Hand washing with a mild natural soap is the best method for knitted garments because chemicals which are used in dry cleaning are hard on cashmere fibers. However, woven garments must be dry cleaned, otherwise, they could lose their body.

After the sweater has been washed, it should be rinsed thoroughly which may take several rinsings in clear water. In fact, you should keep rinsing the garment until the water is completely clear. After the rinsing process, the sweater should be laid flat to dry in a location that is away from the heat and sun. Reshape the sweater, including the side seams and sleeves because most sweaters will become twisted during washing. After the sweater has dried, press it using a damp cloth and a cool iron.

Sweaters should first be worn about six or seven times before washing. However, sweaters should be washed whenever they appear soiled in order that they can look their best.

Store the cashmere sweaters and other nice woolens in a cedar chest or plastic bags to keep them clean and to keep moths from penetrating. If you choose, you may hang moth cakes in the closets and cedar chests for added protection. The moth cakes should be replaced on a monthly basis. The sweater should be kept clean and free of any food residue, as moths will be attracted to any food products left on the garment.

The little balls that appear on sweaters are a result of pilling. This naturally occurs with cashmere and wool. Some sweaters will pill more than others, but not all sweaters will pill because natural fibers are composed of their own elements that differ from each type of yarn. A sweater that is high quality should not pill very much. Pilling is a result of friction, such as contact with a seat belt, purse strap, or even synthetic linings of jackets. You can rid your sweaters of these pills by pulling or carefully cutting off the pills, thus breaking the connection. After you have done so, wash the garment according to its washing instructions.