How to Wash Cashmere Sweater

Johan, Lund, Sweden
Question: I recently got great deal for Versace light cashmere sweater. Since I never had cashmere sweater before I would apperciate some help on how to wash cashmere sweater. Is it OK to hand wash it. I’ve heard that cashmere sweaters can only be dry-cleaned.

Answer:

Many sweaters are ruined because people didn’t know how to wash cashmere sweaters. Good you asked. Cashmere sweaters may be dry cleaned, but also hand washed with a very gentle cleanser such as baby shampoo or a detergent especially made for fine garments.

Dry cleaning is your best option if sweater is stained. Otherwise, hand-wash it. Hand washing will keep your sweater softer longer. It is true that many cashmere sweaters are labeled “dry clean only,” but also it is true that manufacturers put dry-clean-only labels to protect themselves in cases of careless hand washing. That’s why you’ll need to be extra cautious when hand washing your sweater.

Submerge your cashmere sweater in the sink with a little light detergent in cold or lukewarm water. Gently squeeze the suds through it. Leave the sweater in the sink for about 10 minutes. Drain the sink and rinse gently squishing until the suds are removed and the water is clear. Lightly squeeze water out of the sweater and roll it in a towel to remove the extra moisture and to speed the drying. Reshape the sweater and let it dry naturally. Easy!