmere is: air it often, wash it rarely.

A practical guide by use:

• Light wear (a few hours, no physical activity): air the garment before folding away, no washing needed
• Regular wear (a full day): air thoroughly before storing, wash after 4–6 wears
• Active wear or close-to-skin wear: wash after 2–3 wears

Over-washing is one of the most common causes of premature wear in cashmere. Each wash, however gentle, introduces some friction and water exposure to the fibres. The fewer washes needed to keep a garment fresh, the longer it will last. Airing cashmere flat or on a hanger briefly - not as storage, but as a 30-minute airing after wear - removes the majority of odour naturally.

Spot Cleaning

For small marks or localised areas, spot cleaning avoids the need for a full wash.

Method:

• Dampen a clean cloth with cold water and a tiny amount of cashmere detergent
• Dab gently at the affected area - do not rub
• Rinse by dabbing with a clean damp cloth
• Lay flat to dry

Spot cleaning works well for minor marks and significantly extends the time between full washes.

Designed for Long-Term Wear

With the right care, cashmere does not degrade - it improves. The fibres settle, the surface becomes smoother, the knit softens slightly with every careful wash. A well-maintained cashmere piece at five years is often more beautiful than it was when new.

At Onika Knitwear, every piece is created with this long-term relationship in mind - intended to become a lasting part of a considered wardrobe, not a seasonal garment.

If you notice pilling on your cashmere, see our dedicated guide: Cashmere Pilling: Why It Happens and How to Remove It Safely.

Conclusion

Caring for cashmere is not complex, but it is specific. The right water temperature, the right drying method, and the right storage approach protect fibres that took years to grow and months to turn into a finished piece. That care is what allows a cashmere garment to last a decade rather than a season.

Onika Knitwear is a Salzburg-based knitwear atelier specialising in handmade, small-batch knitwear crafted from certified natural fibres, including ICEA-certified Grade A cashmere, chosen for its refined quality and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash cashmere in a washing machine?

Yes, on a wool or delicate cycle at 30°C maximum, with a mesh laundry bag, low spin speed (600rpm or below), and a wool-specific detergent. Hand washing remains the preferred method for premium cashmere.

What temperature should I wash cashmere at?

Cold or lukewarm - never above 30°C. Heat is the primary cause of felting and irreversible shrinkage in cashmere.

Can I tumble dry cashmere?

No. Tumble drying causes felting. Always lay flat at room temperature away from direct heat.

How do I stop cashmere from shrinking?

Always wash in cold or lukewarm water, never wring or twist the garment, and always dry flat. Shrinkage is almost always caused by heat or agitation.

How do I get rid of moths in cashmere storage?

Wash all pieces thoroughly before storing - moths target soiled fibres. Use cedar, lavender, or rosemary as natural deterrents, and store in breathable cotton rather than plastic.

Why does my cashmere feel stiff after washing?

Usually caused by too much detergent, incorrect detergent, or water that is too hard. Use only a small amount of wool-specific detergent, and if your water is very hard, add a small amount of white vinegar to the rinse water to restore softness.

Related Cashmere Guides

Grade A Cashmere Explained: What It Means and What to Look For

How to Tell If Your Cashmere Is Worth the Price: A Buyer's Guide

Cashmere vs Wool vs Alpaca vs Mohair: Which Luxury Fibre Is Right for You?

Cashmere Capsule Wardrobe: Timeless Essentials for Effortless Dressing