How to Care for Cashmere Sweaters in 6 Easy Steps

With both the colder weather and gifting season upon us, I find myself reaching for cashmere a lot more often. A lot of people avoid the material because although it is luxurious, cashmere requires a higher level of care. However, once you become familiar with the steps, they will feel second-nature to you! In this fabric care guide, I share how to care for cashmere sweaters in 7 easy steps.

Cashmere has superior warmth and comfort qualities. As such, it is no surprise that cashmere is a popular gifting category every holiday season. In a prior post, I wrote a little about the textiles of cashmere while reviewing the up-and-coming cashmere brand Quince. Some of my other recommended spots to find reasonably priced cashmere knits are:

Quick Tip 1: Wash cashmere sweaters once every 4-5 wears.

Cashmere and wool are naturally odor-resistant because the fibers are moisture-wicking (i.e. draw moisture away from the skin surface). These animal fibers have a waxy cuticle on the surface that help to dissipate sweat, allowing the material to feel breathable.

Given this unique property, cashmere sweaters do not need to be washed after each wear. In fact, over-washing can cause the fibers to lose their softness.

Quick Tip 2: Spot clean in between washes.

Spot cleaning is one great way to ensure the freshness of your sweater in between washes. It also prevents things like food stains from permanently setting in. I love using the Me Mother Earth Laundry Stain Remover Stick. All you need to do is wet the stick and area of your sweater that needs attention. Rub the stick like a crayon and let it sit for 10 minutes, then wash it off.

You can also find stain remover sticks from the Package Free Shop and Grove Marketplace.

Quick Tip 3: Hand-wash sweaters with gentle detergent.

Regular detergents contain harsh ingredients that can strip cashmere of its softness, and dehydrate the fibers. To keep your sweaters in good shape for several years, I recommend hand washing them with a delicate wash for the best results. I would link The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, but since the brand is under a recall right now, I found some affordable (unscented) alternatives.

Dirty Labs (Use code ‘STYLEDBYSCIENCE‘ for : Bio-based detergent that I rave about often. They came out with a Delicates Wash this year. (Review HERE)
Nordstrom: They have a highly rated Delicates Wash for under $20.

Quick Tip 4: Lay cashmere sweaters flat to dry.

Not only should woolen sweaters not be placed in the dryer, they should also be dried flat to prevent warping and stretching. I love my drying rack because it comes with a ventilated shelf to dry my sweaters on. Here is the super-handy and collapsible one I own that comes in handy no matter what clothes I air dry at home.

Quick Tip 5: Invest in a sweater comb, and steamer.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on fabric care products to keep your cashmere sweaters in good shape. Some of the simple gadgets you can use are a sweater comb and steamer. The sweater comb is a gentle way of getting rid of pills (little fibrous build-ups) on the fabric surface. Then the steamer is also a controlled way of releasing wrinkles, as well as deodorize in-between washes.

Here are some great affordable options you can use.

Quick Tip 6: Store clean sweaters in a sweater box.

One of the worst things that can happen is having moth holes in your precious knits after stowing them away for the season. For me, I like to place mine in a sweater box where they are closed off, but still have room to breath. Avoid plastic bins that are impermeable, and trap in odors. If you want to be safe, you can also place a few anti-moth sachets inside.

I hope you found this guide helpful on how to care for cashmere sweaters this winter. Be sure to check out other similar fabric care posts on the blog as well!