Winter is (finally) on its way in, which means it's time to start un-packing your heavy sweaters and layers. But before you wear them, you'll need to give those sweaters a good wash. And if you're thinking, "Can you wash a cashmere sweater?" or "Can't I just chuck them in the washing machine on a cold cycle and be done with it?", well, yes and no.

What is a Cashmere sweater?

Wool and cashmere are both delicate fabrics that require special care when cleaning—but don't worry, we're here to help. Read on for our step-by-step guide on how to wash a wool and cashmere sweater safely (without ruining them forever).


How to Wash a Wool Sweater


Wool is a strong, durable fabric—but that doesn't mean it can't be damaged. The key to washing a wool sweater is to use cool water and a mild detergent, and to avoid wringing or stretching the fabric. Here's how to do it:

Fill a sink or basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. You can also use baby shampoo or wool-specific detergent. Submerge your sweater in the soapy water and gently swish it around until it's thoroughly saturated. Let the sweater soak for five minutes, then drain the sink/basin and refill it with cool water. Rinse your sweater in the clean water until all traces of soap have been removed—you may need to rinse several times. Gently squeeze excess water from the sweater (do not wring or stretch!), then lay it flat on a towel to dry. Once the sweater is only slightly damp, you can lay it flat on a fresh towel or hang it up to finish drying.


Note: Never put a wool sweater in the dryer! The heat will damage the fabric.

How to Wash a Cashmere Sweater


Cashmere is an even more delicate fabric than wool, so it requires even more care when laundering. The best way to wash a cashmere sweater is by hand using cool water and gentle detergent—we recommend using baby shampoo or wool-specific detergent. Here's how:

Fill a sink or basin with cool water and add a small amount of baby shampoo or other gentle detergent. Submerge your sweater in the soapy water and gently swish it around until it's thoroughly saturated. Let the sweater soak for five minutes, then drain the sink/basin and refill with clean water. Rinse your sweater in the clean water until all traces of soap have been removed—you may need to rinse several times Gently squeeze excess water from the garment (do not wring!), then lay flat on a towel to dry

Note: As with wool, never put cashmere in the dryer! The heat will damage the fibers beyond repair


With these simple tips, you can easily wash your woolen and cashmere sweaters at home without worrying about ruining them forever. Just remember to use cool water and gentle detergent, avoid wringing or stretching the fabric, and never put them in the dryer! With these steps, you'll keep your sweaters looking like new season after season.

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