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You can put most of your sweaters, scarves and hats in the washing machine.
There’s really nothing comfier than a luxurious cashmere sweater when there’s a chill in the air. That’s because cashmere wool isn’t just incredibly soft, it’s also insulating, lightweight and breathable. In other words, cashmere keeps you warm without making you sweat. Another beautiful benefit of cashmere is its durability. Its natural fibers can outlast many of the other sweaters in your drawer with a little TLC.
Cashmere is often thought of as hard to care for since it’s sensitive to water temperature and agitation, but don’t let that deter you from having it in your wardrobe. Once you’re familiar with the dos and don'ts, washing cashmere at home is a simple task that can save you loads of time and money. But according to Carolyn Forte, executive director of Good Housekeeping's Home Care and Cleaning Lab, it's always best to start by checking the garment's care label. Some cashmere garments, like jackets, have structure, linings or other reasons why it's best to take them to a dry cleaner. Keep in mind that if you choose not to follow the care instructions and something goes wrong, like if the color fades or the garment shrinks, you won't have any recourse. Many care labels on cashmere garments recommend washing by hand or dry cleaning. In those cases, you're safe choosing either method.
If you have basic cashmere items like plain sweaters, scarves or unstructured pants that you'd like to wash at home, follow these simple tips to launder them by hand or by machine.
Unlike your other winter gear, cashmere should be washed just once or twice during the season, especially if you're only wearing the sweater on special occasions. Excessive washing can lead to damage, such as shrinkage and pilling.
How to wash cashmere in the washing machine
Some cashmere can be washed in the washing machine on a delicate cycle, or you may just wish to take this shortcut with well-worn items. In either case, check the item’s care label first and follow its recommendations or these steps.
For both handwashing and in the machine, lay the garment flat to dry. Place it on a dry, absorbent white towel and position it in its original shape to air dry. Once the top is dry, flip it over and allow the opposite side to dry completely.
Despite careful handling, cashmere can get wrinkled or creased. To remove them, use a garment steamer instead of an iron. Direct heat and pressure from an iron flattens cashmere's natural loft resulting in a less fluffy look and soft feel. And all cashmere – even the highest quality – is prone to pilling. When the fibers break from friction they form unsightly bobbles. To remove them, carefully and lightly run a fabric shaver over the dry, unwrinkled surface of the cashmere to remove any pills. Hold the fabric taut with one hand while you shave pills with the other to prevent any nicks or cuts to the fabric.
Always avoid hanging wet cashmere or leaving it in direct sunlight or near heat, which can cause stretching, yellowing, and shrinkage. The drawer is where to keep all of your cashmere once it's dry as hanging it can make it can lose its shape.
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