Cashmere, Kept Beautiful: An Editor’s Guide for Sydney’s Winter Wardrobes

Cashmere is the quiet luxury of an Australian winter wardrobe — the knit you reach for when you want softness with substance. Look after it properly and it will reward you for years: smoother, softer, and effortlessly immaculate. Here’s a straightforward care guide for keeping your cashmere beautiful through Sydney’s cool seasons and beyond.

Washing Cashmere the Right Way

Start with the care label. If it clearly says machine-washable, use your washing machine’s wool cycle. If not, hand-wash gently. Keep the water cool to lukewarm, around 30–35°C. Use a wool-specific, pH-gentle detergent — eucalyptus or neutral formulas are ideal — and always use less than you think.

Never wring or tumble-dry. Instead, press out excess water with a towel, reshape the knit, and dry it flat away from heat or direct sunlight. Fold cashmere rather than hanging it, and always store it clean in breathable bags or sealed containers to deter moths.

Hand-Washing Cashmere

Spot-treat any marks with a dab of wool-safe detergent. Soak the garment for around ten minutes in 30–35°C water with a small amount of wool wash. Swish gently rather than scrubbing. Rinse in water of a similar temperature to avoid shocking the fibres.

Press out water without wringing, roll the knit in a towel to remove moisture, and lay it flat to dry. Reshape the body and ribbing while damp, and if needed, finish with a cool iron through a pressing cloth.

Machine Washing (If Allowed)

If your label permits machine washing, place the knit in a mesh laundry bag, choose the wool cycle with a low spin, use a wool-approved detergent, and always dry flat. If your machine doesn’t have a wool program, select the gentlest cold or cool cycle and reduce the spin speed.

How Often Should You Wash It?

Cashmere doesn’t need frequent laundering. As a guide, wash jumpers every three to four wears — or sooner if worn directly against the skin in Sydney’s humid spells. Allow your knits to rest and reshape between wears to help maintain their structure.

De-Pilling: Keeping Cashmere Smooth

Pilling is perfectly normal where there’s friction. Remove fuzz with a cashmere comb or gentle fabric shaver, using flat, light strokes. Avoid tugging, especially on fine-gauge knits.

Moth Protection for Australian Homes

Moths thrive in warm climates, so prevention is key. Always start with clean garments — larvae are attracted to natural oils and food traces. Fold knits into breathable cotton zip bags or sealed containers.

If you suspect activity, place the item in a sealed bag and freeze it at -18°C for two weeks, then let it rest for 24 hours before unsealing. Cedar blocks and lavender sachets can help repel adult moths, but they don’t kill larvae — refresh them regularly and combine with good housekeeping.

When to Go Professional

Structured or woven cashmere pieces — such as coats or tailored scarves — are best professionally cleaned. If you can, request gentler hydrocarbon methods instead of traditional PERC solvents for a more eco-friendly result.

Spot Treatment & Stain Care

Blot, don’t rub. Treat oil-based marks with a wool-safe detergent, and use cool water first for other stains before laundering. Always test bright or richly dyed knits in a hidden area.

The Conscious Care Routine

Thoughtful at-home care — cool water, wool-specific detergents, and flat drying — extends your garment’s lifespan while reducing reliance on solvent-heavy cleaning. The result: softer knits, fewer replacements, and a lighter environmental footprint. In short: Sydney style with a sustainable heart.

Quick Care Checklist

• Use wool wash and water around 30–35°C
• Only machine wash with a mesh bag and wool cycle (if permitted)
• Never wring or tumble-dry — press in a towel, reshape, and dry flat
• De-pill with a cashmere comb or fabric shaver
• Fold and store clean with refreshed cedar or lavender
• For suspected moths, bag and freeze at -18°C for two weeks, then rest for 24 hours before unsealing