Can you wash cashmere in a washing machine? You can wash cashmere in a washing machine, but it requires some precautions to avoid damaging the delicate material. Cashmere is a luxurious fabric that needs proper care to maintain its softness and shape. Many people hesitate to wash cashmere in a washing machine, but it can be done safely if you follow the right steps.
Washing cashmere in a machine can cause the fabric to shrink, stretch, or lose its softness. The agitation and friction of the machine can damage the fibers, causing pilling or fuzziness.
The dryer’s heat can also cause shrinkage and damage to the fabric. However, if you take the necessary precautions and use a gentle cycle, you can safely wash cashmere in a machine without causing any damage.
Key Takeaways
- You can wash cashmere in a washing machine, but it requires some precautions to avoid damaging the delicate material.
- Washing cashmere in a machine can cause the fabric to shrink, stretch, or lose its softness.
- To safely wash cashmere in a machine, use a gentle cycle, cold water, and mild detergent, and air dry the garment flat.
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Can You Wash Cashmere In A Washing Machine?
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Cashmere is a delicate and luxurious material that requires special care to maintain its softness and shape. While some sources suggest that hand washing is the only way to clean cashmere, washing cashmere in a washing machine is possible if you take the proper precautions.
Always check the care label on your cashmere garment to ensure it is safe to machine wash. Some cashmere items may be labeled as “dry clean only,” and attempting to machine wash them could cause damage.
Here are some potential risks to consider before tossing your cashmere in the washing machine:
Shrinkage
Cashmere tends to shrink when exposed to water and heat. The agitation from the washing machine can cause the fibers to tighten and shrink, resulting in a smaller and tighter garment. This can be especially problematic if your cashmere sweater is already snug.
Damage to Fibers
The spinning motion of the washing machine can cause the fibers of your cashmere garment to become tangled and damaged. This can result in pilling, fuzziness, and a rough texture. Over time, the damage can become more severe, and the garment may lose its softness and luxurious feel.
Color Fading
Washing your cashmere in a machine can cause the colors to fade or bleed. This is especially true if you wash a colored garment with other items. The dyes can bleed onto your cashmere, resulting in a faded or discolored garment.
Stretching
The water’s weight and the washing machine’s spinning motion can cause your cashmere garment to stretch out of shape. This is especially true if you are washing a heavier garment, such as a coat or a sweater. The stretching can be difficult to reverse and can cause your garment to lose its original fit and shape.
Wrinkling
Washing your cashmere in a machine can cause it to wrinkle and crease. This is especially true if you are washing a garment with other items, as the weight of the other items can cause your cashmere to become wrinkled and misshapen.
Related: Can You Wash Cashmere By Hand?
Precautions Before Washing Cashmere in a Machine
Before washing your cashmere sweater in a washing machine, take a few precautions to ensure it looks and feels its best. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Reading the Label
First and foremost, it’s important to read the care label on your cashmere sweater to determine whether it can be machine-washed. Some cashmere garments are labeled as “dry clean only,” and attempting to wash them in a machine could cause damage. If your sweater is labeled as machine washable, be sure to follow any specific instructions provided.
Selecting the Right Detergent
When washing cashmere in a machine, it’s important to use a detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics. Look for a detergent labeled as suitable for wool or cashmere, and avoid using regular laundry detergent, which can be too harsh and cause damage or shrinkage.
Preparing the Cashmere
Before washing your cashmere sweater in a machine, you should take a few steps to prepare it. First, turn the sweater inside out to help protect the outer surface from damage.
Next, place the sweater in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to help prevent it from becoming tangled or stretched during the wash cycle. Finally, select a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine, and use cold water to help prevent shrinkage.
Taking these precautions can help ensure that your cashmere sweater comes out of the washing machine looking and feeling its best.
Steps to Wash Cashmere in a Washing Machine
Here are the steps to wash cashmere in a washing machine:
- Read the care label: Before washing your cashmere garment, check the care label for specific washing instructions. Some cashmere garments may not be suitable for machine washing.
- Use a mesh laundry bag: Place your cashmere garment in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging or stretching during the wash cycle.
- Select the right cycle: Set your washing machine to the delicate or wool cycle. Use cold water and a gentle detergent specifically designed for wool or cashmere.
- Add fabric conditioner: To keep your cashmere soft and fluffy, add a fabric conditioner to the rinse cycle.
- Remove excess water: Remove your cashmere garment from the washing machine after the wash cycle and gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring or twist the fabric.
- Dry flat: Lay your cashmere garment flat on a clean towel to dry. Reshape the garment if necessary. Avoid drying your cashmere garment, which can cause stretching or distortion.
Related: Can you wash the rug in a washing machine?
Post Washing Care for Cashmere
After washing your cashmere in a washing machine, it is important to take proper care of it to ensure it stays in good condition for as long as possible. Here are some tips for post-washing care:
Drying Cashmere
Never put cashmere in a dryer. Instead, lay it flat on a clean towel, reshape it, and let it air dry. Avoid hanging it to dry, as this can cause stretching and distortion of the garment’s shape. Keeping the cashmere away from direct sunlight or heat sources is important as this can cause damage.
Storing Cashmere
When storing your cashmere, always fold it neatly and store it in a drawer or on a shelf. Avoid hanging cashmere as it can cause stretching and distortion of the garment’s shape. Keeping the cashmere away from direct sunlight or heat sources is important as this can cause damage.
To prevent moths from damaging your cashmere, store it with mothballs or cedar blocks. However, keep the mothballs or cedar blocks away from the cashmere, as they can cause damage if they come into direct contact with the fabric.
It is also important to note that cashmere should not be stored for long periods without being worn or aired out. If you are storing cashmere for an extended period, take it out and air it out every few months to prevent musty odors from developing.
By following these tips for post-washing care, you can help ensure that your cashmere stays in great condition for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best detergent to use for washing cashmere?
When washing cashmere, it’s important to use a gentle, mild detergent that won’t damage the delicate fibers. Look for a detergent designed for wool or cashmere or one labeled as gentle or mild. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as these can damage the fibers and cause your cashmere to lose its softness.
How can I safely wash cashmere on a delicate cycle?
If you’re washing cashmere in a machine, use a delicate or wool cycle with cold water. Turn the garment inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging or stretching. Use a gentle, mild detergent, and avoid using bleach or fabric softener. After the wash cycle, reshape the garment and lay it flat to dry.
What’s the proper way to hand wash cashmere?
When washing cashmere, fill a sink or basin with cool water and add a mild detergent. Gently agitate the garment in the water, not stretching or wring it. Rinse the garment thoroughly with cool water, then gently press out any excess water. Reshape the garment and lay it flat to dry.
Is Woolite safe to use when washing cashmere?
Woolite is a gentle, mild detergent that’s safe when washing cashmere. However, checking the label on your cashmere garment for any specific care instructions is always a good idea.
What’s the best way to clean a cashmere garment?
The best way to clean a cashmere garment depends on the specific care instructions on the label. Generally, it’s best to avoid using bleach or fabric softener and use a gentle, mild detergent.
Can cashmere labeled ‘dry clean only’ be safely washed in a machine?
If your cashmere garment is labeled as ‘dry clean only,’ washing it in a machine is generally not recommended. However, some cashmere garments may be able to be washed in a machine on a delicate or wool cycle with cold water.
