How to Care for Cashmere, Wool, and Knits

A sumptuous merino wool cardigan, or an impossibly soft cashmere turtleneck—nothing compares to a new knit. It's a cold-weather mainstay, the kind of investment piece you expect to wear season after season, year after year.  

Then it happens—a snag, pills, or a stretched-out neckline. The honeymoon ends.   

The good news? It doesn't have to be that way. We've compiled an expert guide on everything you need to know to keep your knits forever good as new, from how to wash cashmere to proper storage and spot cleaning. Remember: If you take care of your sweaters, your sweaters will take care of you. 

Air out your sweaters after each wear instead of putting them away immediately—simply lay flat on a towel. Give them a good shake from time to time to freshen them up, too. 

Pilling is natural and has to do with fiber length. The longer, the better; it's the short fibers that loosen and tangle together when exposed to friction.  

The fix: a fabric shaver or pilling comb—just don't use them too often. Graze gently with the former. If you press too hard, or linger in one place for too long, you risk even more pilling. For more delicate fabrics, like cashmere and mohair, opt for the comb.  

When using these tools, remember you're targeting the pills, not the sweater itself.  

Never cut a snag—you can cause further unraveling. Instead, lay the garment flat and smooth out the affected area with your hands, lightly pulling the fabric back into shape so the excess thread redistributes. Then, using a thin crochet hook, bobby pin, or snag repair needle, pull the loop through to the inside of the sweater and smooth it flat again from the other side.

Steam, don't iron. Turn your garment inside out, and always hold the device at least one inch away. 

Wool is naturally water-resistant, so spills don't set right away—but you should still act fast. Softly blot the area from the outside in with a slightly damp cloth, paper towel, or cotton swab—never rub or scrub. If you need a stain remover, make sure it's safe for wool and cashmere. Skip the bleach and OxiClean; they'll do more damage than good. Afterward, lay the garment flat to dry. 

First things first: less is more since washing too often breaks down the yarns. Experts recommend laundering knitwear just once or twice a season, including before storage. Remember to keep it gentle and never mix colors.  

1. Measure your garment, including the sleeves and neckline.  

2. Fill a clean tub or basin with cool (not ice-cold) water and add a wool-appropriate detergent. If unavailable, use a mild baby shampoo. Avoid fabric softeners.  

3. Turn your sweater inside out and soak it in the water. Swirl slowly for 30 seconds, and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain, then rinse in clean, cool water (in the same tub or basin, not under a faucet). Repeat until the water runs clear and is soap-free.  

4. Lay the knitwear between two towels and either press down or roll burrito-style to remove excess water. Do not wring, scrunch, or twist.  

5. Place it flat on a dry towel or a drying rack, taking care to mirror the original shape and measurements. Smooth away wrinkles and, finally, let it air dry. If you're tempted to place it near a heater or direct sunlight to speed things up—don't.  

Check your label first and proceed with caution. There's always a risk, so we recommend washing by hand—your sweaters will last longer.  

If you must, turn your garment inside out and place it in a mesh bag. Wash one item at a time to reduce agitation. Choose a delicate cycle, with cool water and low spin, and use a wool-safe detergent. When done, remove immediately and air-dry flat (see the last two steps above). Do not tumble dry, ever.  

Always fold knits—never hang them, or they'll end up stretched out, with misshapen shoulders and necklines. However you decide to store them—rolled or stacked—just don't pack too tightly, which can lead to creasing. If the latter, place heavier knits on the bottom. 

Storage conditions matter, too. Choose a cool, dark, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid plastic bags or bins, which can trap moisture. And don't forget to clean garments before putting them away, at the end of the winter season, to prevent stains and odors from settling—and make sure they're fully dry first.  

Bonus: Add cedar blocks or chips to keep your knits fresh and safe from moths. If you spot tiny holes when taking sweaters out of storage, steam to eliminate possible bug larvae