How to Care for Luxury Scarves: Silk and Cashmere Washing Guide
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Silk and cashmere scarves are durable materials — silk especially is stronger than cotton — but both are damaged by the wrong washing approach. Here’s the correct care protocol for each.
Caring for Silk Scarves
Washing: Hand wash in cold water with a pH-neutral detergent (Woolite or a dedicated silk wash). Never hot water — heat degrades silk fibres and causes dye bleed. Gently agitate for 1–2 minutes, rinse thoroughly. Do not wring or twist. Alternatively: dry clean, which is the safest option for printed silks with multiple dyes.
Drying: Roll in a clean towel to remove excess water (never wring). Lay flat or hang over a padded hanger out of direct sunlight. Sunlight fades silk dyes. Do not tumble dry.
Ironing: Iron on the reverse side while slightly damp, using a low heat setting (silk setting). Use a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. Steam irons at high heat will leave water marks on silk.
Storage: Store folded (not hung — hanging distorts the shape over time) in a breathable fabric bag or clean cotton pillowcase. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture. Keep away from perfume and hairspray, which stain silk permanently.
Caring for Cashmere Scarves
Washing: Hand wash in cool water with a cashmere-specific wash or baby shampoo. Cashmere fibres are protein-based (like hair) and respond well to gentle shampoo. Gently squeeze — never rub or agitate vigorously. Rinse until water runs clear. Machine washing on a wool/delicate cycle in a mesh laundry bag is acceptable for robust cashmere, but hand washing is safer.
Drying: Lay flat on a clean towel and reshape while wet. Cashmere stretches when wet; hanging will permanently distort the shape. Allow to dry away from heat and sunlight.
Pilling: Pilling is normal in the first few washes as loose fibres shed. Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to remove pills — do not pull them off by hand, which damages the weave. After initial shedding, pilling decreases significantly with quality cashmere.
Storage: Fold and store in a breathable bag with a cedar block or lavender sachet to deter moths. Moths are the primary threat to stored cashmere. Never store in plastic. Air out between wears.
Products Worth Having
A cashmere comb or fabric shaver extends the life of any cashmere garment significantly. A pH-neutral or silk-specific wash is worth keeping if you own silk. Both are inexpensive and available on Amazon.
See our best luxury scarves guide for top silk and cashmere picks.
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