How to Wash Cashmere Sweaters in the Washing Machine (Yes, Really)
Cashmere feels fancy — but that doesn’t mean it needs to be dry cleaned every time. With the right method, you can wash it at home without shrinking, stretching, or ruining the softness.
Here’s exactly how I (a laundromat owner) wash my cashmere sweaters in the machine — and keep them looking new.
Step 1: Use a Mesh Wash Bag
Cashmere is delicate and prone to stretching. A mesh bag protects it from getting twisted, snagged, or agitated too harshly in the wash. Fold the sweater neatly before placing it inside — don’t ball it up.
Shop my favorite bags → Option 1 - Option 2 - Option 3
Step 2: Choose the Right Detergent
Skip the heavy-duty stuff. You want something gentle, enzyme-free, and ideally made for delicates or wool/cashmere. Look for labels that say “wool safe” or “delicate wash.”
Recommended picks:
Step 3: Cold Water + Delicate Cycle
Set your machine to the coldest temperature and choose the delicate or wool cycle (some machines call it hand wash). Do not use warm or hot water — it’s the fastest way to shrink cashmere.
Step 4: Let It Spin
Use the spin cycle — it helps remove as much water as possible, which is exactly what you want. The mesh bag will protect the sweater from being pulled out of shape, even during a full spin.
Step 5: Dry the Right Way
Take the sweater out of the mesh bag and lay it flat on a clean towel. Gently roll it up like a burrito to press out any excess moisture (no wringing). Then lay it flat to dry — ideally on a mesh sweater rack so both sides can breathe and dry evenly.
Shop a space-saving drying rack → OXO Drying Rack
More air drying solutions here.
My Favorite Cashmere Sweaters (That Are Worth the Care)
If you're investing the time to care for your cashmere, it’s worth having pieces that actually hold up. These are a few sweaters I personally love — super soft, not too thin, and totally worth washing the right way.
Elara Sweater – More of a splurge, but the quality is unmatched. It’s incredibly soft and holds up beautifully.
Almina Concept Oversized Wool/Cashmere Sweater – I love the fit of this one so much. It’s cozy without being sloppy, and I wear it at least 3x a week.
COS Pure Cashmere Sweater – Heavy, warm, and feels expensive. One of my favorite layering pieces for cold days.
Banana Republic Oversized Midweight Cashmere Sweater – Great silhouette and super affordable for the quality. Looks elevated but still relaxed.
See my full cashmere edit here.
Bonus: How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?
Not that often. Unless it’s visibly dirty or stained, you can get several wears between washes. Between washes, let it air out, use a fabric spray, or give it a quick steam.
Final Takeaway
Yes, you can machine wash cashmere — you just need to treat it like the diva it is. Gentle detergent, cold water, full spin, and no heat. Do that, and your sweaters will stay soft, shapely, and wearable for years.