How To Care For Cashmere Bedding

Who doesn't adore the luxurious feel of cashmere? It offers unparalleled softness, warmth, and elegance, making it the ultimate indulgence for our homes and wardrobes.

The key to keeping your investment in cashmere bedding beautiful is proper care. Southshore Fine Linens is here to provide you with tips on how to take the best possible care of your cashmere bedding so that you can enjoy its luxury for years to come. 

Learn everything from storing and washing your cashmere bedding to fixing pilling or other signs of wear to make the most of this fine fabric.

How do you wash cashmere bedding?

The best way to keep your bedding fresh is to wash it regularly and handle it gently. But because cashmere is so delicate, it must be cleaned differently than other fabrics.

Cashmere is a natural fiber obtained from cashmere goats, pashmina goats, and a few additional breeds. Cashmere fibers are very fine and delicate, making it a strong yet soft material that’s versatile and comfortable. 

Hand washing with cold water and mild detergent is the best way to preserve the quality of the fabric. It’s preferred to machine washing as this can cause damage to the fibers and reduce the lifespan of your garment.

However, when you're in a pinch or prefer to use a machine, make sure to set it on the gentlest cycle possible and follow the care instructions on your bedding’s tags. 

To wash cashmere bedding properly, follow these steps to ensure its longevity and maintain its luxurious feel:

1. Check the care label: Always read the care instructions on the label before proceeding. Some cashmere bedding may require dry cleaning or have specific washing requirements.
2. Use a gentle detergent: Choose a mild, cashmere-friendly detergent or baby shampoo to protect the delicate fibers
3. Hand wash: Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of detergent, then gently submerge the cashmere bedding, swishing it around to evenly distribute the soap
4. Soak: Allow the bedding to soak for 10-15 minutes, giving the detergent time to work its magic
5. Rinse: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cool water. Gently rinse the Cashmere fabric by swishing it around until all soap is removed. You may need to repeat this step several times.
6. Remove excess water: Gently press the bedding against the side of the basin to remove excess water, but avoid wringing or twisting it, as this can damage the fibers
7. Dry: Lay the cashmere bedding flat on a clean, dry towel, and gently roll it up to absorb any remaining moisture. Unroll the towel and transfer the bedding to another dry towel or a drying rack, reshaping it as needed.
8. Air dry: Allow the cashmere bedding to air dry completely, keeping it away from direct sunlight or heat sources, which can cause shrinkage or damage

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Can you put cashmere in the dryer?

While a washer may be used with cashmere, it's important to avoid placing a cashmere duvet cover, comforter, sheets, or other items in the dryer. The heat and tumbling of a dryer can cause cashmere fibers to shrink and become misshapen.

Air drying is the best method for preserving the softness and natural shape of cashmere garments or bedding. Air drying allows the fibers to maintain their structure, preventing any unnecessary stress on the material and ensuring that your cashmere items remain luxurious and long-lasting.

If you do need to speed up the drying process, lay your cashmere bedding on a flat surface and use a blow dryer on a low or no heat setting. This will help to eliminate moisture without causing as much damage as a machine.

Is it better to wash or dry clean cashmere?

While many cashmere items are labeled "dry clean only" due to their delicate nature, washing cashmere can actually enhance its fluffiness and luster, similar to how goat fur and human hair respond to washing. Dry cleaning can also damage and weaken the fibers in the long run. It's important to consider the specific care instructions and weigh the benefits of washing versus dry cleaning to maintain your cashmere's quality and appearance.

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Troubleshooting cashmere

Here are a few of the common troubles you may face with cashmere bedding, and how to address them:

Does cashmere pill?

Yes, cashmere can pill due to the fine hairs on the fiber, a phenomenon known as “fuzzing.”

Pilling occurs when tiny fibers become tangled together on the surface of a garment or fabric.

This can be caused by rubbing against other fabrics or objects while washing or wearing.

A higher quality or Oeko Tex-certified cashmere wool will have fewer pilling issues than cheaper varieties.

To address pilling, use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to carefully lift the pills off the surface of the fabric and restore its smoothness.

To help avoid pilling, use a cashmere comb to gently brush away any unwanted fuzz on occasion. 

Washing your cashmere on machine wash cold and delicate settings or by hand will also help to lessen pilling because the agitation of the wash will help to separate and reset the fibers.

What if my cashmere is wrinkled?

You can iron your cashmere by following these steps:

• Invert your cashmere sweater
• Position it flat on the ironing board
• Place a light-colored cloth over the item
• Adjust the iron to the lowest heat setting and use even strokes to press the fabric
• Keep the iron moving constantly, avoiding direct contact with the cashmere fibers

You can also use a garment steamer to remove wrinkles from cashmere. Hang the item on a hanger and steam it until the wrinkles are smoothed out. This will also help to soften up the cashmere for added luxury.

Does cashmere shrink?

Yes, cashmere can shrink if not handled and cared for properly. Exposure to high heat, such as hot water or a dryer, and excessive agitation during washing can cause the delicate fibers to contract and the item to lose shape.

How to remove stains from cashmere

To remove cashmere stains safely from your bedding: 

1. Act fast to prevent the stain from setting
2. Gently blot wet stains with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel
3. Mix gentle detergent or baby shampoo with lukewarm water
4. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and dab the stain gently
5. Rinse the treated area with cool water
6. Press a dry towel against the area to absorb moisture
7. Air dry the cashmere item flat and reshape if needed
8. Inspect the stain once dry and repeat if necessary

While these steps work for smaller stains, consult a professional cleaner for stubborn or large stains.

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