Washing charity shop cashmere jumper

[baskingseals]

Sorry for boring title, bought a cashmere jumper today, it says dry clean only. My bargain is now not looking like a bargain, could I hand wash it without ruining it?

I was cashmere jumpers on the wool cycle in the machine and they've always turned out fine

I always wash my cashmere either by hand or on the wool cycle in the washing machine. Make sure you use wool wash or hand washing liquid though and the water not too hot. I wouldn't rub it too hard the first time and reshape it while flat although I do put mine on hangers to dry.

Good luck, be gentle and it would be fine.

Oh thanks. I was so pleased with myself and then felt like a wally when I looked at the label. Not the world's best washer, thought I would double check here first.

Me too, wool wash and don't tumble!

just make sure you don't use a biological powder on it or your jumper will come out looking like a hot water bottle cover

The Persil silk and wool stuff is good, on the woollens cycle.

Thanks I will wash with confidence , have had so many disasters, would like to now grow up and learn how to do it properly

After the first washing (which I presume you want to be a thorough one in case it isn't very clean) you would try one of the liquids that don't need rinsing out - Soak or Eucalan. They are very popular with knitters - just soak the garment in water and liquid (in the bath), pull the plug to remove most of the water and the squeeze it gently - rolling in a towel helps.
Lakeland sell Eucalan

Spinning is the bugger with cashmere - turn your dial down to 600 or 800.

It works well to put the jumper folded into a pillow case and knot the end of the case.
It doesn't get pulled out of shape when it spins.

M and S do a cashmere washing liquid I think.

Wow top tips, thank you.