The short answer
Wool and cashmere: hand wash in lukewarm water with a wool wash, press out water in a towel, dry flat. Silk: short soak in cool water with a silk safe detergent, no wringing, dry flat out of the sun. Cotton bandanas: machine wash. Never hang wet knits.
Wool and cashmere knits
- Check the label
If it says dry clean only, do that. Otherwise, hand wash.
- Wash gently
Lukewarm water and a little wool wash. Swish, do not rub; a no-rinse wool wash saves a step.
- Press out water
Do not wring. Lay the scarf on a towel, roll it up and press.
- Dry flat
Shape it by hand on a dry towel and leave it flat. Woolmark warns that hangers and lines stretch knits and that direct heat can damage wool.
Silk
- Cool water
Use cool water and a small amount of detergent made for silk or delicates.
- Short soak
A few minutes is enough. Long soaks can lift dye.
- No wringing
Rinse, then roll in a towel to remove water.
- Dry flat, out of the sun
Lay flat and press on the reverse with a cool iron if needed.
These steps follow silk makers’ advice, such as Inoui Editions’ guide. It is maker guidance, so the care label wins.
Cotton bandanas and kerchiefs
Most cotton bandanas are machine washable. Wash dark and red prints separately the first few times, as they can bleed, and line or tumble dry as the label allows.
Supplies
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01
Knits
Wool wash
Best for Wool, cashmere, mohair
- No-rinse formulas save a step
- Gentle on fibers
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02
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03
Pills
Sweater comb or shaver
Best for Wool and cashmere
- Removes pills where the scarf rubs
- Use light strokes on a flat surface
Storage
- Fold knits; hanging stretches them.
- Store wool clean, as moths go for soiled fibers, in a breathable bag.
- Roll silk scarves loosely to avoid hard creases.
Fiber basics are in triangle scarf materials.
Questions people ask
Can I put a wool scarf in the washing machine?
Only if the label says machine washable, on a wool or hand wash cycle. Otherwise hand wash. Heat and agitation shrink and felt wool.
Why do you dry knit scarves flat?
Wet knits are heavy and stretch out of shape on a hanger or line. Woolmark advises drying knitwear flat whenever possible and keeping it away from direct heat.
How do I get rid of pills on a wool scarf?
Use a sweater comb or fabric shaver on a flat surface, with light strokes. Pills form where the scarf rubs, such as under a coat collar.
Sources
Last reviewed October 12, 2026. Styles, sizes and availability change; check the listing before you buy.