Cashmere Sweater Care: Clean Without Shrinking

Cashmere sweaters are the epitome of cozy luxury. Their softness, warmth, and timeless elegance make them a cold-weather staple in any wardrobe. But as any cashmere lover knows, they’re also incredibly delicate, and one wrong wash can transform your favorite sweater into a misshapen miniature. At Fazio Cleaners, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you avoid the heartbreak of a shrunken sweater. Join us as we walk you through how to clean your cashmere sweaters the right way!

What makes cashmere so special—and so sensitive?

Cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats, known for their fine, soft fibers that offer exceptional insulation without weight. It’s a premium material that requires more than a little TLC to keep it in great shape.

The qualities that make cashmere so luxurious and soft, like its natural wool fibers, also make it prone to shrinkage, stretching, and heat damage. That’s why it is essential to know how to care for your cashmere sweaters. 

Step-by-Step: How to Wash a Cashmere Sweater Without Shrinking It

Here’s how to wash cashmere without causing shrinkage.

1. Hand Washing: The Gold Standard

The safest way to clean a cashmere sweater at home is by hand. Hand washing allows you to control temperature, movement, and drying, all of which impact the integrity of the fibers.

Here’s how to do it:

• Fill a clean sink or basin with cold or lukewarm water (never hot).
• Add a small amount of cashmere-safe detergent. Look for a pH-neutral product labeled for wool or delicates. A little goes a long way.
• Turn your sweater inside out and submerge it in the water.
• Gently swirl for 2-3 minutes—don’t rub, wring, or twist.
• Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all soap is gone.
• Press out excess water by laying the sweater flat on a towel, then rolling it up and pressing. Do not wring out your cashmere sweater! This will cause it to stretch and dry misshapen.
• Reshape and lay flat to dry on a dry towel in its natural shape, away from direct heat or sunlight.

2. Machine Washing: Only If the Tag Allows

Some cashmere blends or sturdier knits might be labeled “machine washable.” If so, proceed with caution:

• Use cold water only and a wool or delicate cycle.
• Place the sweater in a mesh bag to protect it from agitation, or better yet, wash it alone.
• Add a gentle, cashmere-appropriate detergent.
• Select a low spin speed to reduce stretching.
• Never tumble dry. Always dry flat as described above.

If your sweater doesn’t explicitly say it’s machine washable, stick with hand washing—or better yet, let a professional cleaner handle it.

Dealing With Stains on Cashmere

Accidents happen—a splash of coffee, a bit of makeup, or a dinner party mishap is bound to happen when wearing your cashmere sweaters. Here’s how to deal with stains on this delicate fabric:

• Act fast. The quicker you address a stain, the easier it is to remove.
• Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean white cloth to dab the stain and absorb excess liquid.
• Spot clean with cold water and a drop of gentle detergent. Pat, don’t scrub.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or stain removers unless they’re approved for cashmere.

If you’re unsure, bring it to a professional cleaner like Fazio Cleaners. We use fabric-safe, eco-conscious methods to lift stains without compromising the sweater’s quality.

Additional Tips to Keep Your Cashmere Looking New

You can also keep your cashmere looking new using the following strategies.

Wash Less Often

Cashmere doesn’t need to be washed after every wear. Every 3–5 wears is usually sufficient unless it’s stained. Over-washing leads to pilling and weakening of fibers.

Use a Cashmere Comb

After multiple wears, cashmere can develop tiny balls of fuzz (a.k.a. pilling). Gently remove them with a cashmere comb or fabric shaver—never pull by hand.

Proper Storage Matters

Fold your cashmere sweater neatly and store it flat. Avoid hanging, as it can stretch the shoulders and distort the shape. During off-season months:

• Use breathable storage bags or cotton pillowcases.
• Add natural moth repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets.
• Make sure sweaters are clean before storing to avoid attracting moths.

Why Professional Cashmere Cleaning Is Worth It

We get it—cashmere care can feel intimidating. That’s why many of our customers trust Fazio Cleaners to keep their sweaters flawless without the guesswork.

Our services are tailored for luxury and delicate garments. When you bring your cashmere to us, we:

• Assess fabric content and label instructions.
• Use solvent-free, eco-conscious cleaning solutions.
• Avoid excess agitation or heat.
• Gently dry flat and steam to restore softness and shape.
• Return your garments carefully packaged and ready to wear.

Cashmere is an investment. Our Couture Garment Care and EcoChic Garment Care options offer peace of mind that your favorite pieces are in expert hands.

Keep Your Cashmere Cozy—Without the Risk

With the right approach, your cashmere sweater can look and feel amazing for years. Whether you prefer to care for it at home or want the security of professional cleaning, knowledge is key to preventing shrinkage, pilling, or stretching.

Need help with your cashmere wardrobe? Fazio Cleaners has been trusted for over 70 years to clean and preserve garments with care, precision, and eco-conscious practices. Schedule a pickup or stop by one of our Southern California locations to discover why generations of customers choose Fazio Cleaners for their most cherished items.