How to wash cashmere and wool without shrinking it
To wash cashmere or wool, check the care label first, then hand wash in cold or lukewarm water up to 30 °C with a wool detergent.
What you need
- The care label of the garment
- Wool detergent, a clean basin and two towels
Read the care label first
The label decides. If it shows a crossed washtub or says dry clean only, do not wash the garment at home. If it allows hand washing or a wool cycle, follow the temperature it gives. This guide is general advice, and the care label of your actual garment overrides it.
Old Money product pages list care in Materials & care. A garment that has been washed is no longer returnable as unworn and unwashed, so settle any return first.
Wash in cold or lukewarm water
Fill a basin with water up to 30 °C and add a small amount of wool detergent. Hot water is the main cause of shrinking and felting. Turn the garment inside out, press it under the water and leave it for about ten minutes. Squeeze gently without rubbing or twisting, then rinse in water of the same temperature until no suds remain. If the label allows a machine, use the wool cycle, a mesh bag and a low spin.
Remove water without wringing
Wringing stretches wet fibres, and the stretch rarely comes out. Lift the garment with both hands, press it against the side of the basin, then lay it on a towel, roll the towel up with the garment inside and press along the roll. Repeat with a dry towel if it is still very wet.
Dry it flat
Lay the garment on a dry towel, shape it back to its size and leave it away from radiators and direct sun. Turn it over after a few hours. Do not hang it wet, because the weight pulls the shoulders out of shape, and do not tumble dry unless the label allows it.
Store it with moths in mind
Moths are drawn to sweat and food traces, so wash or air the garment before putting it away. Fold it instead of hanging it, and keep it in a breathable cotton bag or box with cedar or lavender. Avoid sealed plastic, which traps moisture. Check the pile at the start of each season.
Deal with pilling
Small balls of fibre form where fabric rubs, such as under the arms and along the sleeves. This is normal for soft knitwear. Lay the garment flat and remove them with a wool comb or a fabric shaver, and do not pull them off with your fingers. Washing inside out reduces new pilling.
Wash a VITON13 garment only after you have decided to keep it: under the returns terms, a garment must be unworn, unwashed and unaltered, with its tags.
Last checked: 3 November 2026
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