Cashmere, Kept Beautiful: An Editors’ Guide to Washing, De-Pilling & Storing

Cashmere is the quiet luxury of a winter wardrobe—the knit you reach for when you want softness with substance. Look after it properly and it will reward you for years: softer, smoother and reassuringly immaculate. This is a straightforward care guide for Australia and New Zealand wardrobes.

Start with the care label. If it clearly says machine-washable, use the wool cycle. If it does not, choose a gentle hand-wash. Keep the water cool to lukewarm, around 30–35°C. Use a wool-specific, pH-gentle detergent—eucalyptus or neutral formulas work well—and use less than you think. Never wring or tumble-dry. Press out water in a towel, reshape the knit and dry it flat away from heat or direct sun. Fold cashmere for storage rather than hanging, and always store it clean in breathable bags or sealed containers to deter moths.

To hand-wash cashmere, spot-treat any marks with a dab of wool-safe detergent. Soak the garment for about ten minutes in 30–35°C water with a small amount of wool wash. Swish gently rather than scrubbing. Rinse in water of a similar temperature to avoid shocking the fibres. Press out excess water without wringing, then roll the knit in a towel to remove more moisture. Lay it flat to dry and reshape the body and ribbing. If needed, finish with a cool iron through a pressing cloth.

If the label permits machine washing, place the knit in a mesh laundry bag, choose the wool cycle with a low spin, use a wool-approved detergent and always dry flat afterwards. If your machine does not have a true wool program, select the gentlest cycle on cold or cool and reduce the spin.

Cashmere does not need constant laundering. As a guide, wash jumpers every three to four wears, or sooner if worn directly against the skin in humid conditions. Rest and reshape between wears to help the garment keep its line.

Pilling is normal where there is friction. Remove fuzz with a cashmere comb or a gentle fabric shaver used flat and lightly in short strokes. Avoid tugging, especially on fine gauges.

For moth protection, start clean because larvae are attracted to body oils and food traces. Fold knits into breathable cotton zip bags or store in sealed containers. If you suspect activity, place the item in a bag and freeze it at -18°C for two weeks, then let it rest in the bag for 24 hours before unsealing to avoid condensation. Cedar blocks and lavender sachets are helpful deterrents for adult moths in enclosed spaces, but they do not kill larvae, so refresh them regularly and combine with good housekeeping.

Structured or woven cashmere such as coats and some scarves may be better professionally cleaned. If possible, ask for gentler hydrocarbon methods rather than traditional PERC solvents.

For stains, blot rather than rub. Treat oil-based marks with a wool-safe detergent. Try cool water first for other stains, then launder as above. Always test bright colours in an inconspicuous area.

Thoughtful at-home care—cool water, wool-specific detergents and flat drying—extends a garment’s lifespan and reduces reliance on solvent-heavy cleaning. The result is softer knits, fewer replacements and a lighter environmental footprint.

Quick checklist: use wool wash and water around 30–35°C; only use a mesh bag and wool cycle if the label allows machine washing; never wring or tumble-dry—press in a towel, reshape and dry flat; de-pill with a comb or gentle shaver; fold and store clean with refreshed cedar or lavender; for suspected moths, bag and freeze at -18°C for two weeks and let the item rest for 24 hours before unsealing.