Your First Cashmere Sweater, Care Without Guesswork

Decide what this sweater needs

Check the garment's care label before filling a basin. N.Peal notes that trims can make a cashmere piece dry-clean only; the fibre name alone is not permission to wash it.

• Hand wash permitted. Use the method below, within the label's temperature limit.
• Machine wash permitted. Follow the garment instructions and your machine's wool-programme guidance. A “delicates” button alone is not approval.
• Dry-clean only or unclear instructions. Use the specified professional care, or ask the maker before experimenting.

This guide focuses on knitted sweaters. Johnstons of Elgin gives different advice for its woven cashmere scarves and throws, so do not automatically apply a sweater routine to them.

Wash gently, then support the whole garment

Use a detergent labelled for cashmere and follow its dose; you only need to buy one if you lack a suitable wash. A clean basin and towels you already own complete the setup.

For hand-washable knitwear, Chinti & Parker's method provides these practical steps:

• Wash. Turn the sweater inside out and gently wash in cool water with the detergent. Follow the garment's soaking instructions rather than imposing one time on every knit.
• Rinse. Use clean water at the same temperature until the soap is gone. Do not rub, stretch or wring.
• Dry flat. Roll in a clean towel and press to absorb water. Unroll, ease back into shape and dry flat, away from heaters and direct sun.

Let it dry completely before folding away. Plan the drying space before washing; a wet sweater should not end up dangling from a hanger.

Remove pills without chasing a perfectly smooth surface

The illustration shows surface fuzz, not a measured fibre grade. Small balls of tangled fibre are pills: Johnstons of Elgin explains how rubbing forms them. Their appearance is a reason to inspect the surface, not automatically replace the sweater.

A cashmere comb can help with visible pills. Lay the knit flat, work lightly and stop if the yarn catches or the surface starts thinning. Follow the comb and garment instructions; do not comb on a fixed wear-count schedule.

Chinti & Parker warns that excessive de-pilling can damage fibres. A manual comb is not damage-proof, and an electric shaver is not a required second purchase. Holes or pulled loops need assessment, not more passes.

If pills keep returning where the sweater rubs, explore cashmere pilling and everyday friction.

Put it away clean, dry and protected

Fold the sweater for everyday storage. Before a long break, clean it according to its label and let it dry fully. The cedar block in the illustration is optional, not proof that the drawer is moth-proof.

UC IPM recommends airtight storage for clean, pest-free susceptible clothing and explains cedar's limitations. Clothes moth larvae feed on animal fibres; removing dirt helps but does not make cashmere inedible. Use a suitable container you already own, with an intact closure.

If you use cedar, keep it off the fabric because its oils can stain. Check stored garments for holes, webbing or larval cases. If you find these, set the affected piece apart and arrange suitable cleaning while cleaning the storage area; simply adding fragrance does not resolve an infestation.