Scarf Care and Storage: How to Keep Wool, Cashmere, Silk and Cotton Scarves Looking Good
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Scarf Care and Storage: How to Keep Wool, Cashmere, Silk and Cotton Scarves Looking Good
A good scarf can last for many seasons if you look after it. Most care is simple: wash gently, dry flat, store clean and keep an eye out for moths. This guide covers the basics for the most common fabrics and the best ways to store a collection.
Start with the care label
In the United States, the Federal Trade Commission's Care Labeling Rule requires most textile clothing to carry care instructions. Scarves from small makers may include a care card instead. Either way, the maker's instructions come first. The tips below are general and shouldn't override them.
Washing by fabric
Wool and merino
- Wash only when needed. Airing a wool scarf out between wears is often enough.
- Hand wash in cool or lukewarm water with a gentle detergent made for wool.
- Don't wring or twist. Press the water out gently, or roll the scarf in a towel.
Cashmere
- Hand wash in cool water with a mild wool or cashmere wash.
- Handle gently while wet, when the fibers are most delicate.
- Some cashmere pills with wear, especially where it rubs against a coat. A cashmere comb or fabric shaver can remove pills carefully.
Silk
- Many silk scarves are dry-clean only. Check the label.
- If hand washing is allowed, use cool water and a gentle detergent suitable for silk, and don't soak for long.
- Avoid direct sunlight while drying, which can fade colors.
Cotton, linen and modal
- Often machine washable on a gentle cycle. Check the label first.
- A mesh laundry bag helps protect fringes and edges.
For a side-by-side comparison of the three most popular fibers, see our cashmere vs merino vs silk guide.
Drying
- Lay knit and wool scarves flat on a towel and reshape them while damp. Hanging a wet knit can stretch it.
- Silk and cotton can usually be hung to dry, away from direct heat and sun.
- Skip the tumble dryer for wool, cashmere and silk unless the label says otherwise.
Removing wrinkles
- Silk: a cool iron on the reverse side with a pressing cloth, or a gentle steamer.
- Wool and cashmere: steam lightly or hang in a steamy bathroom. Avoid pressing hard with a hot iron.
- Cotton and linen: iron while slightly damp, following the label's heat setting.
Storage: folding vs hanging
- Fold knits and heavy wool scarves. Hanging them for months can stretch them out of shape.
- Hang or roll silk scarves to avoid sharp creases. A multi-loop hanger or a drawer with rolled scarves works well.
- Give each scarf some space. Crowding causes wrinkles and makes it hard to see what you have.
Ideas for a small space
- A drawer divider with each scarf folded or rolled.
- Clear storage boxes on a shelf, labeled by fabric or season.
- Over-the-door hooks for scarves you wear often.
Keeping moths away
Clothes moth larvae feed on animal fibers like wool, cashmere and silk, especially if items are stored dirty.
- Clean before storing. Store scarves washed or freshly aired.
- Use sealed containers or garment bags for off-season storage.
- Cedar blocks or lavender sachets are popular deterrents. Refresh them regularly.
- Check stored items now and then, and air them out.
Seasonal swap checklist
At the end of winter:
- Wash or air each wool and cashmere scarf.
- Dry fully and remove any pills.
- Fold and store in breathable or sealed containers with a deterrent.
- Bring out lighter silk and cotton scarves for spring.
Let the SI suggest easy-care options
If you want a scarf that's simple to look after, tell the Scarves.si concierge. It can suggest machine-washable options from independent makers, with a one-line reason for each. You can also browse our winter scarves guide.
FAQ
How often should I wash a wool scarf? Only when it's visibly dirty or holds odors. Airing it out between wears is usually enough.
Can I put a cashmere scarf in the washing machine? Only if the care label says so. Hand washing in cool water is the safer default.
What's the best way to store silk scarves? Rolled or hung loosely, away from direct sunlight, so they don't crease or fade.
Want a scarf that's easy to care for? Ask the SI →
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