Composed of the silky soft fibers found on the undercoat of cashmere goats, cashmere bedding understandably requires a little extra TLC when laundering. And whether you’re washing your new set of Heathered Cashmere bed sheets for the first time or spot-treating a beloved Cashmere and Lambswool Throw Blanket, knowing how to properly care for cashmere (and cashmere-blended) bedding is key to its longevity.
Not sure how to proceed with cleaning your cashmere bed coverings? From pretreating stains to de-pilling tips and more, here’s how to care for your cashmere bedding so it stays in pristine shape for years to come.
How to Spot Treat Cashmere
If you’re stuck with a small stain on a piece of cashmere bedding, consider simply spot-treating it instead of washing. To spot-treat a blemish on cashmere or cashmere-blend items, use a dampened lint-free cloth to gently work a petroleum-free shampoo or cleaner, such as the Wash & Stain Bar by The Laundress, into the area. Remove the soap and dirt with a wet cloth and repeat as necessary before lying flat to dry.
How to Wash Cashmere
Like anything made from wool, cashmere bedding is best washed by hand or on a wool-friendly cycle in your washing machine. When hand washing a cashmere blanket or cashmere-blended bed sheets, fill a sink or basin with cool water—anything above 86°F can cause cashmere to shrink—and mix in a specialty wool detergent, like the Wool & Cashmere Shampoo by The Laundress. Submerge and swirl the items in the soapy water, spot cleaning as necessary, and allow to soak for a half an hour before rinsing clean in cool water.
When washing in a machine, take care to place the bedding in a designated mesh washing bag, select the delicate cycle and make sure the water temperature is set to cold.
How to Dry Cashmere
Never, we repeat never, dry anything made of cashmere in a machine dryer. Instead, lay the item flat in its natural shape on a drying rack or clean towel, out of the sunlight and away from any heat sources in the room that may cause shrinkage. If the item is still holding a lot of water from the wash, you can roll it up in a towel like a sleeping bag to remove some water, but whatever you do—don’t wring it. Wringing cashmere can cause it to lose its shape so be extra gentle while handling it while it's wet.
How to De-Pill Cashmere
When cashmere fibers loosen and wear over time, they form little balls known as pills. Fortunately, you can quickly de-pill your cashmere bed coverings by shaving them with a woolen-safe comb, like the Sweater Comb by The Laundress. Simply lay the item flat on a surface and gently brush the pilled area in one direction until you see the pilling coming away on the comb.
