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Quince Cashmere Care: Washing, Pilling & Making It Last (2026)
Quince cashmere is machine washable on cold/delicate, but hand-washing and flat-drying makes it last years longer. Here's how to wash it, stop pilling, store it, and get the most out of $50 cashmere.
Updated July 2, 2026 · Based on 193,951+ verified buyer reviews
Can you machine wash Quince cashmere?
Yes. Quince labels its cashmere as machine washable, and in practice it holds up well to a cold, gentle cycle — which is a big part of why $50 Quince cashmere is so easy to live with compared to dry-clean-only luxury knits. That said, "machine washable" and "best washed by hand" aren't contradictions. The gentlest possible method extends the life of any cashmere, so if you want a sweater to still look great in five years, hand-washing is worth the ten extra minutes. If you do machine wash, always use cold water, a delicate cycle, a mesh laundry bag, and a detergent formulated for wool or delicates — never hot water, never a normal cycle, and never fabric softener.
How to hand-wash Quince cashmere (the best method)
Fill a basin or clean sink with cool water and a small amount of wool wash or gentle detergent. Turn the sweater inside out, submerge it, and gently press the water through the fabric — do not wring, twist, or scrub, which is what stretches and felts cashmere. Let it soak for about 10 minutes, then drain and rinse with fresh cool water until the water runs clear. Press the water out gently, then lay the sweater flat on a clean towel, roll the towel up like a sleeping bag to absorb excess water, and unroll. The whole process takes about 15 minutes of hands-on time and is the single biggest thing you can do to keep Quince cashmere soft and in shape.
Never hang it: drying and reshaping
The number-one mistake with cashmere is hanging it to dry — the weight of the wet fabric stretches the shoulders and lengthens the body permanently. Always dry cashmere flat. Lay the damp sweater on a fresh dry towel or a mesh drying rack, and while it's wet, gently reshape it back to its original dimensions: square the shoulders, smooth the body, straighten the sleeves and cuffs. Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from radiators, which can make fibers brittle. It will take several hours to a day to dry fully. Never put cashmere in the dryer — the heat and tumbling cause shrinkage and felting that you generally can't undo.
Why cashmere pills — and how to fix it
Pilling is normal and not a sign of low quality. It happens where the garment rubs against itself or other surfaces (underarms, sides, where a bag strap sits) and short fibers work loose and tangle into little balls. Quince uses longer-fiber Grade-A cashmere, which pills less than cheaper short-fiber cashmere, but all cashmere pills somewhat, especially in the first few wears as loose fibers shed. The fix is easy: use a cashmere comb or a fabric shaver to gently remove pills, always working in one direction. Pilling actually decreases over time as the loose fibers work out. Washing (which helps the remaining fibers bloom and lock together) also reduces future pilling, so don't be afraid to wash a new sweater before heavy wear.
Storing cashmere and preventing moth holes
Always fold cashmere — never hang it long-term, or the shoulders will distort and the fabric will stretch. Store it clean, because body oils and food residue are what attract moths; a sweater you'll put away for the season should be washed first. Keep it in a breathable cotton storage bag or a drawer rather than sealed plastic, which can trap moisture and cause mildew. Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets as a natural moth deterrent and refresh them a couple times a year. If you see a tiny hole, mend it early with a simple needle-and-thread darn before it grows — small cashmere repairs are quick and keep an inexpensive sweater in rotation for years.
Is Quince cashmere worth the care effort?
For the price, absolutely. You're getting 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmere from around $50 — a fraction of what comparable knits cost at Naadam ($195) or Everlane ($130+). The care routine above (cold wash, dry flat, occasional de-pill, fold to store) is the same routine you'd give a $300 sweater, and it turns budget cashmere into a genuine multi-year wardrobe staple. Verified Quince buyers consistently rate the cashmere line 4.7–4.8/5, with the most common criticism being early pilling — which the comb-and-wash routine largely solves. Treat it gently and Quince cashmere delivers luxury-fabric performance at an entry-level price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you machine wash Quince cashmere?
Yes — Quince cashmere is machine washable on a cold, gentle cycle. Use a mesh bag, cold water, and a wool/delicates detergent, and never use hot water, a normal cycle, or fabric softener. Hand-washing is even gentler and makes it last longer, but machine washing on delicate is fine.
How do you stop Quince cashmere from pilling?
Pilling is normal, especially early on. Use a cashmere comb or fabric shaver to gently remove pills, always working in one direction. Pilling decreases over time as loose fibers work out, and washing helps the remaining fibers lock together. Quince's longer-fiber Grade-A cashmere pills less than cheap short-fiber cashmere.
Should you hang or fold cashmere?
Always fold cashmere — never hang it. Hanging stretches the shoulders and lengthens the body permanently. Dry it flat after washing (never in the dryer) and store it folded in a breathable bag or drawer with cedar or lavender to deter moths.
Is Quince cashmere good quality for the price?
Yes. It's 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmere from around $50 — a fraction of comparable knits at Naadam or Everlane — and verified buyers rate it 4.7–4.8/5. With basic care (cold wash, dry flat, occasional de-pill) it lasts for years, making it one of the best cashmere values available.
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