Your luxury cashmere deserves better than the dryer.
When you invest in luxury cashmere sweaters, especially those crafted in Scotland from Todd & Duncan yarn, taking proper care of them is more than good hygiene—it’s good economics. High-quality Scottish cashmere knitwear lasts a lifetime when treated right. And no, it doesn’t mean running to the dry cleaner every time you spill a little espresso.
In this complete guide, we’ll cover exactly how to wash cashmere (by hand or in the washing machine), how to dry and store it, how to prevent pilling, and the products we recommend to keep your men’s and women’s cashmere sweaters looking sharp.
🧺 Can You Wash Cashmere Sweaters at Home?
Yes—you can wash cashmere sweaters at home, and in fact, we do. At Billie Todd, we machine wash our own pieces regularly using a gentle cycle and cold water. Whether you’re caring for an 4-ply men’s V-neck like The Douglas, or a lightweight 2-ply women’s V-neck, here’s how to do it properly.
🫧 How to Wash Cashmere: 2 Reliable Methods
✋ Option 1: Hand Washing Cashmere (Classic Method)
Best for: New garments or ultra-light knits
- Fill a clean basin or sink with cold water.
- Add a small amount of wool wash or cashmere shampoo (pH-neutral).
- Gently submerge your cashmere sweater and swirl for 2–3 minutes.
- Let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with cold water—never hot.
- Do not wring or twist. Press out water gently with your hands.
🌀 Option 2: Washing Cashmere in the Washing Machine
Yes, machine washing cashmere is safe—if you follow these steps:
- Turn your cashmere inside out.
- Use the cold water setting on the gentle or wool cycle.
- Add a cashmere-specific detergent (or mild baby shampoo).
- Never use fabric softener.
- Never tumble dry. Air dry only.
Pro tip: Our Billie Todd Scottish cashmere sweaters are tightly knitted from long-staple cashmere yarn, meaning they withstand careful machine washing and often become softer over time.
🧻 How to Dry Cashmere (No Dryer Allowed)
Never put cashmere in a dryer. Heat and friction cause shrinkage and distortion.
- Lay the sweater flat on a clean towel.
- Roll the towel to absorb excess water.
- Lay flat again on a dry towel or rack, reshaping to original dimensions.
- Dry at room temperature—no heat, no sunlight.
🧵 How to Remove Pilling from Cashmere
Even the best Scottish cashmere garments may pill—especially after the first few wears. This is natural and part of the “breaking-in” process.
How to Remove Cashmere Pills:
- Use a cashmere comb, fabric shaver, or sweater stone.
- Gently brush the affected areas (underarms, elbows, sides).
- Don’t overdo it. Once a month is usually enough.
Billie Todd tip: Higher ply and tighter knits—like the Bruce 8-ply cashmere cardigan—pill less than loosely woven sweaters.
🧳 How to Store Cashmere Sweaters
- Always fold—never hang. Hanging stretches the fabric.
- Store in a breathable cotton or muslin bag.
- Clean before storage to avoid moths (they love body oils).
- Add natural moth deterrents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets.
- Avoid plastic bags or vacuum seals—they trap moisture.
🧼 How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?
Wash only when needed—typically every 3 to 5 wears, or when noticeably soiled. Let your knitwear air out between wears to maintain freshness and longevity.
🔄 Dry Cleaning Cashmere: Yes or No?
Dry cleaning is OK occasionally, especially for heavier pieces like our Bruce Shawl Collar Cardigan. But regular hand washing or machine washing on cold is gentler and often better for your garment long term.
🛒 Recommended Products for Cashmere Care
- The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo
- Eucalan No-Rinse Delicate Wash
- Steamery Cashmere Comb or Gleener Fabric Shaver
- Organic cedar blocks & lavender bags for storage
💬 Final Thoughts: Good Cashmere Deserves Good Habits
Whether it’s our Douglas 4-ply V-neck, the Bruce 8-ply shawl cardigan, or our women’s 2-ply funnel sweaters, every Billie Todd piece is built to last.
With proper care, your Scottish cashmere sweater becomes softer, stronger, and more distinctive with age. Just like you.
