How to Care for Merino Wool and Cashmere (So They Last 20 Years)

Your $200+ Investment Deserves Proper Care

You invested in quality natural fiber clothing because you want pieces that last decades, not seasons. But even the highest-quality merino wool and cashmere won't reach their 20-year potential without proper care.

The good news? Caring for natural fibers is easier than you think—and once you learn the basics, it becomes second nature.

The Golden Rules of Natural Fiber Care

Rule #1: Wash Less Frequently

This is the most important rule and the one that surprises people most.

Natural fibers like merino wool and cashmere are:

• Naturally antimicrobial (resist bacteria and odor)
• Self-cleaning to a degree (air them out between wears)
• Damaged by over-washing

How often to wash:

• Merino wool: Every 3-5 wears
• Cashmere: Every 5-7 wears
• Exception: Wash immediately if stained or soiled

Between wears: Hang your pieces to air out for 24 hours. Most odors and wrinkles will disappear naturally.

Rule #2: Always Use Cold Water

Hot water causes natural fibers to:

• Shrink dramatically
• Lose shape
• Felt (fibers mat together permanently)
• Fade in color

Always use cold water (30°C/86°F or below).

Rule #3: Never Use Regular Detergent

Standard laundry detergents contain harsh chemicals and enzymes that break down natural fibers. They also strip the natural oils that keep wool soft.

Use instead:

• Wool-specific detergent (like Wool & Cashmere Shampoo)
• Baby shampoo (gentle alternative)
• Eucalan (no-rinse wool wash)

Rule #4: Never Wring or Twist

Twisting wet wool stretches and damages fibers permanently. Always handle wet pieces gently.

Rule #5: Lay Flat to Dry (Never Hang)

Hanging wet wool causes it to stretch out of shape. Always dry flat.

How to Hand Wash Merino Wool and Cashmere

Hand washing is the gentlest method and extends garment life the most.

Step-by-Step:

1. Fill a clean sink or basin with cold water

• Temperature: Cool to the touch
• Amount: Enough to submerge the garment

2. Add wool-specific detergent

• Follow product instructions for amount
• Swish water to distribute evenly

3. Submerge your garment

• Gently press it into the water
• Let it soak for 10-15 minutes
• Don't agitate or scrub

4. Gently swish

• After soaking, gently move the garment through the water
• Focus on any stained areas with light pressing (no rubbing)
• Soak another 5 minutes if heavily soiled

5. Drain and rinse

• Drain the soapy water
• Refill with clean cold water
• Gently press garment in rinse water
• Repeat until water runs clear (usually 2-3 rinses)

6. Remove excess water (carefully)

• Lift garment supporting all of it (don't let it hang)
• Gently press (don't wring!) against side of sink to remove water
• Better method: Roll in a clean towel and gently press to absorb water

7. Dry flat

• Lay a clean, dry towel on a flat surface
• Reshape garment to original dimensions
• Lay flat on towel
• Keep away from direct heat or sunlight
• Flip halfway through drying (after 12-24 hours)
• Total drying time: 24-48 hours

How to Machine Wash (If You Must)

Hand washing is always better, but if you need to use a machine:

Requirements:

• Front-loading machine ONLY (top loaders are too aggressive)
• Delicate/wool cycle
• Cold water
• Wool-specific detergent
• Mesh laundry bag (protects garment)

Steps:

1. Turn garment inside out
2. Place in mesh bag
3. Select delicate/wool cycle
4. Use cold water only
5. Add wool detergent
6. Skip the spin cycle if possible (or use lowest speed)
7. Remove promptly when done
8. Lay flat to dry (never machine dry)

Our recommendation: Reserve machine washing for less delicate pieces. Hand wash your finest merino and all cashmere.

Dealing with Stains

Act fast—stains set quickly in natural fibers.

For Most Stains:

1. Blot (don't rub) immediately with cold water
2. Apply small amount of wool detergent directly to stain
3. Gently work in with fingers
4. Let sit 10 minutes
5. Hand wash as normal

For Tough Stains:

• Oil/grease: Sprinkle with cornstarch, let sit 30 minutes, brush off, then wash
• Wine/coffee: Blot with cold water immediately, then soak in cold water with wool detergent for 30 minutes before washing
• Ink: Dab with rubbing alcohol on a cloth, then wash (test on hidden area first)

Never use: Bleach, harsh stain removers, or hot water

Storing Natural Fibers

Proper storage prevents damage from moths, moisture, and stretching.

Daily Storage (In-Season):

• Fold, don't hang (hanging stretches shoulders)
• Store in drawers or on shelves
• Allow pieces to fully dry before storing (even between wears)
• Give each piece breathing room (don't pack tightly)

Long-Term Storage (Off-Season):

1. Clean first

• Always wash before storing (moths are attracted to body oils and food particles)
• Make sure pieces are 100% dry

2. Use cedar

• Cedar blocks, balls, or sachets repel moths naturally
• Replace every 6-12 months
• Never use mothballs (toxic chemicals)

3. Breathable storage

• Cotton garment bags or cotton pillowcases
• Never plastic (traps moisture, causes mildew)
• Acid-free tissue paper between folds prevents creases

4. Cool, dry location

• Avoid basements (too humid)
• Avoid attics (too hot in summer)
• Dark closets or under-bed storage are ideal

5. Check periodically

• Inspect every 2-3 months
• Look for moth holes or moisture
• Refold in different places to prevent permanent creases

Dealing with Pills

All natural fibers pill to some degree—it's normal and doesn't mean your garment is low quality.

Why Pilling Happens: Friction from wear causes short fibers to work their way to the surface and ball up.

How to Remove Pills:

For Cashmere:

• Use a cashmere comb (gentlest method)
• Lay garment flat
• Gently glide comb in one direction
• Do this every few wears to maintain smooth appearance

For Merino Wool:

• Sweater stone or fabric shaver
• Lay garment flat
• Gently shave or stone in one direction
• Don't press too hard

Prevention:

• Wash inside-out
• Avoid friction (backpacks, purses rubbing against fabric)
• Remove pills promptly (prevents them from getting worse)

Fixing Small Holes or Snags

Don't throw away a piece over a small hole—repair it!

For Snags:

• Use a snag repair tool (or blunt needle)
• Gently pull the snagged thread to the inside
• Smooth the fabric
• The snag should disappear

For Small Holes:

• Use matching thread and a tapestry needle
• Weave thread through surrounding fibers to close hole
• Or: Take to a professional reweaver (worth it for expensive pieces)

Moth Holes:

• If caught early (1-2 tiny holes), repair as above
• If severe, consider professional reweaving or darning

Refreshing Between Washes

Keep your pieces fresh without washing:

1. Air Out:

• Hang on a wide hanger (not wire) or lay flat
• Place in a well-ventilated area
• Leave for 24 hours
• Most odors will disappear

2. Steam:

• Hang in bathroom while showering (steam relaxes fibers)
• Or use a garment steamer on low heat
• Steam kills odor-causing bacteria
• Smooths wrinkles without washing

3. Spot Clean:

• Address small stains immediately
• Use damp cloth with tiny bit of wool detergent
• Blot area clean
• Air dry

4. Freeze:

• For stubborn odours, place piece in freezer overnight
• Kills odor-causing bacteria
• Air out after removing from freezer

Sashū's Care Commitment

Every Sashū piece comes with detailed care instructions specific to that garment. We want your investment to last 20+ years.

Our pieces are designed to:

• Withstand decades of proper care
• Get softer and more comfortable over time
• Maintain shape and colour with correct washing
• Be repairable if damage occurs

Care questions? Email us—we're happy to provide personalized advice for your specific piece.

The 20-Year Care Timeline

Years 1-5:

• Wash every 3-5 wears
• Remove pills as they appear
• Store properly off-season
• Result: Piece looks nearly new

Years 6-10:

• Same care routine
• May need occasional professional cleaning
• Small repairs as needed
• Result: Piece is broken in, incredibly soft, still looks great

Years 11-15:

• Continue gentle care
• More frequent de-pilling may be needed
• Professional darning for any holes
• Result: Piece is a beloved favourite, still going strong

Years 16-20+:

• Same care, with love
• May show gentle signs of age (character, not damage)
• Still perfectly wearable
• Result: Piece you'll never part with, possibly pass down

Start Caring for Your Investment Today

Proper care isn't complicated—it's just different from how we've been taught to care for synthetic fast fashion.

The basics:

• Wash less
• Use cold water and wool detergent
• Lay flat to dry
• Fold, don't hang
• Store with cedar

Master these five rules and your natural fiber pieces will serve you for decades.