The Complete Sweater Care Guide: How to Wash, Dry, Store and Repair Wool, Cashmere & Blends

A quality sweater can last a decade with the right care — or fall apart in a year without it. This complete guide covers how to care for every type of knitwear, from 100% wool and cashmere to cashmere blends and fleece-lined knits.

Know Your Fabric First

Different fibres need different care. Always check the care label, but here is the general rule:

Fibre	Wash	Dry	Notes
Cashmere	Hand wash cold, gentle	Lay flat	Most delicate
Cashmere blend	Hand wash / delicate cycle	Lay flat	Easier than pure
Cotton knit	Machine wash cool	Tumble low ok	Robust
Fleece-lined	Machine wash cold	Lay flat / low	Keep lining intact

Washing: The Right Way

Step 1: Prep

Turn the sweater inside out
Close all buttons and zippers
Use a gentle wool/cashmere detergent (never regular detergent with bleach or enzymes)

Step 2: Wash

Hand wash is always safest: lukewarm (below 30°C / 86°F) water, gentle squeeze, no scrubbing
If machine washing, use a delicate/wool cycle and put the sweater in a mesh laundry bag

Step 3: Rinse & Drain

Rinse in cool water until the water runs clear
Gently press out water — never wring or twist

Drying: Never Hang a Wet Sweater

Hanging wet knitwear stretches it permanently. Always:

1. Lay a clean, dry towel flat

2. Place the sweater flat on top, reshape gently

3. Roll the towel + sweater to absorb water

4. Unroll and lay flat on a drying rack or fresh towel

5. Keep away from direct heat and sunlight

Never use a tumble dryer for wool or cashmere — it causes felting and shrinkage.

Pilling: Why It Happens & How to Fix It

Pilling is normal friction on soft fibres — it is not a sign of poor quality. Fix it easily:

Use a fabric shaver / de-fuzzer for a quick clean look
Or a cashmere comb for very delicate fibres
Prevent it by reducing friction: avoid rough bags, seat belts and heavy rubbing

Storage: Protect Between Seasons

Fold, never hang — hanging stretches shoulders
Store with cedar balls or lavender sachets to repel moths naturally
Keep in a breathable cotton storage bag (plastic traps moisture)
Add a few folded sweaters with the cedar, check periodically for moths

Repair: Extend the Life

Small holes and loose seams are fixable:

Pills and snags: pull the snag through to the inside with a needle
Small holes: invisible mending or Swiss darning at a knitwear repair shop
Loose buttons: re-sew immediately before you lose them

How Often to Wash?

The less you wash, the longer knitwear lasts:

Air sweaters between wears (1–2 days)
Wash 2–4 times per season unless visibly dirty
Spot-clean stains immediately with a damp cloth

The Bottom Line

Treat your knitwear well and it will reward you for years. The golden rules: hand wash cold, lay flat to dry, fold to store, and de-pill gently. Follow this guide and your wool and cashmere sweaters will stay soft, in shape and looking premium season after season.