How to Wash and Care for a Cashmere Wool Throw

By Riley Home | Published: 2026-10-21

Category: Tips & Care

Learn the proper steps to wash and care for your cashmere wool throw, including hand washing, drying, and storage tips. Keep your luxury throw looking beautiful for years.

Quick Answer

Hand wash your cashmere wool throw in cool water with a gentle wool-specific detergent, then lay it flat to dry away from heat and sunlight. Avoid wringing, twisting, or machine drying to prevent felting and shrinkage.

Why Hand Washing Is the Safest Method

Cashmere fibers are delicate and prone to felting when agitated too aggressively. Machine washing, even on a gentle cycle, can cause the fibers to mat together, leading to shrinkage and a rough texture. Hand washing gives you full control over the water temperature and handling, preserving the softness and shape of your throw. The Riley Luxe Cashmere Wool Throw, crafted in Portugal from a premium cashmere blend, benefits from this gentle approach to maintain its elegant herringbone pattern and bordered edge.

Choosing the Right Detergent

Not all laundry detergents are suitable for cashmere. Standard detergents often contain enzymes and brighteners that can strip the natural oils from the wool, leaving it dry and scratchy. A pH-neutral, wool-specific detergent or a mild baby shampoo is the safest choice. Avoid fabric softeners, which coat the fibers and reduce breathability, and bleach, which will damage the cashmere.

What to Avoid When Drying

Heat is the enemy of cashmere. Machine drying, direct sunlight, and radiators can all cause the fibers to shrink and become brittle. Always dry your cashmere wool throw flat on a clean towel, away from heat sources. Reshape it gently while it is damp to maintain its dimensions. Hanging a wet cashmere throw can stretch it out of shape, so avoid that as well.

Step-by-Step Care Guide

Prepare the Wash Basin: Fill a clean basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water (never hot). Add a small amount of wool-specific detergent and swish to dissolve. Too much detergent can leave residue that attracts dirt. Checkpoint: Use cool water — hot water causes cashmere to shrink.
Submerge and Gently Agitate: Place the throw in the water and press it down gently to allow the soapy water to penetrate. Swish it softly with your hands for 3–5 minutes. Do not scrub, rub, or wring the fabric, as this can cause felting. Common mistake: Rubbing or twisting the throw leads to permanent matting.
Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean cool water. Submerge the throw again and press gently to release soap. Repeat until no suds remain. Residual detergent can make the cashmere feel stiff. Empty
Remove Excess Water: Lift the throw out of the water and let it drip for a moment. Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel, then roll the towel up like a jelly roll. Press gently on the roll to absorb moisture. Never twist or wring the throw. Checkpoint: The towel should be damp, not soaking — repeat with a second dry towel if needed.
Dry Flat and Reshape: Unroll the towel and transfer the throw to a second dry towel or a drying rack laid flat. Gently stretch and smooth it back to its original dimensions, paying attention to the edges. Allow it to air dry completely away from direct heat or sunlight. This can take 24–48 hours. Common mistake: Hanging the throw while wet will stretch it out of shape.
Store Properly: Once fully dry, fold the throw loosely and store it in a breathable cotton bag or on a shelf. Avoid plastic bins, which trap moisture, and cedar or mothballs, which can leave strong odors. A cashmere throw should be stored clean and dry to prevent moth damage. Empty

Product Spotlight

Luxe Cashmere Wool Throw: Crafted in Portugal from a premium cashmere blend with a soft knit construction and sophisticated herringbone pattern. The delicate herringbone weave requires careful hand washing to prevent the pattern from distorting and to keep the bordered edge crisp.
Luxe Cashmere Wool Throw