How to Wash a Pashmina Scarf

By: Melissa King

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Many people favor pashmina, a type of Indian cashmere that's often blended with silk, for its exceptional softness and durability. The long, soft wool fibers come from the pashmina goat, native to the Himalayas. If you own a pashmina scarf, washing it properly will help it keep its shape and softness. Pashmina can't withstand a cleaning in the washing machine, so you'll need to wash your scarf by hand.

Step 1

Fill a bowl or sink with lukewarm or cold water. Add a few drops of liquid wool-laundering detergent. Stir until suds appear.

Step 2

Put your pashmina scarf in the soapy water. Swirl the scarf around slowly to clean it. Don't squeeze the scarf or apply too much pressure; doing so may damage the fabric. If your scarf has tassels, swish them around gently.

Step 3

Rinse the scarf two or three times under cool running water. Continue rinsing until no more soapsuds remain.

Step 4

Lay a towel down, and then lay the scarf flat on the towel. Put another towel over the scarf. Press down on the top towel lightly to soak up excess water. Never wring water from the scarf.