How to Wash Wool, Knitwear & Cashmere Properly (Without Shrinking or Pilling)
Wool, cashmere, and knitwear are luxury fibres that feel incredible — but they require some extra TLC in the laundry room.
Wash them incorrectly, and you end up with shrinking, stretching, pilling or irreversible fibre damage. But when you follow the right laundry care routine (and choose the right detergent), you can confidently wash wool and cashmere at home without ruining your garments.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to cleaning wool and cashmere from the team at Sheet Yeah! — so your sweaters and knits stay soft, cozy, and in perfect shape.
Why Wool, Knitwear & Cashmere Need Special Care
Wool and cashmere are natural protein fibres. They’re breathable, warm, and durable — but also prone to shrinkage and fibre breakdown when exposed to:
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High heat
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Harsh detergents or those with Enzymes
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Agitation or scrubbing
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Fabric softeners
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Incorrect wash cycles
👉 The key to washing wool is low agitation + gentle detergent + proper drying.
Always Follow Care Labels for Wool & Cashmere
Before you even turn on the tap or washing machine, always read your garment’s care label. Every cashmere garment or wool jumper may have slightly different care instructions based on fibre blend, construction, or dye process.
Some will allow machine wash cashmere on a delicate cycle, while others recommend hand wash only or even dry clean for specialty fabrics. Learning how to wash your wool starts with reading that tiny tag carefully.
If your label allows, you can safely wash your cashmere at home with cold water, gentle cycles, and enzyme-free detergent sheets — like Sheet Yeah!
The Most Common Mistakes When Washing Wool & Cashmere
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Washing in hot water (causes felting & shrinkage)
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Using harsh liquid or powder detergents
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Choosing regular or heavy-duty machine cycles
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Using fabric softeners or bleach
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Tumble drying (destroys natural fibre structure)
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Scrubbing or wringing the fabric aggressively
Can You Wash Wool & Cashmere in a Washing Machine?
Yes — but only if you do it carefully.
Machine Washing Tips:
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Use your machine’s wool or delicate cycle.
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Select cold water or cool temperature (30°C max).
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Place garments inside mesh laundry bags to prevent friction.
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Use minimal or no spin to avoid stretching.
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Wash separately from heavy or rough fabrics like denim or towels.
👉 If unsure, washed by hand is always safest for high-end cashmere knitwear and wool garments.
How Often Should You Wash Wool or Cashmere?
Wool and cashmere don’t need frequent washing like synthetics.
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For light wear: wash after 3–5 wears.
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For heavier use: after 1–2 wears.
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Spot clean stains between washes when possible.
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Always use a delicate detergent like Sheet Yeah! detergent sheets.
👉 Overwashing increases shrinkage risk and wears down delicate fibres, so prevention and spot cleaning are often better.
The Safest Way to Hand Wash Wool, Knitwear & Cashmere
Step-by-Step Wool Hand Washing:
1️⃣ Fill a clean basin or sink with cold or lukewarm water.
2️⃣ Add a small amount of Sheet Yeah! detergent sheets dissolved fully into the water.
3️⃣ Gently submerge your garment and gently agitate the water with your hands (no scrubbing).
4️⃣ Let soak for 5–10 minutes.
5️⃣ Rinse thoroughly with clean cool water.
6️⃣ Press out excess water by rolling inside a clean dry towel — never wring.
👉 This method is best for your most delicate cashmere sweaters and wool and cashmere sweaters.
Choosing the Right Detergent for Wool & Cashmere
This is where many people ruin their wool sweaters — by using the wrong detergent.
✅ Wool and cashmere require pH-neutral, enzyme-free detergents that:
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Are enzyme-free
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Contain no bleach or optical brighteners
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Have no harsh surfactants
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Leave zero chemical residue
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Dissolve fully, even in cold water
⚠️ Warning: Many detergent sheet brands on the market now include enzymes to help break down stains — BUT enzymes can also break down natural protein fibres like wool, silk, and cashmere. Over time, this can weaken your fabrics, thin the fibres, and destroy the garment’s softness.
That’s why Sheet Yeah! detergent sheets are enzyme-free and formulated specifically to be safe for natural fibres. They clean effectively without degrading your knits.
Wool & Cashmere Stain Removal
When stains happen:
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Blot gently with a clean towel — don’t rub.
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Spot treat with diluted enzyme-free detergent.
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Dissolve Sheet Yeah! detergent sheets for safe spot cleaning.
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Avoid harsh stain removers that damage wool fibres.
Following these care tips keeps your knits clean and protected.
How to Dry Wool Sweaters & Cashmere Safely
Drying is where most shrinkage happens — avoid shortcuts here.
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After washing, gently press out water (never twist or wring).
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Lay the garment flat on a clean dry towel or drying rank.
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Roll up gently inside a towel to absorb more moisture.
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Reshape your sweater while damp (reshape sleeves, neckline, body shape).
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Allow to air dry flat in a well-ventilated dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
👉 Hanging wool or cashmere will cause it to stretch and distort under its own weight.
How to Prevent Pilling, Shrinkage & Fibre Damage
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Always wash in cold water.
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Use gentle agitation (or hand wash).
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Use mesh laundry bags in the machine.
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Choose enzyme-free, wool-safe detergent sheets.
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Avoid excess spin cycles or friction.
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Never tumble dry.
Safe Storage to Keep Your Cashmere Protected
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Always store fully dry garments.
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Fold — never hang — to maintain shape.
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Use sealed bins or breathable fabric bags.
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Store in a cool, dry place with cedar or lavender sachets to prevent moths.
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Use a cashmere comb to gently remove pilling after repeated wears.
Why Detergent Sheets Are a Game-Changer for Wool Care
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✅ Pre-measured sheets prevent overdosing
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✅ Fully dissolving in cold water
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✅ Zero harsh chemicals or enzymes
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✅ Safe for all natural protein fibres
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✅ No bulky detergent bottles or messy powders
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✅ Eco-friendly, plastic-free packaging
With the right detergent, you can confidently wash wool, cashmere, and knitwear at home — and protect your wardrobe long-term.
Summary: Wool & Cashmere Laundry Routine
✅ Use cold water & gentle cycles
✅ Avoid agitation & heat
✅ Choose enzyme-free, pH-balanced Sheet Yeah! detergent sheets
✅ Hand wash for extra safety
✅ Dry flat & reshape
✅ Store folded, not hanging
👉 (Avoid other laundry mistakes by checking our full Laundry Mistakes Guide.)
FAQs
Can you machine wash wool?
Yes — but only on the wool/delicate cycle with cold water, gentle detergent, and mesh laundry bags.
Are detergent sheets safe for wool?
Yes — Sheet Yeah! detergent sheets are safe for wool and cashmere because they’re enzyme-free and fully dissolving.
Will enzymes damage wool?
Yes — enzymes break down protein-based fibres like wool and cashmere, weakening fabrics over time.
Is hand washing better?
Yes — hand washing allows full control and is safest for high-end wool and cashmere knitwear.
Do I need fabric softener?
No — it can coat and damage wool fibres. A gentle detergent leaves them naturally soft.
