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July 13, 2026 2 min read
A well cared for cashmere scarf can last for decades, softening a little more with every wear. The fibres are delicate, though, and washing cashmere the wrong way is the quickest way to shorten its life. Here's how to keep yours looking and feeling as good as the day it arrived.
Cashmere does not need frequent washing. Unlike cotton, the fibres naturally resist odour and dirt, so airing your scarf out after wearing is often enough. A good rule of thumb is to wash it once or twice a season, or whenever it has picked up a noticeable mark or scent, rather than after every single wear.
If you're washing at home, fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of a gentle detergent made specifically for wool or cashmere. Submerge the scarf and press the water through it gently with your hands, avoiding any rubbing, twisting, or wringing, all of which can felt or distort the fibres. Rinse thoroughly in clean water of the same temperature until no soap remains.
Never wring or twist a wet cashmere scarf. Instead, lay it flat on a clean towel, roll the towel up to press out excess water, then unroll and lay the scarf flat on a fresh dry towel to air dry, reshaping it gently as you go. Keep it away from direct heat sources like radiators or tumble dryers, and out of direct sunlight, both of which can damage the fibres or cause fading.
Small bobbles, known as pilling, are a completely normal part of owning cashmere and are not a sign of poor quality. A cashmere comb or a gentle fabric shaver can remove them in seconds. Simply run the comb lightly over the surface in one direction, and the pills will lift away, leaving the fabric smooth again.
Always fold cashmere rather than hanging it, since hanging can stretch the fibres out of shape over time. Store it in a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic, which can trap moisture, and add a natural moth deterrent such as cedar wood if you're storing it for an extended period, particularly over summer.
For heavily soiled scarves, or if you would simply rather not wash by hand, a dry cleaner experienced with cashmere and other delicate fibres is a safe option. Just be sure to mention that the item is cashmere, as some general cleaning processes can be too harsh for such a fine fibre.
Treated well, a cashmere scarf becomes softer with time rather than wearing out, which is part of why we believe it is worth investing in a piece made properly in the first place. Explore our cashmere collection to find a scarf that will only get better with age.
