How to wash a cashmere scarf?
HOW TO WASH A CASHMERE SCARF?
Cashmere is a delicate animal fiber, obtained from a species of goat called the “cashmere goat” or “Tibetan goat.” Each winter, these goats produce an extra down coat to withstand the cold. This long, silky undercoat — collected during the spring molt — is cashmere: a rare material used to make soft and precious clothing and accessories.
Scarves, sweaters, pashminas, cashmere cardigans… they can last a lifetime, keeping their appearance and softness over the seasons, provided they are properly cared for, especially when washing. Contrary to what one might think, the process is not as complicated as it seems. In fact, the guideline for washing your cashmere scarf is simple: carry out a cleaning as gentle and delicate as its texture.
Key takeaway: heat and friction = the two enemies of cashmere.
Can you wash a cashmere scarf?
Yes, you can — and you should — wash your cashmere garments and accessories. While we often limit how frequently we wash wool to preserve its delicacy, cashmere can retain its softness over time… provided you follow a few essential rules.
How can you wash a cashmere scarf at home without risking damage to its quality, shrinking it, or deforming it? There are two key principles to follow:
- The water temperature must remain cold or lukewarm. Heat could cause the garment or scarf to shrink and compromise the structure of the fiber.
- The process must be gentle from start to finish to avoid deforming the fabric.
Absolutely avoid (to prevent felting / deforming cashmere)
Hot water: it can shrink the fiber and make it rougher.
Rubbing, twisting, or wringing: this deforms the fabric and promotes pilling.
Fabric softener: it leaves a film on the fiber and can alter the feel.
Tumble dryer / direct heat source (radiator, sunlight): heat + friction = risk of felting.
Our tips
HAND WASH
Here is a step-by-step guide for hand-washing your cashmere scarf:
- Fill your sink with lukewarm water;
- Add a small amount of cashmere detergent (or, if unavailable, baby shampoo) and mix gently with your finger;
- Submerge your scarf in the water and wash without rubbing, using only light friction to let the soapy water penetrate the fabric;
- It is neither necessary nor recommended to let the cashmere scarf soak. After just a few minutes, let the soapy water drain and rinse with clear water. Do not direct the water jet straight onto the cashmere to avoid deforming it;
- Once all the water has drained, gently press your cashmere scarf without wringing to remove excess water. You can now handle the scarf without stretching the fibers;
- Lay your cashmere scarf flat on a towel or cloth, away from sunlight and any heat sources (radiator, for example), and let it dry.
Serenity tip: if your machine allows, activate the “extra rinse” option to remove any detergent residue.
Bonus tip (optional but useful): to speed up drying without damaging the fiber, roll the scarf in a towel and gently press (without twisting).
MACHINE WASH
Here is a step-by-step guide for machine-washing your cashmere scarf:
- Place your cashmere scarf alone in a laundry bag, or, if unavailable, in a white pillowcase secured with an elastic. Ideally, avoid washing with heavy items or garments with details that could damage your scarf (jeans, clothes with buckles, etc.). Instead, opt for “shock-absorbing laundry” (towels, sheets…). The scarf is safe in the bag!
- Use a detergent specifically for cashmere, or, if unavailable, wool detergent. A small amount is enough. Do not add any fabric softener. Proper washing is sufficient to preserve the natural softness of cashmere; adding softener would only coat an already naturally soft fiber with chemicals.
- Select the gentlest wash cycle. The water temperature should not exceed 30°C for washing or spinning, and the spin speed should be minimal.
- The spin cycle must be gentle (between 400 and 600 rpm maximum) and as short as possible to prevent shrinking your cashmere scarf.
- Never place your cashmere scarf in the tumble dryer.
- Once the cycle is complete, lay your cashmere scarf flat on a towel or cloth, away from sunlight and any heat sources (radiator, for example), and let it dry.
Our care tips
Discover here some tips to care for your cashmere scarf every day.
Sweaters, pashminas, scarves… It is possible to iron your cashmere garments and accessories. Simply set the iron to the lowest temperature and use steam for best results. Turn your item inside out and avoid pulling on it.
Ideally, place a thin cloth between the iron and the cashmere to prevent the fiber from becoming shiny.
Like all natural fibers, cashmere can pill when exposed to repeated friction. Simply use a cashmere comb on your scarf laid flat to remove the excess fibers.
Treat the stain as soon as you notice it. Gently dab the area with a little lukewarm water and soap, without rubbing, before washing your cashmere scarf by hand or in the machine.
Good practice: always test the soap on a discreet area if the cashmere is colored or patterned.
In your wardrobe, store your cashmere scarf folded (not hung) on a clean shelf, away from light. Place a cedar ball on the same shelf to protect your cashmere scarf from harmful insects that could damage it (moths).
Cashmere has natural antibacterial properties. It is possible and necessary to wash cashmere garments, but it is neither necessary nor recommended to wash them too frequently. One to two washes per season are more than enough.
Between washes, simply airing the item flat for a few hours is often enough to refresh the fiber.
It is common for garments and accessories made from fine and delicate materials to display the “dry clean only” symbol on their care labels. This recommendation is actually intended to place the responsibility of cleaning in the hands of a professional, in order to avoid any risk to the garment’s quality over time. However, you can still choose to clean your 100% cashmere Inouï Éditions scarf yourself by following the care tips provided in this article.