Can you handwash cashmere?

[Miriam2]

Title says it all really! Bought couple of lovely cashmere sweaters from Uniqlo (!) and have had them both dry cleaned once so far. But really don't have the time to get them done now before Christmas, so can I risk it? My friend says you MUST dry clean but...

I have a cashmere jumper from Brora and the instructions recommend you to hand wash it. No wringing or spinning and dry flat.

I throw all my cashmere in the washer on a cold woollen or cold hand wash cycle. They haven't shrunk yet.

I handwash my cashmere. However I didn't buy a cashmere jumper from Gap because it said dry clean only and even the manager who was trying to sell it to me agreed that I shouldn't hand wash it.

Yes, handwash, dry in a towel (roll it up in a dry, clean towel) and finish off by drying flat (eg over the top of an airer)

I'm with Nome.

I was reading an article about the Two Ronnies yesterday and apparently Ronnie Corbett handwashes his jumpers in vinegar to keep them in perfect condition. Presumably it's well diluted otherwise he'd smell like a chip shop!