How to wash wool and cashmere at home without shrinking it
Your favourite merino or cashmere jumper is the one you're most nervous to wash. One wrong cycle and it could come out a size smaller — so it sits in the wardrobe, or goes to the dry cleaner at a cost.
The good news: most wool can be washed at home, and the rules are simpler than you'd think. Spring, when the winter knits are about to be packed away, is a good time to get them right.
Can you put wool in the washing machine?
Yes - if the care label says you can. The Woolmark Company says a wool garment whose care label permits machine washing can be safely machine washed multiple times without shrinking.
The key is the right cycle. Woolmark recommends using your machine's wool setting, which is usually gentle action at 40°C. If your machine doesn't have one, use a cold wash or the delicates cycle.
How do you machine wash wool, step by step?
Read the care label. Look for whether it says machine wash, hand wash only or dry clean only — and follow it.
Use a mild wool detergent. Woolmark advises a neutral, mild detergent; Woolmark-recommended detergents carry the Woolmark symbol on the pack.
Choose the wool cycle. Or cold / delicates if there's no wool setting.
Dry it flat. Woolmark recommends drying wool flat after washing, unless the label says it can be tumble dried.
How do you hand wash wool?
If the label says hand wash only, Woolmark's method is straightforward:
Turn the garment inside out.
Wash in lukewarm water, around 30°C, with a mild, gentle detergent.
Let it soak for about 10 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water, then cold.
Dry flat.
Can you tumble dry wool?
Only if the care label says tumble dry. In that case Woolmark says to use a low heat setting or a setting for wool or delicates, and recommends a dryer approved by The Woolmark Company. If the label doesn't say tumble dry, dry it flat.
What about cashmere?
Cashmere is a different fibre from sheep's wool, and the Woolmark guidance above is written for wool. With cashmere, the care label is your rule book: if it allows washing, apply the same gentle principles — a mild detergent, a gentle or wool cycle, and drying flat. If it says dry clean only, stick to that.
Why does your washing machine matter for wool?
Look for the Woolmark Apparel Care symbol. Woolmark says it means a washing machine or dryer has passed rigorous, independent testing and been approved by The Woolmark Company.
Across Fisher & Paykel's laundry range, wool care is built in from Series 5. Its Series 5 and 7 heat pump dryers carry Woolmark Black certification for machine-washable wool, while Series 9 and 11 dryers carry Woolmark Blue, which extends to hand-wash-only wool. Series 11 washers add dedicated cashmere care.
If wool and cashmere make up a big part of your wardrobe, that's worth weighing when you choose a washer and dryer. Compare the full range in our guide: Fisher & Paykel Series 5, 7, 9 or 11: which washer and heat pump dryer is right for your wardrobe?
Reviewed by 100% Home. Last updated October 2026.