Pashmina and Shawl Care: How to Wash, Dry and Store Them at Home

Quick answer: Pure pashmina and fine embroidered shawls are safest when dry cleaned, but you can hand wash a plain pashmina at home in cool water with a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Soak it gently for a few minutes, do not rub or wring, rinse in cool water, press the water out in a towel and dry it flat in the shade. Store shawls clean, folded loosely in a cotton or muslin cloth, with neem leaves or cloves to keep moths away.

A good pashmina or a Kashmiri shawl is often more than a piece of clothing. It may be a wedding gift, a family heirloom or something passed down from a grandmother. Pashmina fibres are extremely fine and soft, which is what makes them so warm and light, and also what makes them easy to damage with the wrong wash. This guide covers how to clean, dry, store and care for pashmina and other woollen shawls at home.

First, know what you have

• Pure pashmina: very fine, soft and light. Usually expensive and delicate.
• Pashmina blends: pashmina mixed with silk or wool. Slightly stronger, but still delicate.
• Embroidered shawls such as sozni, tilla or kani work: the embroidery threads may bleed or pucker, so these are best dry cleaned.
• Everyday wool or acrylic shawls: much easier to wash at home.

If you are not sure, or the shawl is valuable or old, choose dry cleaning from a cleaner who handles fine woollens.

Mentioned in this guide

Lavender & Geranium Plant-Based Laundry Liquid, Bio-Enzyme, for Machine & Hand Wash

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How often should you clean a pashmina?

Less often than you think. Shawls are usually worn over other clothes, so they do not get very dirty. Air your shawl after each wear and clean it only a few times a season or when it is stained. Over-washing wears down the delicate fibres.

How to hand wash a pashmina at home

1. Do a colour test. Dab a hidden corner with a wet white cloth. If colour comes off, have it dry cleaned instead.
2. Fill a clean basin with cool water. Never use hot water, which can shrink and felt the fibres.
3. Add a small amount of mild liquid detergent and mix it in fully before adding the shawl.
4. Soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Gently press the shawl down and move it softly in the water. Do not rub, scrub or twist.
5. Rinse in fresh cool water two or three times until no soap remains.
6. Press out the water. Lift the shawl in a bundle, press it gently against the side of the basin, then lay it on a thick, clean towel, roll it up and press. Never wring.

How to dry a pashmina

Unroll the shawl and lay it flat on a fresh dry towel or a clean drying rack, in the shade, away from direct sun and heaters. Gently ease it back into its original shape and size while damp. Turn it once while it dries. Never hang a wet pashmina, as the weight of the water will stretch it, and never put it in a dryer.

How to remove creases

Steam is the gentlest option. Hang the dry shawl in the bathroom while you take a hot shower, or use a garment steamer held a little away from the fabric. If you need to iron it, use the wool or low setting, place a thin cotton cloth between the iron and the shawl, and do not press down hard.

How to deal with stains

• Act quickly. Blot the spill gently with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub.
• Food and oil: dab the spot with a cloth dipped in cool water and a drop of mild liquid detergent, then blot with plain water.
• Makeup and sindoor: lift off any dry powder first by tapping, then treat gently. For a guide to festive stains, see our wedding season stain guide.
• Old, set-in or large stains: take the shawl to a dry cleaner who handles fine woollens. Home stain removers can damage pashmina and embroidery.

How to remove pilling from a shawl

Pashmina can form small pills where it rubs against a bag or a jacket. Do not use a razor on fine pashmina. Pick large pills off gently by hand or snip them with small scissors. See how to remove pilling from sweaters for more tips.

How to store pashmina and shawls

1. Clean the shawl before storing it. Moths are attracted to body oils and stains.
2. Make sure it is completely dry.
3. Fold it loosely, with a sheet of plain white tissue or muslin between the folds to avoid sharp creases.
4. Wrap it in a cotton or muslin cloth, or keep it in a breathable cotton bag. Avoid plastic, which traps moisture in the monsoon.
5. Add a small pouch of dried neem leaves, cloves or cedar nearby, not touching the shawl directly.
6. Refold it in a different way every few months, and air it on a dry, sunny day, so the folds do not weaken the fibres.

For more on keeping winter clothes safe through summer and the monsoon, see how to store winter clothes.

Mistakes to avoid

• Washing in hot water or in a normal machine cycle.
• Rubbing, scrubbing or wringing.
• Using bleach, strong stain removers or harsh detergents.
• Drying in direct sun or on a hanger.
• Spraying perfume directly on the shawl, which can mark fine fibres.

What we use

For hand washing everyday shawls and woollens, we use a small amount of our Plant Based Laundry Liquid, which dissolves easily in cool water and is gentle on skin. It is free from harsh toxins, parabens and synthetic VOCs, 100% biodegradable and independently lab tested. For valuable or embroidered pieces, we still recommend a trusted dry cleaner. Read our full winter clothes care guide for the rest of your wardrobe.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash a pashmina shawl at home?

A plain pashmina can be hand washed in cool water with a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Do not rub or wring, and dry it flat in the shade. Dry clean embroidered, very old or valuable shawls.

Can I put a pashmina in the washing machine?

It is not recommended. Even a gentle cycle can stretch, felt or damage the fine fibres. Hand washing or dry cleaning is safer.

How do I keep moths away from my pashmina?

Store it clean and dry, wrapped in cotton or muslin, with dried neem leaves, cloves or cedar nearby, and air it a few times a year.

How do I know if my pashmina is real?

Real pashmina is very soft, light and warm, and usually comes with a certificate or a GI tag from a trusted seller. If in doubt, buy from a reputed source and treat any fine shawl as delicate.