How to Wash a UNIQLO Cashmere Sweater

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Read the label and decide whether washing is needed

Check the label near the lower inside seam and identify cashmere, a cashmere blend, or another knit altogether. UNIQLO’s cashmere care guide describes hand washing, while its broader garment-care guidance makes the individual label decisive. Do not override a dry-clean-only instruction on an older or differently constructed sweater. If the piece is simply worn but not dirty, airing it and giving it a rest may avoid an unnecessary wash.

Step 2: Set up a basin and drying space before wetting the knit

Use a clean basin without residue from bleach or household cleaners. Prepare a nearby towel or mesh rack large enough to support the entire sweater so you will not need to carry a dripping garment around by its shoulders. Wash it separately from dark items that might release color and from hardware that can snag the knit. Note the natural shape of its body, sleeves and neckline while dry; that gives you a sensible reshaping reference without pulling the damp garment toward an invented size.

Step 3: Mix a mild detergent into cool or lukewarm water

Use a wool-compatible neutral detergent at its hand-washing dose and dissolve or distribute it in the water before adding the sweater. UNIQLO’s regional guidance varies between cool water and lukewarm water; neither is a reason to choose a hot wash. Follow the lower temperature permitted by your label and detergent. Avoid pouring concentrated cleaner directly onto one visible patch. More detergent makes rinsing harder and does not remove the need to handle a delicate knit gently. Do not add bleach or a random whitening treatment.

Step 4: Press the sweater gently rather than rubbing stains

Lower the garment into the prepared water and gently press it through the solution. Pay attention to the collar and cuffs without scrubbing two layers together or twisting a sleeve. If a food or makeup mark does not release with permitted gentle care, stop before introducing stronger chemistry or prolonged friction. Treat a washable cashmere sweater as one supported item rather than lifting and stretching individual sections. Machine washing is an option only when the actual garment label allows it; a laundry net cannot make a hand-wash-only item machine-safe.

Step 5: Rinse away detergent and press out water

Replace the wash water with clean water at a similar, label-appropriate temperature and gently rinse until detergent residue is gone. Keep the sweater supported as the basin empties instead of letting the wet body hang from one cuff. Press out water without wringing. Transfer it onto a clean towel, arrange the fabric without bunching, and use another towel to absorb moisture with light pressure. Do not twist the towel bundle as if wringing a bath mat. The objective is less free water, not a forcibly squeezed or elongated garment.

Step 6: Reshape and dry flat out of direct heat

Arrange the sweater flat on a mesh rack or clean dry towel, bringing seams, sleeves and ribbed edges into their normal positions without stretching. Keep it away from direct sunlight, radiators and a hot dryer. UNIQLO recommends turning it over once the exposed side feels dry so the other side can finish drying. Replace a wet towel when necessary rather than leaving the knit against a damp surface. Check thicker cuffs and overlapping areas before folding. A hanger is not a suitable drying support for a heavy wet cashmere sweater.

Step 7: Handle pills separately and store only when fully dry

Let the sweater dry before evaluating surface pills. Lay it flat and, if needed, carefully trim individual pills with small scissors without catching the knitted fabric; do not pull them out by hand. UNIQLO cautions that repeated aggressive removal can thin the material. Inspect a suspected pill closely because a snagged loop needs different handling and should not be cut casually. Fold the clean, fully dry sweater for storage in a dry location. Reduce repeated rubbing from rough bag straps and allow rest between wears instead of washing or shaving after every outing.