How to Wash Cashmere - Our Cashmere Care Guide
- Sustainability
Our step-by-step guide to washing cashmere knitwear will help to keep your Begg x Co pieces looking their best.
Is it OK to wash cashmere in the washing machine? Will it shrink if washed?
Any cashmere clothing or homeware item is an item to treasure. But it’s not always clear how to care for cashmere.
In this cashmere care guide, we’re sharing everything you need to know about how to wash 100% cashmere at home and how to keep it looking its best.
Caring for your cashmere
Cashmere is a delicate, natural fibre and over time pills will appear on your cashmere sweater or cardigan. These tend to appear in areas where friction from wear occur, such as the sides of the garment. To remove the pills, use a cashmere comb, razor or a de-bobbler and follow these steps before washing.
Firstly, lay the garment on a flat surface, holding the fabric taut with one hand and the cashmere comb in the other. Next, gently run the comb over the sweater with particular focus on the areas with a build-up of pills. Remove any fluff from the comb and repeat when necessary.
How to wash cashmere knitwear - a step by step guide:
We recommend hand washing your cashmere knitwear in lukewarm water using a specialist cashmere shampoo(as found in our Cashmere Care kits). Then, follow the washing instructions below.
Step 1: Soak
Submerge the knitwear in clean water and add cashmere shampoo, leaving to soak for just a few minutes before squeezing gently to clean. It's best to use a gentle detergent like cashmere shampoowhich is specially designed for natural fibres. Regular detergents or fabric softeners are full of harsh chemicals, and can coat the fibres (increasing the likelihood of pilling).
Step 2: Rinse
Rinse the sweater several times in clean lukewarm water, gently squeezing to remove excess water. A dry towel can be used here to gently press the water out.
Step 3: Lay Flat
Lay the garment flat on a firm surface, giving it the chance to return to its original shape.
Step 4: Dry
Dry your cashmere naturally and away from heat sources such as radiators or direct sunlight. While these may dry your cashmere garments quicker, they also run the risk of shrinking them or causing discolouration.
Step 5: Iron
When fully dry, iron the cashmere knitwear on a cool setting, always using a damp cloth to protect the fibres from the iron's direct heat.
Is it ok to wash cashmere in the washing machine?
It's down to personal preference. Ideally you would hand wash each cashmere item to ensure it gets the special care that it needs. However, it is sometimes possible to machine wash: as long as you use a delicate cycle and ensure the water temperature is as cool as possible.
Look for a 'handwash' or 'gentle' setting on your machine. If it doesn't have it, run a cool water cycle with your cashmere sweater safely buttoned inside a pillowcase to avoid any unnecessary friction.
Using a gentle cycle means a low spin, so you'll have to handle your wet cashmere properly. Never wring or twist it to remove excess water, just give it a gentle squeeze and lay it flat on a dry towel to absorb the rest.
Always check the care label on your garment before popping it in the machine. If it recommends dry cleaning, take it to the experts.
Removing stains from cashmere
Accidents happen, and, unfortunately, sometimes they'll involve your favourite cashmere sweater. It's important to act quickly and carefully, and not resort to harsh chemicals found in most stain removers.
Simply put: no scrubbing, no bleaching, and no hot water (which can sometimes set the stain). Instead, hold your cashmere item under the tap and let running cold water rinse the stain. If needed, treat the area with cashmere shampoo or another delicate detergent.
Next, blot the stain gently with a damp cloth. Ensure you don't stretch the fabric, as wet cashmere can easily lose shape.
How often should you wash cashmere?
You don't need to wash cashmere after every wear. In fact, washing it regularly can damage the fibres. Most people only wash cashmere a couple of times a season: so once every couple of months. This is because cashmere has natural antibacterial properties, and can repel dirt and odours. You can wear it multiple times before you need to wash it.
If you wear your cashmere scarf or sweater for a few hours and it has no stains or bad smells, hang it up and air it out instead of washing it right away. This is a natural refresher and reduces the need for frequent washing. If you prefer, you can also use a cashmere-safe garment spray to freshen it up between washes.
How to store cashmere knitwear
We recommend storing your cashmere knitwear flat or folded to maintain the original shape, as over time hanging the knitwear can stretch the garment. Cedar wood is renowned for its moth-repelling properties due to the natural oils in the wood. Placing some cedar wood balls in your wardrobe or drawers with your knitwear can help protect your cashmere from moths.
To go the extra mile in protecting your cashmere knits, store your pieces in reusable bags. Begg x Co cashmere knitwear is packaged in branded dust bags, woven at our mill in Ayr from surplus yarn as an environmentally friendly packaging solution, designed for reuse as long-term storage.
Find everything you need in our Cashmere Care Kit
We have carefully curated each element of our Cashmere Care Kit to help give extra care to your Begg x Co cashmere clothing, so that it can be cherished for years to come.
Inside the kit you'll find mild detergent so you can wash your cashmere as gently as possible, as well as a garment spray to extend time between washes. The kit also includes a brush for removing pilling, and a beautiful cedar pebble to naturally keep moths at bay.
Shop the Cashmere Care Kit
Why choose Begg x Co cashmere?
Our cashmere knitwear is handcrafted in Scotland from the finest fibres and with meticulous attention to detail. From the iconic Yacht Cardigan to Sweaters, each piece of Begg x Co knitwear is timeless, an investment piece designed to last.
From design to realisation, up to 87 pairs of hands ensure our knitwear and accessories meet the highest standards. Taking care of your cashmere knits will ensure they are wardrobe staples for years to come.
Cashmere Care FAQs
Q: How do you keep cashmere in good condition?
A: To keep cashmere in good condition, it is important to avoid over-washing it. Cashmere does not need to be washed after every wear, as it is a delicate fabric made form natural fibers. Spot-treating stains and washing it approximately every four wears is recommended.
When washing cashmere, always check the brand's washing instructions and use a gentle detergent specifically designed for wool and cashmere. Hand-washing is often a preferred method, but dry-cleaning is also an option for high-priced or heirloom pieces. Avoid wringing the fabric and never soak it for more than 30 minutes.
Additionally, be sure to air out your cashmere between wears and store it properly to maintain its shape and softness over time. Storing your cashmere with cedar wood balls helps deter moths.
Q: Can 100% cashmere be washed?
A: Yes, 100% cashmere can be washed, but never in a washing machine, even on a delicate cycle. It is recommended to hand wash cashmere in cold water with a mild detergent, such as organic baby shampoo or a biodegradable wool wash. It's best to use a cashmere-specific shampoo. Avoid using generic fabric softeners.
Don't soak it for too long and never wring it out. Additionally, some cashmere garments may have special buttons, metals, embroidery, or beading that require specific care instructions, so it's important to check the garment's care label or do further research before washing.
Q: How do you keep cashmere from pilling?
A: To keep cashmere from pilling, it is important to shave regularly using a razor blade, lint tape, or a special device like the Gleener.
Avoid wearing and washing your cashmere too frequently, and hand-wash it gently, avoiding soaking it for too long. Invest in a pilling tool, such as an electric fabric shaver, to remove any pills that may form over time.
Always fold and store your cashmere pieces instead of hanging them to prevent stretching. Lastly, use a garment steamer instead of an iron to remove wrinkles and pills from cashmere without flattening the fibres.
