How to Care for Cashmere: The Complete Guide to Washing, Storing & Moth Prevention

Cashmere Care: Everything You Need to Know

Cashmere is one of the most beautiful natural fibres in the world — and with the right care, a quality piece can last a lifetime. At Wearwith, we believe that buying well and caring well is the most sustainable approach to fashion. These are the cashmere care essentials you need.

Can You Machine Wash Cashmere?

Yes — and this surprises most people. All Wearwith cashmere basics are machine washable. Set your machine to a wool or delicates cycle at 30°C, and use a specialist wool shampoo or a gentle, low-pH detergent. Avoid standard detergents, fabric softeners, and bleach — these break down the fine cashmere fibres over time. 

Note: our scarves and wraps are hand wash only. Check the care label on each piece for specific guidance

How to Wash Cashmere by Hand

For scarves, wraps, and more delicate pieces, hand washing is the safest option.

Fill a clean basin with cool water and a small amount of specialist cashmere or wool wash. Submerge the piece and gently agitate — never wring, rub, or twist. Rinse thoroughly in cool water until the water runs clear, then press out excess water gently between your palms.

How to Dry Cashmere

Never hang cashmere to dry — the weight of wet fibres causes stretching and distortion that is very difficult to reverse. Instead, lay the piece flat on a clean, dry towel and gently reshape it to its original dimensions. Allow it to air dry away from direct sunlight, radiators, or any direct heat source. A flat surface with good air circulation is ideal.

If light creasing occurs after drying, use a cool iron only — or better still, a garment steamer held slightly away from the surface.

How to De-Pill Cashmere

Pilling is entirely normal in high-quality natural cashmere — it is a sign of genuine fibre, not poor quality. After a few wears, small balls of yarn form on the surface, particularly in areas of friction. Simply use a cashmere comb to gently remove them. Work lightly across the surface — there is no need to press hard. De-pilling every few wears will keep your piece looking as new indefinitely.

Our Cashmere Care Sets include a cashmere comb and cedarwood moth balls — everything you need in one place.

How to Store Cashmere

Proper storage is the single biggest factor in how long your cashmere lasts. Follow these steps each time you put a piece away, whether at the end of a season or between wears.

Always store cashmere clean. Moths are attracted to body oils, perspiration, and food residue on fibres. A freshly washed piece is far less vulnerable than one stored after wear.

Fold, never hang. Hanging cashmere for extended periods causes it to stretch and lose its shape. Fold pieces neatly and, if possible, place a small sheet of acid-free tissue paper between the folds to prevent permanent creasing.

Use breathable storage. Cotton garment bags or breathable fabric storage boxes are ideal. Avoid plastic bags and airtight containers — these trap moisture, which can cause mildew and damage the fibre structure.

Store in a cool, dry, dark place. A wardrobe or drawer away from direct sunlight is perfect. Light causes colour fading in natural fibres over time.

Refold periodically. If cashmere is stored for a long season, refold it every few weeks to prevent permanent crease lines from forming in the same place.

How to Protect Cashmere from Moths

Clothes moths are the single greatest threat to a cashmere wardrobe. The adult moth itself causes no damage — it is the larvae that feed on natural protein fibres, including cashmere, wool, silk, and alpaca. Damage is often invisible in its early stages, which is why prevention is so much more effective than treatment.

April through September is peak moth season. This is when moths hatch and become active as indoor temperatures rise — which is why spring and summer storage are the most critical periods for protection.

Natural moth repellents that work:

Cedarwood is one of the most effective and pleasant natural repellents. Place cedarwood moth balls among your folded cashmere, or line a drawer with a cedar insert. Cedarwood needs to be refreshed with a drop of cedarwood essential oil every season as the scent fades — the deterrent effect fades with it. Our Cashmere Care Sets come with cedarwood moth balls included.

Lavender sachets work on the same principle — moths dislike strong fragrance. Replace or refresh with lavender oil each season. As a bonus, your wardrobe will smell wonderful.

Dried orange peels and conkers (horse chestnuts) are traditional Irish and European remedies that genuinely work as additional deterrents. Don't pass conkers on an autumn walk without picking a few up.

Going on holiday? Leave your cashmere drawer or wardrobe door slightly open. Moths are strongly averse to light and movement. A little dust is far easier to deal with than moth holes.

If you find evidence of moths: Place affected pieces in a sealed bag and put them in the freezer at -18°C for at least 72 hours. This kills all life stages — eggs, larvae, and pupae — without any chemicals or damage to the fibre. After freezing, wash as normal before returning to storage.

Cashmere Care: Quick Reference

Cashmere is forever — if you treat it that way.

The finest cashmere doesn't wear out. It softens. It becomes more itself. A Wearwith scarf or wrap cared for properly will still be with you in ten, fifteen, twenty years — which is the very opposite of fast fashion, and exactly the point.

Shop Cashmere Care Sets → Download Our Washing Instructions →