How to Wash Cashmere Without Ruining It

How to Wash Cashmere: The Simple Approach

The first thing everyone asks about pure Italian cashmere is how to wash cashmere without losing its softness. It’s a fair question. We’ve learned over time that caring for cashmere is almost like tending a cherished old book, handle it gently, respect the work behind it, and don’t try to rush the process. If you can swish wool, you can wash cashmere. The water should be cool and the motions slow. Think of soaking bread for French toast rather than scrubbing laundry.

Gather What You Need for a Gentle Wash

Before you start, take a look at what you’ll need. Grab a clean basin or a deep sink, a bottle of mild shampoo or a wool-specific detergent, and a couple of towels, the soft bath towels you’d save for visitors work best. Avoid bleach or strong soaps. That special softness you feel in our cashmere robe? It comes from handling every fiber with care, even at home.

Hand Washing Cashmere: The Italian Way

True Italian craftsmanship favors small rituals. For hand washing cashmere, fill your basin with cool water and swirl in some gentle detergent. Immerse your cashmere, lightly press to let water soak in, and let it rest for a few minutes. We rarely rub or wring, it can stretch or thin the fibers. Instead, gently squeeze and rinse with clean water until the garment feels free of soap. The secret is doing less, not more. It’s one of those chores best done when you have a few quiet minutes, like waiting for your espresso to cool.

Dry and Reshape Your Cashmere (with a Little Patience)

Never twist out cashmere like an old gym sock. Lay the item flat on a towel, then roll it up to gently press out water. When the towel feels heavy, unroll, and reshape your sweater or robe on a dry towel, close the buttons or lay cables straight, almost like tucking in a child at night. Air dry away from sunlight or heaters. True cashmere like our camel links stitch sweater keeps shape best this way. You might even notice how the natural fibers seem to bloom a bit after a fresh wash, not unlike wildflowers after rain.

Long-Term Care and Dealing with Mishaps

Learning how to wash cashmere means paying attention to what your garment is telling you. If you spot a snag or a stray pill, use a sweater comb gently, never pick at it with your fingers, as we once learned the hard way in a Tuscan guesthouse. If you do have a spill or a stain, act quickly and blot, never scrub. If you ever doubt, ask a local cleaner that knows wool well. When not in use, keep your cashmere in a breathable cotton bag, not plastic; it helps preserve that distinctively Italian softness and lets every piece breathe between seasons. For more thoughtfully made garments that last for years, visit our collection of pure Italian cashmere.

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