How to Care for Cashmere: Griha’s Expert Tips

Cashmere Care Tips: Wash, Stain Treatment & Storage Guide

Cashmere is cherished for its unmatched softness and warmth, making it one of the most luxurious fabrics in the world. With the right care, your Griha cashmere—whether it’s a cozy cardigan, timeless sweater, or feather-light shawl—can stay as beautiful as the day you first wore it. This guide shares simple, effective tips to help your pieces last for many seasons to come.

How to Show Your Cashmere the Care It Deserves

Cashmere is one of those rare fibres that feels as luxurious as it looks—and with the right care, it can stay that way for many seasons to come.

While many assume cashmere must always be dry-cleaned, that’s not necessarily true. In most cases, unless the label says otherwise, your cashmere can be gently hand-washed—or even machine-washed on a delicate cycle. It’s all about knowing what your garment needs and treating it with care.

Whether it’s a scarf, sweater, or throw, properly caring for your cashmere helps it stay soft, breathable, and beautiful over time. At Griha, we believe that longevity is part of luxury—and that begins with mindful care.

Quick Guide: Types of Cashmere & How to Care for Them

Not all cashmere is created—or cared for—the same way. Depending on how it’s made and how it’s worn, the ideal care method can vary. Here’s a simple guide to the three main types of cashmere garments and how to look after them—featuring some examples from our own Griha collection.

1. Sewn Cashmere

Common items: Coats, trench coats, blazers, tailored pieces
Care method: Dry clean only
These structured garments are often lined or stitched for shape, meaning they need a gentle, professional touch. While Griha focuses more on soft, everyday luxury, if you own any tailored cashmere items, dry cleaning is your safest option.

2. Knitted Cashmere

Common items: Sweaters, pants, scarves, beanies, gloves, socks
Care method: Hand wash or dry clean
 Knitted cashmere is the heart of Griha’s collection—from our cloud-soft sweaters to our everyday essentials like premium pashmina shawls. Many of these pieces can be hand-washed at home, though dry cleaning remains a good choice, especially for heavier knits or well-loved staples.

3. Woven Cashmere

Common items: Shawls, blankets, throws
Care method: Dry clean only
 Woven cashmere is where luxury meets lightness. Griha’s fine woven pashminas such as feather light ring ring shawls fall into this category, and we recommend dry cleaning them to maintain their delicate weave and flowing drape.

How to Wash Cashmere Properly

Washing cashmere doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right technique, caring for your cashmere at home can be simple and satisfying. Whether you’re refreshing a favourite winter piece or gently cleaning a Griha scarf, here’s how to do it the right way.

Hand Washing Your Cashmere

Hand washing is often the safest and most effective way to clean cashmere—especially for lightweight knits and accessories.

What you’ll need:

• A clean basin or sink
  
  
• Lukewarm water (around 20–25°C)
  
  
• A mild detergent designed for wool or cashmere
  
  
• A clean, dry towel
  
  

Steps:

1. Fill your basin with lukewarm water and mix in a small amount of detergent.
   
   
2. Turn your garment inside out and gently place it in the water. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
   
   
3. Swirl the garment gently—avoid any rubbing, stretching, or wringing.
   
   
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water until the detergent is gone.
   
   
5. Lay the garment flat on a towel and roll it up to press out excess water. Do not twist or wring.
   
   
6. Reshape the garment and lay it flat to dry on a clean towel or mesh drying rack, away from direct sunlight and heat.
   

Machine Washing (Only if Label Permits)

Some sturdier cashmere garments can be machine washed—but only if the care label says it’s safe to do so.

Tips for safe machine washing:

• Place the item in a mesh laundry bag.
  
  
• Use the delicate or wool cycle with cold water (no more than 30°C).
  
  
• Use a small amount of mild detergent.
  
  
• Do not use fabric softener or bleach.
  
  
• Never tumble dry—always lay the item flat to air dry.
  

At Griha, we recommend hand washing whenever possible, but if your garment’s label allows machine washing, following these steps will help protect the fibres.

How to Treat Stains on Cashmere

Accidents happen—whether it’s a splash of coffee, a drop of wine, or an unexpected makeup smudge. The key with cashmere is to act quickly and handle stains gently to avoid damaging the fibres.

General Guidelines:

• Act fast. The sooner you address a stain, the better the outcome.
  
  
• Blot—don’t rub. Always blot gently with a clean, dry cloth. Rubbing can push the stain deeper into the fibres or cause pilling.
  
  
• Use cold water. Warm or hot water can set stains, especially protein-based ones like milk or blood.
  
  
• Avoid harsh chemicals. Bleach, stain pens, and general-purpose stain removers can damage delicate fibres. Stick with a wool-safe detergent or a solution of mild soap.
  
  

Spot Cleaning Method:

1. Lay the garment flat and place a clean towel underneath the stained area.
   
   
2. Dampen a cloth with cold water and gently blot the stain.
   
   
3. Mix a small amount of gentle detergent with cold water.
   
   
4. Dip a clean cloth into the soapy solution and blot the stain, working from the outside in.
   
   
5. Rinse the area by blotting with another cloth dampened with clean water.
   
   
6. Gently press the area with a dry towel to remove excess moisture.
   
   
7. Lay flat to dry—never wring or twist the fabric.
   
   

For oil-based or stubborn stains, professional cleaning may be the safest option.

Understanding & Managing Pilling

Even the highest-quality cashmere can pill over time—it’s completely normal. Pilling occurs when short fibres on the surface of the garment tangle together through friction. Areas that experience the most movement, like under the arms, sides, or sleeves, are usually affected first.

How to De-Pill Safely:

• Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver designed specifically for delicate knits.
  
  
• Lay the garment flat and gently sweep the comb in one direction over the pilled area.
  
  
• Avoid pulling pills off by hand—this can stretch or damage the knit.
  

Pilling tends to decrease after the first few wears and washes. With regular gentle maintenance, your cashmere will stay smooth and soft.

How to Store Cashmere

Proper storage is key to keeping your cashmere in excellent condition—especially during warmer months when you may not wear it as often.

Day-to-Day Storage:

• Always fold your cashmere; never hang it, as this can cause it to stretch out of shape.
  
  
• Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
  
  

Long-Term Storage:

• Make sure your garments are clean and fully dry before storing them.
  
  
• Fold and place them in a breathable cotton bag or a storage box with ventilation.
  
  
• Add cedar balls or lavender sachets to deter moths—avoid direct contact with the fabric.
  

Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew.

Final Thoughts: Care for Cashmere, Love Your Griha Pieces

With proper care, your cashmere can remain as luxurious and soft as the day you first wore it. At Griha, we take pride in offering a range of beautifully crafted cashmere pieces, from cozy cardigans and timeless sweaters to our signature feather-light ring shawl. Each item is designed with both style and durability in mind, ensuring that it will stand the test of time with the right care.

By following these simple care guidelines, you can keep your Griha cashmere looking and feeling its best for many years to come—whether you're snuggling into a cardigan on a cool evening or draping your feather-light shawl over your shoulders for a touch of elegance.

Investing in high-quality cashmere is a long-term commitment, and with the right care, your Griha pieces will continue to bring you warmth, comfort, and beauty season after season.