Wondering how to care for cashmere. Protect your favorite pieces (and investment) with our expert guide.
Cashmere is one of most popular luxury materials you can own, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Soft, warm, and lightweight, cashmere requires thoughtful care to maintain its shape, texture, and longevity.
From luxury cashmere sweaters and scarves to dresses and coats, proper handling can mean the difference between years of wear and a garment that loses its beauty too soon.
Why Cashmere Needs Special Care
Cashmere fibers are incredibly fine and delicate. While this is what makes the fabric feel so soft, it also means cashmere is more prone to:
• Pilling
• Stretching
• Shrinking
• Fiber breakage
Improper washing, over-cleaning, or poor storage can permanently damage cashmere. A gentle, consistent approach is key.
Inspecting Cashmere After Each Wear
Regular inspection helps prevent small issues from becoming permanent damage.
After wearing cashmere, take a few minutes to:
- Check for spots or stains, especially around collars, cuffs, and underarms.
- Look for pilling, thinning areas, or loose threads.
- Inspect seams and hems for early signs of wear.
Catching stains early and addressing wear promptly significantly extends a garment’s life.
Schedule your pick-up for casual care today.
How to Get More Than One Wear Out of Cashmere
When it comes to cleaning your cashmere sweaters and other items, less is more. Cashmere benefits from rest between wears.
Tips to extend wear:
- Wear a lightweight base layer to reduce sweat and oils
- Allow garments to air out for 24 hours before re-wearing
- Rotate pieces instead of wearing the same item repeatedly
- Brush gently with a cashmere or garment brush to remove surface debris
This routine reduces cleaning frequency and fiber stress.
Different Types of Cashmere Items & Care Considerations
Not all cashmere is worn or cared for the same way.
- Cashmere Sweaters – Fold for storage, avoid hangers, rotate wears
- Cashmere Scarves & Wraps – Clean less frequently but inspect often for makeup or fragrance transfer
- Cashmere Dresses – Professional cleaning recommended due to structure and lining
- Cashmere Coats – Seasonal professional cleaning is essential before storage
- Cashmere Accessories (hats, gloves) – Inspect regularly as they see a lot of wear-and-tear
Spot Cleaning Cashmere
While it may be tempting to spot clean at home, we do highly suggest you leave it to the dry clean professionals.
Why spot cleaning can be risky:
- Water can leave rings or distort fibers
- Rubbing can cause felting or pilling
- Household cleaners may weaken or discolor fibers
If a spill occurs:
- Blot gently—do not rub
- Allow the garment to dry naturally
- Bring it to a professional cleaner as soon as possible
Quick action without aggressive treatment is always safer.
Hand Washing vs. Dry Cleaning Cashmere
Many people ask whether cashmere should be hand washed or dry clean. The answer depends on the garment and how it’s worn. (And always check an item’s care label.)
Hand Washing Cashmere
Lightweight, casual cashmere items may tolerate a gentle hand wash when done correctly:
- Use cool water only.
- Choose a cashmere shampoo or cleanser designed for delicate fibers.
- Gently press the water through the garment. Never wring or twist.
- Lay flat to air dry, reshaping as needed.
Note: Careful hand washing still carries some risk, especially for structured or fitted pieces.
Why Dry Clean
Professional dry cleaning is the safest option for most cashmere garments.
Dry cleaning:
- Controls moisture and temperature.
- Protects delicate cashmere yarns.
- Reduces the risk of shrinkage and texture loss.
- Is especially important for lined, tailored, or vintage cashmere.
When in doubt, professional care helps preserve softness, shape, and longevity. It also saves you from purchasing your own cashmere shampoo, cashmere spray, depilling comb, and other items that still may end up damaging your favorite cashmere sneakers.
Machine Washing Cashmere
Even when labeled “gentle,” machine washing cashmere is risky. We often tell clients, “Don’t risk it!”
Machine agitation can:
- Tighten cashmere yarns.
- Cause uneven shrinkage.
- Lead to felting or misshaping.
While some manufacturers may suggest machine washing, we frequently see damaged cashmere brought in after just one cycle.
Cashmere Care Do’s & Don’ts
- Do ALWAYS read the care label and trust if it says “dry clean only”
- Do air out cashmere between wears to reduce the need for frequent cleaning
- Do use a cashmere comb or sweater comb to gently remove pills caused by friction
- Do store cashmere with a moth repellent such as cedar wood balls or lavender
- Do clean cashmere before long-term storage, even if it looks clean
Don’ts
- Don’t machine wash cashmere, even on a delicate cycle
- Don’t use any heat sources to dry
- Don’t use regular detergent or common stain remover
- Don’t rub stains or pills aggressively, which can break fibers and thin the fabric
- Don’t hang cashmere, as the weight can distort the shape over time
How to Avoid Shrinking Cashmere
Shrinking is one of the most common and irreversible issues.
To avoid shrinkage:
- Never use hot water
- Avoid agitation or wringing
- Skip the tumble dryer entirely
- Do not hang wet cashmere
Even small temperature changes can cause fibers to tighten and lose shape. Professional dry cleaning minimizes this risk by controlling every step of the process.
Cashmere Repairs
Minor issues such as loose threads, small holes, or thinning elbows should be addressed right away. Cashmere fibers weaken over time, and small problems can quickly spread.
Professional repairs may include:
- Reinforcing thinning areas
- Reweaving small holes
- Stabilizing seams
When inspecting, you should be looking for these possible problem areas along with stains.
Managing Pilling
Pilling is normal with cashmere especially in high-friction areas like underarms and elbows. Consider cashmere combs, sweater stones, and dry cleaners your friend.
Best Tools for Removing Pills
- Cashmere comb or sweater comb – Ideal for gentle, regular maintenance
- Sweater stone – Effective for heavier knits when used lightly
Pro Tip:
Always work in one direction and avoid pressing too hard. Overuse of any tool can weaken fibers over time.
Avoid electric shavers on fine cashmere. They can be too aggressive.
Nervous to depill? Leave it to the professionals. Schedule your pick-up or stop by our Manhattan or Bergen County store.
Everyday Luxury Cashmere Storage
How you store cashmere sweaters and other garments between wears matters.
Best practices:
- Fold garments neatly—never hang
- Store in a cool, dry space
- Avoid overcrowding drawers or shelves
- Use breathable storage materials
Improper storage can lead to stretching, creasing, or fiber fatigue.
Seasonal Cashmere Storage
Before storing cashmere long-term:
- Always clean first (invisible stains attract moths)
- Fold with acid-free tissue paper between layers
- Store in breathable garment bags or boxes
- Avoid plastic containers
Professional seasonal storage can provide added protection against moisture, pests, and environmental damage.
Protecting Cashmere from Moths
Moths are attracted to natural fibers especially those with your body’s natural oils or invisible stains.
How to Protect Cashmere:
- Always clean before storing
- Use moth repellent like cedar balls, lavender sachets, or bay leaves
- Store in breathable cotton storage bags or boxes
- Avoid any plastic storage bin
If you wish, you can also invest in a cashmere storage bag or other cashmere – dedicated storage items.
Regular inspection during storage season is also helpful. Look for signs of a moth infestation and take it seriously. You are going to have to address potential moth eggs and moth larva. Questions? We are here to help. Email info@hallak.com or call (212) 832-0750. Your cashmere laundry care made easy.
Local Cashmere Care in NY, NJ & CT and Beyond
Cashmere worn in the New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut area faces unique challenges, from winter weather and indoor heating to pollution and humidity changes. Regular professional care helps maintain softness and structure in these conditions.
At Hallak Cleaners, we care for cashmere garments year-round for clients throughout the tri-state area. We also work with out-of-state and traveling clients, offering trusted care before and after seasonal use.
Caring for Cashmere the Right Way
Cashmere is an investment and with proper care, it can last for many years.
Gentle wear habits, thoughtful storage, and professional cleaning when needed all play a role in preserving its beauty. By avoiding common mistakes and addressing issues early, you ensure your cashmere remains soft, structured, and timeless.
If you’re ever unsure how to care for a cashmere piece, give us a call or stop by either of our store locations.
