How to Wash a Wool or Cashmere Sweater (Without Shrinking It)

Wool and cashmere sweaters are warm, durable and easy to ruin: one hot wash and a favorite sweater comes out a size smaller. Here is how to wash a wool or cashmere sweater by hand or machine, how to dry it without stretching it, and when it is better to hand it to a professional.

Check the care label first

The label tells you whether the sweater can be washed at home. A tub symbol with a hand means hand wash only, and a circle with an X means do not dry clean. If it says dry clean only, do not wash it. Our laundry care symbols guide explains each symbol.

How to wash a wool or cashmere sweater by hand

1. Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water. Hot water can shrink and felt wool.
2. Add a wool-safe or gentle detergent. Avoid regular detergent with enzymes or bleach, which can damage the fibers.
3. Soak the sweater for 10 to 15 minutes. Press it gently under the water. Do not scrub, wring or twist it.
4. Rinse in cool water until the water runs clear.
5. Press out water. Squeeze gently, then lay the sweater flat on a clean towel and roll the towel up to absorb more water.

Can you machine wash wool or cashmere?

Only if the label allows it. If it does, turn the sweater inside out, put it in a mesh laundry bag, use the wool or hand-wash cycle with cool water and a wool-safe detergent, and choose the lowest spin speed. Wash it alone or with similar delicate items.

How to dry a wool sweater

• Dry it flat. Lay it on a clean towel or a drying rack and reshape it to its original size.
• Do not hang it. The weight of the water stretches the shoulders and sleeves.
• Keep it away from heat. Do not use the dryer, a radiator or direct sun.
• Flip it after a few hours so both sides dry evenly.

How often should you wash a sweater?

Less than you think. Wool naturally resists odor, so air it out after wearing and rest it between wears. Wash it when it looks dirty, smells, or after a stain. Over-washing wears the fibers down.

Caring for wool between washes

• Spot clean small marks instead of washing the whole sweater.
• Fold, do not hang, for storage.
• Clean before storing. Body oils and food stains can attract moths, so wash or have the sweater cleaned before putting it away for the season.
• Remove pilling gently with a fabric shaver or comb rather than pulling the balls off.

When to have a wool sweater professionally cleaned

• The label says dry clean only.
• The sweater is structured, lined or heavily embellished.
• It has a set-in stain, oil mark or strong odor.
• It is expensive or sentimental and you do not want to risk it.

At Top Hat Cleaners, dry cleaning for sweaters starts at $5.99, and wool coats start at $17.99 for a medium coat and $20.99 for a long coat. Blankets start at $22.99. Final prices are confirmed after inspection. See how dry cleaning works, and for winter outerwear see our down jacket guide.

Pickup and delivery is free on qualifying orders of $45 or more in participating areas. Find your nearest store on our locations page.

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