How to Care for Wool & Cashmere Sweaters: Washing, Storing and More

By YZR Sweaters · 2026-09

A wool or cashmere sweater can last for years — or lose its shape after a few washes. The difference is almost always how it's cared for. As a knitwear manufacturer, we see the same care mistakes again and again, so we put together this guide to help your customers keep their knitwear looking great. It's also useful if you sell knitwear: good care guidance reduces returns and builds trust.

Hand wash vs machine wash

Hand washing is the safest option for wool and especially cashmere. Use cool or lukewarm water (below 30°C / 86°F), add a mild wool detergent, and gently squeeze the garment — don't scrub or wring it. Let it soak for a few minutes, then rinse in clean cool water.

Many modern wool blends can be machine washed on a wool or delicate cycle with a gentle detergent, cold water and a low spin speed. Always check the care label first. If you're unsure, hand washing is the default for a sweater you want to protect.

Water temperature

Heat is the main enemy of wool. Hot water causes felting — the fibres mat together, making the sweater shrink and harden permanently. Always use cold or cool water. This is the single most important rule for washing wool and cashmere.

Choose the right detergent

Use a wool-safe or pH-neutral detergent designed for delicate fibres. Standard laundry detergents contain enzymes and brighteners that can be harsh, causing fading and fibre damage. Avoid bleach and fabric softener, which can coat the fibres and make a sweater feel greasy.

How to dry a sweater (never hang it)

Never wring, twist, or hang a wet wool sweater — hanging stretches it out of shape. Instead, gently press out excess water with a towel, then lay the sweater flat on a dry towel or a drying rack, reshaping it to its original proportions. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like radiators, which can distort and stiffen the fibres.

Ironing and steaming

Most sweaters don't need ironing if you dry them flat. If a piece needs smoothing, use a steam rather than a hot iron. If you must iron, set it to a wool setting, use a damp cloth between the iron and the garment, and press gently without bearing down. Never iron directly with high heat, or you risk a shiny, flattened patch.

Dealing with pilling and fuzz

Pilling is normal for fine natural fibres like wool and cashmere — it comes from friction where a bag, arm, or seat rubs. It isn't a sign of poor quality. You can gently remove pills with a fabric shaver or a cashmere comb, which restores a smooth surface without damaging the knit. Work gently and in one direction.

Preventing moth damage

Moths love natural fibres. Before storing, make sure the sweater is clean and completely dry — moths are drawn to body oils and food stains. Store items in a sealed box or garment bag with a natural repellent like cedar, lavender or mothballs. Air the piece out occasionally and refold it differently so creases don't set in.

Storing sweaters: fold, don't hang

• Fold sweaters flat rather than hanging them, so shoulders don't stretch.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from sunlight and humidity.
• Use acid-free tissue paper between layers for delicate cashmere.
• Keep the storage area moth-free with cedar or lavender.

Take care of the label too

If you buy or supply knitwear, the care label matters as much as the garment. Clear, accurate instructions help your customers avoid damage and lower the chance of complaints. As an OEM/ODM manufacturer, we can print your own care labels and incorporate easy-care yarns and finishes to help a sweater withstand everyday use. A care card inside the packaging reaches the customer in a way an in-seam label rarely does — see our notes on the knitwear care card for what to print and why it must match the sewn-in label.

Pilling is the most common complaint and our guide to preventing pilling covers the causes on both the fibre and care side.

Dimensional change is handled in production rather than at home, as our notes on shrinkage control explain.

When care is not enough, brands can offer more — see our notes on repair services.