Real pashmina is a lifetime investment. Hand-spun from the fine undercoat of the Changthangi goat and hand-woven by Kashmiri artisans, a genuine pashmina shawl can last decades — even improve with age — if it's cared for correctly. Treat it like ordinary wool and it won't survive one bad wash. Here's how to keep yours soft, warm, and beautiful for years to come.
1. Skip the Washing Machine — Always
Pashmina fibers are extremely fine and delicate, roughly a third the diameter of human hair. Machine washing, spinning, or even vigorous hand agitation will felt and mat the fibers permanently.
- Best option: professional dry cleaning, once or twice a season at most.
- If you must hand wash: use lukewarm water with a mild, pH-neutral shampoo (baby shampoo works well). Gently swirl — never rub or wring. Rinse thoroughly, then press out excess water between two towels.
2. Never Wring or Twist
Wringing breaks the delicate fibers and distorts the weave. After washing, lay the shawl flat on a dry towel, roll it up to absorb moisture, then reshape it by hand and dry flat on a clean surface, away from direct sunlight.
3. Dry Flat, Away from Heat and Sun
Never hang a wet pashmina — the weight of the water will stretch and distort the fabric. Never use a dryer, radiator, or direct sunlight, which weakens the fibers and can fade natural dyes. Flat drying in shade, indoors, is always the safest method.
4. Store It the Right Way
- Fold gently rather than hanging on a hanger, which can stretch the shoulders and create permanent lines.
- Wrap in a breathable cotton or muslin cloth — never plastic, which traps moisture and encourages mildew.
- Keep in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Refold every few months along different lines to prevent permanent crease marks.
5. Protect Against Moths Naturally
Pashmina is a magnet for moths. Avoid mothballs, which leave a chemical smell that's hard to remove. Instead:
- Use cedar blocks, dried lavender sachets, or neem leaves in your storage drawer.
- Check on stored pieces every couple of months and air them out briefly.
6. Keep Perfume and Deodorant Away
Alcohol-based sprays — perfume, deodorant, hairspray — can stain and weaken the fibers on contact. Always let fragrance dry completely before draping a pashmina, and apply it to skin, not fabric.
7. Handle Pilling and Snags Gently
Occasional pilling is normal, even on authentic pieces, and isn't a sign of poor quality. Gently pick off any loose fibers by hand rather than shaving or brushing. If a thread snags, don't pull it — smooth it back into the weave and, if needed, have it professionally repaired.
8. Ironing — Proceed with Caution
If a piece looks creased, avoid ironing directly. Steam it gently from a distance, or place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the shawl on the lowest possible setting.
A Note on Longevity
A well-cared-for pashmina doesn't just last — it develops a softness and drape over time that's impossible to replicate in a new piece. Many families pass shawls down for generations, and with the right care, yours can become one of them.
Looking for an authentic, hand-woven pashmina? Explore our Kashmiri Pashmina collection, sourced directly from artisan families we've worked with for three generations.
