We take care creating our iconic Woollen & Cashmere knitwear, so our customers can enjoy beautiful, luxurious products that last for more than a lifetime. With a little bit of love and care, you can safeguard the life span of your Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere, and it's easier than you might imagine.

Our customers often ask us: 'How do I wash cashmere?', 'Can I machine wash cashmere?' and 'How do you store cashmere?'. Our fibre experts have collated their Cashmere Care secrets to make laundering your luxury knitwear as straight forward as possible. Before washing any Johnstons of Elgin product, please read the care instructions on the label inside the garment.

CARING FOR CASHMERE

COMB
After wearing your Cashmere for the first few times, you may find small balls of fibre or 'pills' forming on the surface. These pills are the result of loose fibres tangling together as areas of your garment rub during wear. Use our DePilling Comb to remove them, or gently detach them by hand. Your Cashmere will feel even softer as a result.

GENTLY HANDWASH
Cashmere has natural antibacterial properties and is easier to wash than you might think. We recommend you gently wash your Cashmere knitwear after you have worn it three or four times. You will find specific washing instructions for each product on the care label sewn inside the garment.

Hand-wash the item in lukewarm water (35°), using Johnstons of Elgin Cashmere Shampoo or a similar mild detergent.

Squeeze the suds gently through the fabric without rubbing, wringing or stretching the garment, then rinse thoroughly in water of the same temperature.

RESHAPE
Dry your freshly washed garment by smoothing it back into shape and placing it flat on a towel. Allow it to dry naturally away from direct heat, such as radiators or sunlight, and do not tumble dry. Once your garment is dry, press lightly with a cool iron.

STORE
Our Cedar Wood Balls provide a natural repellent for moths and insects that could damage your Cashmere. Simply place the balls in your drawer or storage box along with your garment. You can purchase our Cedar Wood Balls individually, or in one of our Cashmere Care Kits.

If you do find a moth-sized hole, our partners at Cashmere Circle can provide an incredibly high-quality invisible mending service. Learn more about Cashmere Circle’s repair, revive and recycling services here.

DRY CLEAN
We recommend professionally dry-cleaning woven Cashmere products such as scarves, stoles and throws to help maintain their colour, shape and size. The inherent antibacterial properties of Cashmere fibres mean they only require occasional cleaning.

The letter 'P' or 'F' in a circle on a care label indicates a garment should be dry cleaned. While 'P' means the product can be dry cleaned using any solvent, several countries have banned the conventional Perchloroethylene or ‘PERC’ method, and the ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) does not approve it. For this reason, we recommend our customers ask for the ‘F’ method when sending items to be dry cleaned.

PIONEERING GARMENT WASHING
To revive your Cashmere in the most convenient way, Cashmere Circle can refresh and revitalise your items.
Their pioneering garment washing, de-pilling and full steam service removes odours and impurities and returns Cashmere fibres to like-new condition. This is an ideal way to breathe new life into your wardrobe favourites or prepare your Cashmere for storage at the end of each season.

Visit Cashmere Circle

SHAKE AND HANG
Carefully shaking your woven Cashmere clothing and accessories will help to remove dust particles. Shaking will also fluff the fibres slightly to help refresh their shape.

Fresh air can also lift dirt and dust particles from Cashmere fibres. To achieve this, hang your scarf, stole or throw somewhere the air naturally circulates.

GENTLY SPOT CLEAN
Localised marks or stains on your Cashmere clothing can often be removed by dabbing gently with a moist cloth. Use cold water to avoid expanding the fibres, as they may then shrink as they cool down.

Use a light spritz of cold water to dampen the marked area and if the stain is oily, dab gently with Cashmere shampoo. Fizzy water can be effective in removing small, fresh stains, as the air bubbles can trap and lift dirt particles. Afterwards, hang the item up to dry.

Spot test more vibrantly coloured Cashmere pieces with Cashmere shampoo in a discreet area before tackling a larger stain. Use a slightly damp white cloth to spot test and if any of the colour transfers to the cloth, please have the item professionally dry cleaned.

AIR DRY
Air dry woven Cashmere items, either outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, depending on weather conditions. If an item becomes very damp, dry it flat to avoid loss of shape. Never tumble dry Cashmere pieces.

We have been working with the world's finest Cashmere for over 200 years, and we continue to use the gentlest manufacturing processes, along with soft Scottish water, to protect our delicate fibres. While some brands bleach and chemically soften their Cashmere, we take special care of ours, to bring you high-quality cashmere products that are made to last.

For further information or advice on Cashmere Care, please contact our ecommerce Customer Service Team at ecommerce@johnstonsofelgin.com