How to Wash a Cashmere Sweater

If you’ve invested in a cashmere sweater, you’ll want to treat it with the care it deserves. And guess what? That doesn’t involve busting your bank by taking it to the dry cleaners once a fortnight. Whether it’s one of our cashmere crew neck sweaters or another of our knitted treats, you can now give it all the love it needs, from your own home. However, to ensure it keeps its luxury look and feel, the experts at Adeela Salehjee have put together this handy guide to washing your cashmere sweater.

 

1. Always check the label

Like all garments, always check the label of your cashmere sweater to see if it requires any specific requirements when washing.

 

2. Fill a sink or large tub with cool water

This should be no hotter than 30 degrees, in fact, stick to lukewarm or cool water when possible - one crucial rule when washing cashmere is never too hot, as this could lead to shrinkage.

3. Add a few drops (or a teaspoon) of your chosen washing product

Use a gentle laundry detergent or specialist cashmere shampoo for this. Note, never use fabric softener as this will damage the fibres.

4. Submerge your cashmere sweater in the water

Soak your sweater for around five minutes and gently squeeze your sweater, to ensure the soap is running through the material.

5. Remove your sweater from the water

It’s important that you gently squeeze the water here, and never wring it, as this could impact the shape of your sweater. It’s OK if there is still detergent on your sweater.

6. Replace the soapy water with fresh, cool water and return your sweater to the bowl

Gently swirl your jumper around the bowl to get rid of the detergent or shampoo.

7. Once all of the detergent has been removed, lay your sweater on a towel

Carefully roll each individual section of your sweater (sleeves and body) to absorb any excess water.

8. Leave to dry on a flat surface

Once all excess water has been removed, lay on a flat surface and leave to dry for 24 hours.

It’s important to note, you should never hang up your cashmere sweater to dry, or put it in the tumble dryer. This might stretch your sweater and could damage its shape.

Can you put a cashmere sweater in the washing machine?

We would always advise hand-washing your cashmere sweater, instead of machine-washing. However, if necessary, and as long as the care label says your sweater is washing machine safe, you can do this without damaging it.

Be sure to wash your sweater in a delicate setting, with a low temperature and a low spin. If you can, place the sweater in a laundry bag, as this will prevent any friction against the inside of the machine.

A top tip from us is, if you haven’t got a laundry bag, then consider using an old white pillowcase tied up at the end. Again, use a gentle laundry detergent and stay away from fabric conditioners.

You should dry your sweater the same as if you were hand washing it - on a flat surface, naturally, for 24 hours.

Are you ready to give your cashmere sweater the care it deserves?

Ensuring you wash your sweater correctly is just the start, but what about providing it with the aftercare it deserves? Explore our cashmere care products at Adeela Salehjee, and discover how you can keep your clothes smelling and looking fresh between each wear.