How to Store Cashmere Properly

Why Cashmere Needs Extra Care

Cashmere is one of the finest and most expensive natural fibers — and one of the most vulnerable to moths, pilling, and improper storage. A cashmere sweater stored incorrectly can emerge from seasonal storage with holes, a musty smell, or permanent distortion. Stored correctly, it will last 20 years or more.

Step 1: Clean Before Every Storage

Moths are attracted to body oils and food residue on cashmere, not to clean fiber. Hand wash in cool water with a gentle wool-safe detergent, or dry-clean, before storing. This step is non-negotiable — even a cashmere sweater worn once should be cleaned before going into storage.

Step 2: Dry Flat

Never hang cashmere to dry — the weight of wet fiber causes it to stretch permanently. Lay flat on a clean towel and reshape gently. Allow to dry completely before storing — any residual moisture can cause mildew.

Step 3: Fold, Don't Hang

Hanging cashmere causes the shoulders to stretch and distort over time. Always fold cashmere for storage. Wrap each piece in acid-free tissue paper before folding — this prevents fiber-to-fiber friction (which causes pilling) and protects against yellowing during long-term storage.

Step 4: Store in Breathable Containers

Cashmere needs airflow. Use breathable fabric storage bags or cotton pillowcases rather than airtight plastic bins. Plastic traps moisture and can cause mildew and fiber damage over time.

Step 5: Add Cedar and Lavender Protection

Cashmere is a prime moth target. Add cedar blocks and lavender sachets to every storage container. Place cedar directly in the bag or bin with the cashmere — the closer the better. Replace or refresh sachets each season.

Step 6: Monitor with Moth Traps

Even with cedar and lavender protection, it's worth placing moth traps in your wardrobe or storage area. They catch adult moths before they can lay eggs, and they alert you to any moth activity early — before damage occurs.

What to Avoid

• Hanging (stretches shoulders)
• Airtight plastic storage (traps moisture)
• Storing dirty (attracts moths)
• Mothballs (chemical damage and persistent odor)
• Storing damp (mildew)
• Overcrowding (causes pilling from friction)

Quick Tips

• Store each cashmere piece individually wrapped in tissue paper if possible — prevents fiber-to-fiber friction.
• Check stored cashmere mid-season for any signs of moth activity.
• If you find a moth hole, freeze the item for 72 hours at -18°C to kill any remaining larvae before cleaning and re-storing.

Final Thoughts

Cashmere storage is about three things: clean fiber, breathable containers, and active moth protection. Follow these steps and your cashmere investment will pay off for decades.