Can you machine wash cashmere? Our tips

Cashmere is one of the most luxurious and coveted materials in any wardrobe. Soft, lightweight, and thermoregulating, it symbolizes discreet and timeless luxury. But one question invariably comes up when investing in a sweater, cardigan, or scarf: how do you care for cashmere? More precisely, can you machine wash cashmere without damaging it?

The fear of damaging this rare fiber sometimes prevents people from fully enjoying it. However, with the right steps, at-home cashmere care is simpler than it seems. In this article, we'll review suitable washing techniques, mistakes to avoid, and our tips for preserving the beauty of your Studio Cashmere8 pieces season after season.

1. Why is cashmere care intimidating?

Many believe that cashmere is too delicate for everyday use. This misconception stems from the fact that the fibers are fine (13 to 16 microns) and thus perceived as fragile. Yet, cashmere is also a resilient material, capable of lasting for years if properly maintained.

The real risk does not come from the fiber itself, but from washing errors: water that is too hot, excessive spinning, aggressive products. Using the wrong cycle can felt or distort the knit. Hence the reluctance to put a sweater in the washing machine.

2. Can you really machine wash cashmere?

The answer is clear: yes, you can machine wash cashmere, provided certain rules are followed. Many modern washing machine models offer a special wool or delicate program, designed to mimic hand washing.

What to remember:

• Temperature: always cold (maximum 20°C).
• Program: wool or delicate cycle.
• Spin speed: gentle, maximum 400-500 revolutions/minute.
• Protection: place the garment in a laundry bag to avoid friction.
• Product: use a special wool/cashmere detergent, without fabric softener.

With these precautions, machine washing is even preferable to hand washing, as it avoids excessive twisting or rubbing of the fiber.

3. Machine washing cashmere: a step-by-step guide

Step 1: prepare the garment

Turn your sweater or cardigan inside out to protect the knit. Place it in a laundry bag or a cotton pillowcase.

Step 2: choose the right program

Select a wool or delicate cycle. Make sure the temperature is set to cold or a maximum of 20°C. The spin speed should not exceed 500 revolutions/minute.

Step 3: choose the right detergent

Opt for a liquid detergent specially designed for wool and cashmere. Avoid powders and fabric softeners, which coat and weaken the fibers.

Step 4: drying

Remove the garment immediately after the cycle to prevent it from remaining damp and creased. Lay it flat on a terry towel, reshape it, and let it air dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Step 5: storage

Once dry, fold the cashmere carefully. Never hang it on a hanger: the weight of the wet fiber can deform the garment.

4. Cashmere: machine or hand wash?

Many hesitate between machine washing and hand washing. Here's a comparison:

Conclusion: machine washing is recommended, provided a good program is used. Hand washing is still possible, but requires more precautions.

5. At-home cashmere care: mistakes to avoid

• Hot water: it felts and shrinks cashmere.
• Tumble drying: prohibited, it destroys the fiber.
• Fabric softener: unnecessary and aggressive.
• Hanging on a hanger: causes the knit to stretch.
• Washing too frequently: cashmere does not need to be washed after every wear; often, airing it out is sufficient.

6. How often should you wash your cashmere?

Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to wash your cashmere after every use. The fiber is naturally antibacterial and absorbs odors poorly. In general:

• Sweaters and cardigans: every 4 to 6 wears.
• Accessories (scarves, wraps): once per season.
• T-shirts and ultrafine tops: every 2 to 3 wears in summer.

Between washes, air out your pieces by letting them rest flat, in the open air but out of direct sunlight.

7. Tips for extending the life of your cashmere

• Gentle brushing: use a special cashmere brush to remove pills and revive the fibers.
• Aeration: hang your sweaters in the open air to refresh them.
• Rotation: avoid wearing the same cashmere garment two days in a row; let it "breathe."
• Moth repellents: store your items in a cotton bag with a cedar or lavender sachet.

8. Studio Cashmere8 and at-home cashmere care

At Studio Cashmere8, we know that care is a key issue for enjoying cashmere every day. That's why we prioritize high-quality, more durable yarns, and we share our practical advice with you.

Our ultrafine collections are designed to be worn all year round, and their at-home care is simple as long as a few rules are followed. By investing in our pieces, you choose durable cashmere, OEKO-TEX® certified, respectful of skin, the environment, and animal welfare.

Conclusion: cashmere loves the machine... if used correctly

Machine washing cashmere is not a risk, but a modern and suitable method, provided a few simple rules are followed: cold water, wool cycle, protective bag, and flat drying. At-home cashmere care then becomes easy, quick, and reassuring.

Thanks to these steps, your sweaters, cardigans, and scarves will retain their softness and elegance season after season. Cashmere is not a fragile material, but a precious one that deserves special attention — attention rewarded by its longevity.

→ Discover our ultrafine and easy-to-care-for cashmere pieces