A little care goes a long way. Here's how to keep your favorite knits soft and in shape for years, not just a season.
The best way to care for cashmere, wool, mohair and alpaca is to wash them rarely, gently and cool. Air sweaters out between wears and wash only every few wears, in cool water with a wool-safe detergent. Never wring them or put them in the dryer. Dry flat, fold instead of hanging, and store them clean in a breathable bag. Always check the care label first, since some pieces are dry clean only.
The short version:
- Check the label before anything else.
- Wash cool and gentle, by hand or on a wool cycle if the label allows.
- Never wring, twist or tumble dry.
- Dry flat on a towel, away from sun and heat.
- Fold, don't hang.
- De-pill gently once in a while. It's normal, not a flaw.
- Store clean in cotton, never plastic.
1. Start with the care label
The care label is your first rule. Fibers, yarns and finishes vary from brand to brand, so care does too.
| If the label says… | What to do |
|---|---|
| Dry clean only | Use a dry cleaner you trust, and spot clean or air out between cleanings. |
| Hand wash | Wash by hand in cool water (steps below). |
| Machine wash, wool or delicate | Use a mesh bag, cold water, the wool cycle and a low spin. |
| No label, or unsure | Hand washing is the gentlest choice, or ask us in store. |
Some of our knits, including the Éterne Francis Sweater, are labeled dry clean only. When in doubt, follow the label.
2. How often to wash wool and cashmere sweaters
Animal fibers naturally resist odors, so sweaters don't need washing after every wear. Every wash adds a little wear.
- Air it out for a day between wears, folded or laid flat.
- Spot clean small marks with a damp cloth and a drop of wool wash.
- Wash every 3 to 5 wears for sweaters worn close to the skin, less often for layers worn over a tee.
- Always wash before storing for the season. More on that below.
3. How to hand wash a sweater
Hand washing is the gentlest way to clean cashmere, wool, mohair and alpaca at home.
- Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water. Warm or hot water can shrink and felt the fibers.
- Add a small amount of wool and cashmere wash, or a gentle, enzyme-free detergent.
- Turn the sweater inside out and submerge it. Gently press it through the water. Don't rub or scrub.
- Soak for 10 to 30 minutes, then drain.
- Rinse in cool water until the water runs clear. Keep the rinse the same temperature as the wash, since sudden changes can felt wool.
- Press out the water. Squeeze gently against the side of the sink. Never wring or twist.
4. Can you wash wool and cashmere in the washing machine?
Yes, if the care label allows it. Machine washing is riskier than hand washing, so take a few precautions.
- Turn the sweater inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag.
- Choose the wool, hand-wash or delicate cycle with cold water and the lowest spin.
- Use a wool-safe detergent and skip fabric softener.
- Wash knits on their own or with other delicates, never with towels or jeans.
- Take the sweater out as soon as the cycle ends.
Mohair and alpaca are best washed by hand even when the label allows a machine. More on that in the fiber guide below.
5. How to dry a sweater
Drying is where most sweaters get ruined. Wet knit is heavy, and heat shrinks it.
- Roll it in a towel. Lay the sweater flat on a clean, dry towel, roll them up together and press to soak up the water.
- Reshape it. Unroll, move it to a fresh dry towel or a mesh drying rack, and gently pat it back into shape. Straighten the cuffs, hem and neckline.
- Dry flat, away from direct sun, radiators and heaters. Flip it once so both sides dry evenly.
- Never hang a wet sweater or put it in the dryer. Hanging stretches it, and the dryer shrinks it.
6. Care by fiber: cashmere, wool, mohair, alpaca and blends
The basics above work for every fiber. Each one also has its own quirks.
How to care for cashmere
Cashmere is the softest and most delicate. It pills most in the first few wears, then settles. Hand wash in cool water, dry flat and comb pills gently. At Tucci, you'll find cashmere from Éterne and Lisa Yang.
How to care for wool sweaters (merino and lambswool)
Wool is the most resilient. Merino is fine and smooth, and lambswool is a little fluffier. Both felt and shrink with heat and rubbing, so keep water cool and handling gentle. Many merino pieces are machine washable on a wool cycle, but only if the label says so. Isabel Marant Étoile's wool knits are a favorite at Tucci.
How to wash a mohair sweater
Mohair comes from angora goats and has a soft, airy halo. Hand wash with minimal handling, and don't rub, since friction mats the fibers. Some shedding is normal at first. Skip the comb. Instead, gently brush the surface in one direction with a soft brush to lift the halo. If a strand snags, ease it to the inside with a crochet hook rather than cutting it.
How to care for an alpaca sweater
Alpaca is warm, lightweight and less prone to pilling, but it stretches when wet. Soak it briefly, support its weight when you lift it from the water, and dry it completely flat. Always fold alpaca, never hang it.
How to care for wool and cashmere blends
Care for a blend like its most delicate fiber. A wool-cashmere blend gets cashmere care. Blends with nylon or silk often hold their shape better, but still follow the label.
| Fiber | Best way to wash | Drying tip | Pilling and shedding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashmere | Hand wash cool, or dry clean per label | Roll in a towel, dry flat | Pills early; comb gently |
| Merino and lambswool | Hand wash, or machine wool cycle if labeled | Dry flat; avoid heat | Light pilling; comb or stone |
| Mohair | Hand wash with minimal handling | Dry flat; shake gently once dry | Sheds at first; brush, don't comb |
| Alpaca | Brief hand wash, cool water | Support the weight; dry fully flat | Pills less; may shed a little |
| Blends | Follow the most delicate fiber | Dry flat | Depends on the mix |
7. How to get rid of pilling on sweaters
Pilling is normal, especially in the first few wears, and it isn't a sign of low quality. Friction pulls short loose fibers to the surface, where they form tiny balls. It usually eases as those fibers work their way out.
- Use a sweater comb or stone for cashmere and wool. Lay the sweater flat and brush lightly in one direction.
- Use a soft brush for mohair instead of a comb, to protect the halo.
- Work gently. Pressing hard pulls out fibers and thins the knit.
- Skip razors and scissors, which can cut the yarn.
- Reduce friction. Pills form most where a bag strap, desk or arms rub, so alternate bags and give sweaters a day off between wears.
8. Steaming, ironing and wrinkles
Steaming is the best way to refresh any knit between wears. It relaxes wrinkles and lifts odors.
- Steam from a few inches away without pressing the steamer into the knit.
- If you must iron wool or cashmere, turn the sweater inside out, place a damp cloth over it and use the wool setting. Press lightly rather than sliding the iron. Don't iron mohair, which flattens its halo.
9. How to store sweaters
Good storage keeps knits in shape and away from moths.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Fold sweaters and stack them loosely, heaviest at the bottom | Hang knits, which stretches shoulders and length |
| Store only clean pieces | Store after wearing, since body oils and food attract moths |
| Use breathable cotton or canvas bags or boxes | Seal in plastic, which traps moisture |
| Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets | Rely on mothballs, which leave a strong smell |
| Check stored pieces every few weeks | Leave them untouched in a dark closet all season |
Cedar loses its scent over time, so lightly sand the blocks each season to refresh them.
Building your knitwear wardrobe? Shop sweaters at Tucci from designers like Éterne, Isabel Marant Étoile, One Grey Day, White + Warren, American Vintage, Lisa Yang and &Daughter.
Sweater care at a glance
| Task | How often | Quick tip |
|---|---|---|
| Air out | After every wear | Lay flat or fold for a day before putting away |
| Spot clean | As needed | Damp cloth and a drop of wool wash |
| Steam | As needed | Keep the steamer a few inches away |
| De-pill | Every few weeks | Comb wool and cashmere; brush mohair |
| Wash | Every 3 to 5 wears | Cool water, wool wash, dry flat |
| Deep clean and store | End of season | Wash first, then fold into cotton storage with cedar |
Questions about a specific piece? Stop by our boutiques in Solana Beach and Del Mar. We're always happy to help you care for your knits or find your next favorite sweater.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wash cashmere and wool at home?
Yes, if the care label allows it. Hand wash in cool water with a wool-safe detergent, press out the water without wringing and dry flat. If the label says dry clean only, take it to a dry cleaner.
Can you put a wool sweater in the washing machine?
Only if the label allows machine washing. Use a mesh bag, cold water, the wool or delicate cycle and the lowest spin, then dry flat. Many merino sweaters are machine washable; most mohair and alpaca are better washed by hand.
Can you put wool or cashmere in the dryer?
No. Heat and tumbling shrink and felt animal fibers. Always dry sweaters flat on a towel or rack, away from direct heat.
How do you wash a mohair sweater?
Hand wash it in cool water with a gentle wool wash and as little handling as possible. Press out the water, dry flat and brush the surface lightly once dry to restore the halo.
How do you care for an alpaca sweater?
Give it a short soak in cool water, support its weight when lifting it out and dry it completely flat. Alpaca stretches when wet, so always fold it rather than hanging it.
Why do sweaters pill, and how do I stop it?
Pilling happens when friction pulls short fibers to the surface. It's normal and usually eases after the first few wears. Remove pills with a sweater comb (or a soft brush for mohair), and reduce friction by rotating bags and resting sweaters between wears.
Should you hang or fold sweaters?
Fold them. Hanging stretches the shoulders and length over time. Store folded sweaters in breathable cotton, not plastic.
How do you keep moths away from wool and cashmere?
Store knits clean, since moths are drawn to body oils and food traces. Use breathable storage with cedar or lavender, and check stored pieces every few weeks.
Where can I buy cashmere and wool sweaters in San Diego?
Tucci Boutique carries knitwear from designers including Éterne, Isabel Marant Étoile, One Grey Day, White + Warren, American Vintage, Lisa Yang and &Daughter at its boutiques in Solana Beach and Del Mar Highlands Town Center, and online at tucciboutique.com.