How to Care for Cashmere and Wool So They Last

Last updated November 9, 2026

To care for cashmere and wool, wash them rarely, by hand in cool water with a mild wool detergent. Press out the water without wringing, dry them flat away from heat and store them clean and folded.

Good care keeps knits soft, stops shrinking and protects them from moths. This guide covers washing, drying, pilling, wrinkles, storage and moth prevention, step by step.

Key Takeaways

• Always read the care label first, since some wool can go in the machine.
• Wash wool and cashmere only when they look or smell dirty.
• Heat, rubbing and wringing cause shrinking and felting.
• Dry knits flat on a towel, never on a radiator or in a hot dryer.
• Store knits clean, because moth larvae feed on soiled wool.

Inside this guide

1. Read the care label
2. How often to wash
3. How to hand wash
4. Machine washing safely
5. How to dry knits
6. Remove pilling
7. Store wool for the season
8. Prevent moth damage
9. Frequently asked questions

Start With the Care Label

Every knit is different. The label tells you how the maker tested it, so check it before you do anything else.

The Federal Trade Commission explains the care labeling rule for clothing. Labels give washing or dry cleaning steps and warn about heat, bleach and drying.

Some wool is treated to survive the washing machine. Others must be hand washed or dry cleaned only.

How Often to Wash Wool and Cashmere

Wool needs far less washing than cotton. It naturally resists odors, stains and wrinkles.

The Woolmark Company says in its wool care guide that merino needs less washing than other fibers. Washing less also saves water and energy.

• Air a sweater for a few hours after wearing it.
• Wear a thin shirt underneath to keep body oils off the wool.
• Spot clean small marks with cool water and a little wool wash.
• Wash only after several wears or when it looks or smells dirty.

How to Hand Wash Cashmere and Wool

Hand washing is the gentlest choice. It takes about 20 minutes plus drying time.

1. Turn the sweater inside out.
2. Fill a clean basin with cool or lukewarm water.
3. Add a small amount of mild wool or cashmere detergent.
4. Submerge the sweater and press it gently for a minute or two.
5. Let it soak for about 10 minutes.
6. Drain the water and rinse in fresh water of the same temperature.
7. Press out the water with your hands without twisting.

Keep the water temperature steady. Sudden changes from warm to cold can shock the fibers and cause felting.

Avoid regular laundry detergent with enzymes or bleach. They can weaken natural animal fibers over time.

Down needs its own routine. See our step-by-step guide on how to wash a down jacket.

Machine Washing Wool Safely

If the label allows it, a machine can wash wool safely with the right settings.

• Use the wool or hand wash cycle.
• Choose cold water and a low spin speed.
• Place the knit in a mesh laundry bag.
• Wash only with other light, soft items.
• Use a wool detergent and skip fabric softener.

Never wash an unlabeled wool sweater on a regular cycle. Hot water and strong tumbling can shrink it in one wash.

How to Dry Knits Without Shrinking

Drying is where most sweaters get ruined. Heat and hanging are the two big mistakes.

1. Lay the wet sweater flat on a clean, dry towel.
2. Roll the towel up like a sleeping bag to press out water.
3. Unroll it and move the sweater to a fresh dry towel or drying rack.
4. Gently reshape it to its original size.
5. Dry it flat, away from direct sun, radiators and heaters.

Hanging a wet sweater stretches the shoulders and length. Flip it over after a few hours so both sides dry evenly.

Do not use a tumble dryer unless the label clearly allows it. Even a short hot cycle can shrink wool.

Remove Pilling

Pills are tiny balls of fiber that form where the fabric rubs. They are common on cashmere and soft wool and do not mean poor quality.

• Lay the sweater flat on a table.
• Use a sweater comb or fabric shaver with light strokes.
• Work in one direction over the pilled area.
• Avoid pressing hard, which can thin the fabric.

Pilling usually slows down after the first few washes as loose fibers come away.

Fix Wrinkles and Smells

Wool releases most wrinkles on its own. Hang it in a steamy bathroom or use a handheld steamer from a short distance.

If you must iron, use a low wool setting and a pressing cloth. Never press the iron directly on the knit.

To freshen a sweater between washes, air it outside or near an open window for a few hours.

Store Wool for the Season

• Wash or dry clean every piece before storage.
• Make sure each item is completely dry.
• Fold knits instead of hanging them.
• Store them in sealed boxes or bags in a cool, dry place.
• Check stored items every few months.

Hangers stretch knit shoulders over time. Folding keeps the shape and saves space too.

Avoid plastic dry cleaning bags for long storage, since they can trap moisture.

Prevent Moth Damage

Clothes moths are the biggest threat to stored wool and cashmere. The larvae, not the adult moths, eat the fibers.

According to the University of Maryland Extension, larvae mainly feed on soiled wool. Clean, well-stored woolens are not attractive to them.

Simple prevention steps

• Store only clean wool, since stains and body oils attract moths.
• Use sealed boxes or tightly closed containers.
• Add cedar blocks, but refresh or replace them over time.
• Brush and air woolens outdoors now and then to remove eggs.
• Vacuum closets, corners and under rugs regularly.

New Mexico State University notes that cedar helps only in tightly sealed spaces. Its oils also fade after several years.

If you find moths

Freeze small items to kill any eggs and larvae. The university advises sealing items in plastic bags and holding them at 0°F for 48 to 72 hours.

Thaw them slowly, then wash or dry clean them. Clean the closet well before you put anything back.

Caring for Wool Coats

Wool coats rarely need a full clean. Brush them after wearing with a soft clothes brush to lift dust and lint.

Hang coats on wide, shaped hangers that support the shoulders. Most need professional dry cleaning about once a season, or as the label suggests.

Repair Small Holes and Snags

Do not cut a snag. Instead, gently pull the loop to the inside of the sweater with a crochet hook or needle.

Small holes can often be darned at home or fixed by a tailor. Repairing a good sweater keeps it in use for years.

Cashmere and Wool Compared

Merino is a fine type of wool that feels close to cashmere. It is often easier to wash and a little more durable.

A good cashmere scarf is a lovely gift. Learn new ways to wear one in our guide on how to style a scarf.

Your Knit Care Checklist

• I read the care label first
• I wash knits only when needed
• I use cool water and a wool detergent
• I never wring or tumble dry
• I dry knits flat and reshape them
• I store wool clean, folded and sealed

Quality knits are the backbone of a capsule wardrobe. For fresh outfit ideas, see our winter fashion trends for 2026.

Test Yourself

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put cashmere in the washing machine?

Only if the label allows it. Use a mesh bag, cold water, the wool cycle and a low spin.

How do you unshrink a wool sweater?

Soak it in lukewarm water with hair conditioner, then gently stretch it while damp and dry it flat. Results vary.

Does cedar keep moths away?

It offers some protection in tightly sealed spaces, but its oils fade over time.

Why does my cashmere pill?

Friction loosens short fibers. A sweater comb removes pills, and pilling often slows after a few washes.

Conclusion

Cashmere and wool last for years with gentle care. Wash rarely in cool water, never wring and always dry flat.

Store knits clean, folded and sealed, and check them for moths during the warm months.

Editor’s Note

This guide is accurate as of November 9, 2026. It draws on the Federal Trade Commission, The Woolmark Company and university extension guides.

Always follow the care label on your own garment, since fibers and finishes differ.

Spot an error in this article? Please contact us at support@digieh.com or read our Corrections Policy.

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