Boring question - do you have to hand wash cashmere?

[KitKat1985]

Was gifted a very nice cashmere jumper for Christmas. Lovely. I've never had one before so not really familiar with how to wash cashmere. I wore it yesterday and went to wash it today and noticed it said 'hand wash only' on the label. Is this essential, or is the label just being over-cautious?

Hand wash in just tepid water and a few Lux flakes. Wash gently, inside out and dry flat. I have several DH bought me but rarely wear them as a faf to wash. Be warned they will shrink if you use water too hot and go out of shape if not fried flat.

Dried even not fried.

Remember that some manufacturers put 'Handwash only' on their items because they don't want to be liable for damage caused by users' washing mistakes. If your washing machine has a decent wool cycle and a 'No spin' or 'Slow spin' option , that is fine for most woollen garments. You can filter websites by material if you don't like the 'hassle' of wool.

My washing machine has a "hand wash" setting so I use that. I only wash my cashmere very occasionally. For example if I get gravy on it on Christmas Day

I put mine each in a pillow case, tie it about half way down with a hair tie (so the fabric can move but not too much) then put it on a cold wash with no spin. Roll up in a towel and dry flat.

The key to washing all wool is that it doesn't like sudden changes in water temperature.

I wash all my woollens in the machine and I use the wool cycle with the cold wash option - so it is both washed and rinsed in cold water.

If you don't have a cold wash option then you can use the pause button, so it is washed in warm water then the machine stops. Wait until it cools down and restart it for rinse with cold water.

Use soap (something like stergene) not detergent.

Boden washes really well as does hush. I don't think I've ever had cashmere from white stuff.

Zara is dreadful. Or anything from tk maxx. If I'm buying cheap, i size up as much as possible.

Generally cashmere gets nicer with washing though. My scarves are always lovely if they've been rained on. I realise that sounds mad.

@testing987654321

And if you're not wearing it very close to your skin I'd suggest not washing after every wear.

This. Wear something under it and wash it as little as possible.

I put mine on the hand-wash setting in the washing machine. Dry flat on a towel. It is always fine. But, I wash it as little as possible, I buy very good quality cashmere and the washing machine is a miele. So I think those things help. Also occasionally use a cashmere comb on it.

I always handwashing mine. Tepid water and some stergene. No wringing. Roll in a towel and dry flat. Occasional "shave" of any bobbles.
Charity shops are always busting with felted shrunken cashmere. I don't take risks! Takes about half an hour a month to do three sweaters.... not exactly onerous.