Can you machine wash cashmere? Our tips

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

The fear of damaging this rare fibre sometimes stops people from enjoying it fully. Yet with the right habits, caring for cashmere at home is simpler than it seems. In this article, we look at the right washing techniques, the mistakes to avoid and our tips for preserving the beauty of your Studio Cashmere8 pieces season after season.

1. Why does caring for cashmere feel daunting?

Many people think cashmere is too delicate for everyday wear. This misconception comes from the fact that the fibres are fine (13 to 16 microns) and therefore seen as fragile. Yet cashmere is also a resilient material that can last for years if properly cared for.

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

2. Can you really machine wash cashmere?

The answer is clear: yes, you can machine wash cashmere, as long as you follow a few rules. Many modern washing machines have a special wool or delicate programme designed to mimic hand washing.

Key points to remember:

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

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

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 programme

Select a wool or delicate cycle. Check that the temperature is set to cold or 20°C maximum. The spin speed should not exceed 500 rpm.

Step 3: choose the right detergent

Opt for a liquid detergent specially made for wool and cashmere. Avoid powders and fabric softeners, which coat the fibres and weaken them.

Step 4: drying

Take the garment out immediately after the cycle so it does not stay damp and folded. Lay it flat on a terry towel, reshape it and leave it to air dry, away from sunlight and heat sources.

Step 5: storage

Once dry, fold your cashmere carefully. Never hang it on a hanger: the weight of the damp fibre can pull the garment out of shape.

4. Cashmere: machine or hand wash?

Many people hesitate between machine washing and hand washing. Here is a comparison:

Conclusion: machine washing is recommended, as long as you use the right programme. Hand washing is still an option but requires more care.

5. Caring for cashmere at home: mistakes to avoid

• Hot water: it felts and shrinks cashmere.
• Tumble drying: a no-go, it destroys the fibre.
• Fabric softener: unnecessary and harsh.
• Hanging on a hanger: stretches the knit.
• Washing too often: cashmere does not need washing after every wear; airing it is often enough.

6. How often should you wash cashmere?

Contrary to popular belief, there is no need to wash your cashmere after every wear. The fibre is naturally antibacterial and absorbs few odours. As a general rule:

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

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

7. Tips to extend the life of your cashmere

• Gentle brushing: use a special cashmere brush to remove bobbles and revive the fibres.
• Airing: hang your sweaters in the open air to freshen them up.
• Rotation: avoid wearing the same cashmere garment two days in a row; let it “breathe”.
• Moth protection: store your pieces in a cotton garment bag with a cedar or lavender sachet.

8. Studio Cashmere8 and caring for cashmere at home

At Studio Cashmere8, we know that care is key to enjoying cashmere every day. That is why we favour premium, more resilient yarns, and why we share our practical tips with you.

Our ultra-fine collections are designed to be worn all year round, and caring for them at home is simple as long as you follow a few rules. By investing in our pieces, you are choosing durable, OEKO-TEX® certified cashmere that respects your skin, the environment and animal welfare.

Conclusion: cashmere loves the machine… if it is used properly

Machine washing cashmere is not a risk but a modern, suitable method, provided you follow a few simple rules: cold water, wool cycle, protective laundry bag and flat drying. Caring for cashmere at home then becomes easy, quick and reassuring.

With these habits, your sweaters, cardigans and scarves will keep 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 easy-care ultra-fine cashmere pieces