How to Wash Wool, Linen, and Cashmere: A Complete Guide to Washing Delicate Clothes

Posted By: Katherine Chang

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Posted On: 11/18/2025

Understanding Delicate Fabrics

Delicate fabrics have a certain je ne sais quoi—they give an understated sophistication to even the simplest outfit. But the fine fibers that give wool, linen, and cashmere their signature look and feel are also what make them vulnerable to heat, friction, and harsh chemicals. Understanding how to best care for these fabrics not only restores their texture and shape but ensures they last for seasons to come.

Tips for How to Wash Delicates Like Wool, Linen, & Cashmere

Rule number one: Don’t use big-name laundry detergents. Conventional laundry detergents are often loaded with toxic ingredients like bleach or optical brighteners that can weaken the delicate fibers and strip color. 

When washing wool, linen, or cashmere, opt for a mild detergent like Truly Free Home Laundry Wash that’s safe for all fabric types—including delicate fibers. Once you’ve got the right detergent, keep these other tips for how to wash delicates in mind:

  • Check the care label for washing instructions 
  • Use cold or lukewarm water
  • Avoid agitation and wringing
  • If you’re not sure, washing by hand is the safer option


Caring for delicate fabrics doesn’t have to be complicated; it just requires the appropriate laundry products, careful handling, and a few easy steps. 

Keep reading for specific instructions for how to wash wool, linen, and cashmere. 

How to Wash Wool

If you’ve been nervous about how to wash wool at home, don’t be—it's simpler than you think. Follow these steps to refresh and clean your wool garments the gentle, non-toxic way.

What You Need to Wash Wool:


Instructions:

Step 1: Check the label: If it says “dry clean only,” stick with professional cleaning. Otherwise, hand washing wool is fine.

Step 2: Fill a large sink or basin with cold or lukewarm water. Add ¼ cap of Truly Free Home Laundry Wash to the water. Swish with your hand to gently mix. 

Step 3: Add wool garment to the water and detergent mixture and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 4: Drain the sink or basin, then refill it with cold water. Soak the wool clothing again until all the laundry detergent is gone. Repeat if needed. 

Step 5: Lightly press the wool garment against the side of the basin to remove water (avoid wringing or twisting). 

Step 6: Lay the wool garment flat on a clean, large bath towel. Roll the towel up with the garment inside to absorb excess moisture.

Step 7: Lay flat to dry on a drying rack, away from direct sunlight or heat. Avoid hanging to prevent stretching.

Stain Treatment for Wool:

Step 1: Spritz Truly Free Home Laundry Stain Spray on a hidden area of your wool clothing, like along the inside seam, to ensure its integrity isn’t compromised. 

Step 2: Once you’ve confirmed the stain remover is safe for your wool garment, lightly mist the stained area(s) with Truly Free Home Laundry Stain Spray. 

Step 3: Using a reusable sponge, gently dab to work the stain spray into the fabric. 

Step 4: Once you’ve treated the stain, follow steps 2 through 6 above to gently hand wash your wool clothing. 

How to Wash Linen

Lightweight and durable, linen cleans up easily with the proper care. Follow these steps to learn how to wash your linen pieces without weakening the fibers or dulling the fabric’s natural look.

What You Need to Wash Linen:


Instructions:

Step 1: Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cold water with similar colors and a ¼ cap of Truly Free Home Laundry Wash. 

Step 2: For especially fine linen, and if indicated by the care label, hand wash. 

Step 3: Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water, and add a ¼ cap of Truly Free Home Laundry Wash. 

Step 4: Soak your linen garment in the water and non-toxic laundry detergent for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 5: After washing, give your linen clothing a good shake to release wrinkles.

Step 6: Lay flat to air dry or tumble dry on low. If you use the dryer, remove your linen clothing while still slightly damp to reduce wrinkles.

Optional: For a crisp look, iron or steam your linen on a medium to high setting while still damp. For a more relaxed aesthetic, skip the iron and spritz your linen clothing with Truly Free Home Wrinkle & Static Releaser. Gently tug the linen garment to smooth out wrinkles, and allow to dry for 30 minutes before wearing.


Stain Treatment for Linen:

Step 1: Combine a teaspoon of Truly Free Home Dish Soap with cool water, then dab the mixture gently onto the stain using a reusable sponge. 

Step 2: After spot-treating, rinse the area with cold water. 

Step 3: Wash linen according to steps 1-2 above. 

Step 4: Skip the dryer until you’re sure the mark is gone. Instead, air dry to see whether further treatment is needed.


How to Wash Cashmere

Delicate and ultra-soft, when caring for cashmere, it needs a little extra TLC. These steps show you how to wash cashmere safely at home while preserving its signature softness.

What You Need to Wash Cashmere:


Instructions:

Step 1: Fill a sink or basin with cold or lukewarm water and add ¼ cap of Truly Free Home Laundry Wash (just enough to create a small lather).

Step 2: Turn cashmere clothing inside out and submerge it in the water and laundry detergent mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, gently swishing it around to combine.

Step 3: Drain water from the sink or basin, then refill it with cold water. Gently move the cashmere clothing in water until all the laundry detergent is gone. Repeat if needed.  

Step 4: Lightly press cashmere garment against the side of the basin to remove water (avoid wringing or twisting). 

Step 5: Lay cashmere clothing flat on a clean, large bath towel. Roll the towel up with the garment inside to absorb excess moisture.

Step 6: Reshape the cashmere clothing and lay it flat on a fresh towel to air dry (away from sunlight or heat sources). Avoid hanging to prevent stretching.


Stain Treatment for Cashmere:

Step 1: Spritz Truly Free Home Laundry Stain Spray on a hidden area of cashmere clothing, like the inside seam, to ensure its integrity isn’t compromised.  

Step 2: Lightly mist stained area(s) with Truly Free Home Laundry Stain Spray. 

Step 3: Using a reusable sponge, gently dab to work the stain spray into the fabric. 

Step 4: Follow steps 1 through 5 above. 

Step 5: If the stain remains (especially if it’s wine, ink, or dye transfer), take it to a professional cleaner.

Delicate fabrics like wool, linen, and cashmere call for a little extra attention. But washing them is simpler than you think—especially when you have gentle, safe products like Truly Free Home Laundry Wash. 

And thanks to this step-by-step guide on how to wash delicates, keeping your favorite pieces looking luxurious is less of a chore and more of a small, satisfying act of self-care.

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