You can wash most cashmere at home, and the brands that make it say so. They disagree on the details, though. This guide compares Quince, N.Peal and Johnstons of Elgin. It shows where they agree, where they split, and the steps for sweaters, beanies and scarves.
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Can you wash cashmere?
Yes, for most knits. Quince, N.Peal and Johnstons of Elgin all publish home washing steps for cashmere sweaters. Read the care label first. Some labels list dry cleaning, and Johnstons of Elgin sends woven pieces, like scarves and coats, to a professional cleaner.
What cashmere brands say
Three cashmere makers, three sets of rules. Here is how their care guides compare.
| Brand | Water and soap | Soak | Washing machine | How often |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quince | Cold, mild detergent | Not stated | Delicate cycle in a mesh bag | Every 5 to 6 wears |
| N.Peal | Cold, cashmere wash or a gentle wool detergent | About 30 minutes | Only if the label allows, on the gentlest cycle in a mesh bag | About every 10 wears, no more than monthly |
| Johnstons of Elgin | Lukewarm, cashmere shampoo | A few minutes | Not recommended for knitwear | Every 3 to 4 wears |
All three agree on the rules that matter most. Don’t wring or twist cashmere. Dry it flat. Keep it away from direct heat.
Collars & Co describes its Luxury Touch cotton and cashmere knits as low maintenance and simple to wash, which is one reason the blend works for everyday wear. I wore two of their sweaters for my Collars & Co review.
How to hand wash a cashmere sweater
- Check the label. If it says dry clean only, take it to a cleaner.
- Fill a clean basin. Use cold or lukewarm water. N.Peal says cold water helps prevent shrinking.
- Add a little soap. Use a cashmere wash or a mild wool detergent. N.Peal says to avoid harsh chemicals and bleach.
- Soak it. Submerge the sweater and swirl it gently. Johnstons of Elgin says a few minutes. N.Peal says about 30.
- Squeeze, don’t scrub. Press the soapy water through the knit. Don’t rub, wring or stretch it.
- Rinse. Drain the basin and refill it with water at the same temperature. Repeat until the water runs clear.
- Press out the water. Push the water out with flat hands. Never twist the sweater to wring it.
- Dry it flat. Lay it on a clean, dry towel and reshape it while damp. Let it air dry away from sun and heat.
Skip the fabric softener. Quince says cashmere softens on its own over time.
Can you machine wash cashmere?
Sometimes. Quince allows the delicate cycle with the piece in a mesh laundry bag. N.Peal allows it only if the care label does. It says to use the gentlest wool or delicate cycle and a mesh bag. Johnstons of Elgin does not recommend machine washing its knitwear.
The safe rule: follow the label on the piece in your hand. If the label only shows hand washing or dry cleaning, keep it out of the machine.
Here is what I do with my own cashmere. I wash each sweater on its own in the machine, on the gentle cycle. Then I air dry it flat. I always fold my sweaters and never hang them. My cashmere sweaters have been through this for over a year with no pilling and no shrinkage.
How to dry cashmere
Flat, on a towel, every time. Quince says to avoid hanging it or tumble drying it. Reshape it while damp, then let it dry completely before you fold it away. Johnstons of Elgin says to avoid direct heat and never tumble dry.
How often to wash cashmere
Less often than cotton. Johnstons of Elgin says every three to four wears. Quince says five to six. N.Peal stretches it to about ten wears, or once a month at most. The Woolmark Company notes that wool resists odor and needs less washing. Between wears, air your sweater out and fold it.
How to remove pilling from cashmere
Pilling is normal, especially in the first few wears. Quince and Johnstons of Elgin both call it a natural process. Brush the pills off gently with a cashmere comb. Quince also suggests rotating your sweaters between wears.
How to store cashmere
Fold it. Quince says to always fold and never hang, and Johnstons of Elgin says folding keeps the shape. Quince stores cashmere in a cool, dry place with cedar or lavender. Johnstons of Elgin suggests cedar balls against moths, in breathable bags or drawers.
Beanies, scarves and coats
Knit beanies follow the sweater steps above. Woven pieces are different. Johnstons of Elgin recommends professional dry cleaning for woven scarves and coats. Check the label before you wash anything you can’t replace.
Read the label before you buy
Care starts at the checkout. The Todd Snyder Cashmere Crewneck label lists dry cleaning or a cold hand wash, laid flat to dry. I own Todd Snyder cashmere sweaters. The Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck costs far less, and Quince publishes the full care guide quoted above. Our best cashmere sweaters for men guide compares fiber, gauge and price.
Frequently asked questions
Does cashmere shrink in the wash?
It can. N.Peal recommends cold water to prevent shrinking. Quince and Johnstons of Elgin both say never to tumble dry cashmere. Wash it in cold or lukewarm water and handle it gently. Press out the water without wringing, then dry it flat away from heat.
Can you use regular detergent on cashmere?
Use a mild one made for wool or delicates instead. N.Peal recommends a cashmere wash or a gentle wool detergent and says to avoid harsh chemicals and bleach. Quince says to skip fabric softener. Johnstons of Elgin uses a small amount of cashmere shampoo in lukewarm water.
Should you dry clean cashmere?
Only when the label says so, or for woven pieces. Most cashmere knits can be hand washed, according to Quince, N.Peal and Johnstons of Elgin. Johnstons of Elgin recommends professional cleaning for woven scarves and coats. Some sweater labels, like Todd Snyder’s, list dry cleaning or a cold hand wash.
How do you get pills off cashmere?
Use a cashmere comb and brush the pills off gently. Quince and Johnstons of Elgin both call pilling natural. Johnstons of Elgin suggests combing after the first few wears. Quince also suggests rotating sweaters so the same piece isn’t worn every day.
Prices and stock as shown on each brand’s site on October 27, 2026.
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