How to wash cashmere knitwear, a step by step guide

We recommend hand washing your cashmere knitwear in lukewarm water using a cashmere shampoo, following the steps below.

Step 1: Soak your cashmere in soapy water

First, submerge the cashmere sweater, cardigan or scarf in lukewarm water and add cashmere shampoo, leaving to soak for just a few minutes before squeezing gently to clean. It's best to use a cashmere shampoo which is specially designed for natural fibres - detergents or fabric softeners can coat the fibres and increase pilling.

Step 2: Rinse

Next rinse the sweater several times in clean lukewarm water, gently squeezing to remove excess water. A clean, dry towel can be used here to gently press the water out. Dry the garment by laying it on a flat surface to reshape.

Step 3: Dry iron

Finally, 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.

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 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.

Cashmere Care Kit

We have carefully curated each element of our Cashmere Care Kit, to help you get the most out of your Begg x Co products so they can be cherished for years to come.

Shop the Cashmere Care Kit

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.