December 28, 2025, 1:55 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Winter is here—and hats, gloves, and XXL scarves are in constant use. However, these winter accessories rarely see the inside of a washing machine. myHOMEBOOK has tips on how to properly wash your warming companions.
Reaching for a scarf these days is as routine as brushing your teeth. However, we often pay too little attention to hygiene: We cough into the scarf, grab everything with our gloves, and often put on the hat over unwashed hair. Yet, we rarely wash our warming accessories: at the start of the season and then—if we don’t forget—only at the end. Mostly because we’re unsure when, how, and where to wash them.
Hygiene is Key
To prevent scarves and the like from becoming bacteria hotspots, we must regularly (and thoroughly) wash or at least air out our winter accessories. Especially during flu season, it’s important to be vigilant, as bacteria hiding in scarves can easily reach the respiratory tract. The washing process, however, depends on the different materials.
How Often Should Winter Accessories Like Scarves Be Washed?
The answer isn’t straightforward. How often a scarf or hat needs washing depends on how often it’s worn and the material. While cotton and viscose are relatively durable and can be washed more frequently in the machine, cashmere or wool items require more care. This makes us more hesitant about washing them.
If a scarf gets dirty, it should, of course, be washed immediately. After a cold, it’s also important to rid the scarf of any nasty bacteria. Additionally, hats, scarves, and the like should be cleaned occasionally. For materials like cashmere or wool, washing should be minimized, but there are tips and tricks to maintain quality.
Cashmere in Scarves, Hats, and Gloves: Cozy but Delicate
The soft feel of cashmere offers an incredibly pleasant wearing experience and is one of our favorite winter companions. However, cashmere is not known for its high tolerance and doesn’t forgive any laundry mistakes. Once cashmere is damaged, it’s damaged. And since it’s a high-priced fabric, we’re not thrilled about that.
Therefore, cashmere should neither be worn nor washed too often. If you own a cashmere scarf, for example, you should alternate it with another scarf and give the cashmere piece about 24 hours of rest to keep it fresh and beautiful. Otherwise, airing it out in fresh air—in between—is often sufficient. And when it does come to washing, there are various alternatives:
Washing Machine
If your washing machine has a wool program, cashmere accessories can be gently cleaned in the machine. Note: maximum 30 degrees Celsius and avoid fabric softener. Use liquid wool detergent or a good shampoo. However, the extremely gentle spin cycle won’t remove stubborn dirt. For such stains, hand washing is recommended.
Hand Wash
Hand washing is also an option for cashmere. Important: The water should be lukewarm, and the wash should be brief. Avoid soaking cashmere. To prevent matting, do not rub the delicate fabric. Wool detergent or a good shampoo is suitable for hand washing. Rinse out the detergent well and gently squeeze the wool. You can wrap the wash in a towel to remove excess moisture, preventing damage to the fine fibers.
Drying
After washing—in any form—cashmere items can be air-dried or dried in a dryer (cold air program). For the first option, lay a towel underneath to absorb moisture and prevent damage to the fine fibers.
Important: Clothing and accessories with cashmere should never be hung to dry to avoid distorting the shape. Laying the items flat prevents damage to the fine cashmere fibers.
Wool in Winter Accessories–the Sensitive Winter Favorite
Wool in winter is a must. Preferably every day. However, frequent use shows on woolen accessories faster than we’d like. Merino, mohair, and alpaca wool don’t look as fresh after multiple uses as they did initially. But a gentle wash can restore their shine. Caution is advised, as wool is a delicate material. It mats easily and can lose shape and shrink with harsh treatment.
Washing Machine
To refresh wool and maintain its shape, use the gentle wool program at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. A special wool rinse with lanolin is recommended for extra care. This softens the fabric and has an antibacterial effect.
Hand Wash
When hand washing wool scarves, hats, or gloves, keep in mind: Soak briefly in lukewarm water and use wool detergent. Gently squeeze and move the item to avoid matting.
Drying
Do not wring out, only gently squeeze. Woolen hats, scarves, and gloves should be handled carefully to preserve material and shape. After gently squeezing, carefully reshape the hat or scarf and lay it on a terry towel to dry.
Also of interest: Yellow Stains? How to Make a Yellowed Pillow White Again
What to Consider When Buying and Caring for Cashmere
How to Wash Hand-Wash Items in the Machine
Leather Gloves Need the Soft Side of the Sponge
Yes, leather gloves should also be cleaned. Use a non-abrasive sponge and mild soapy water. Gently wipe the gloves, always using the soft side of the sponge. For the lining, wash the gloves slowly with lukewarm water.
Afterward, be cautious: Do not wring the gloves too hard to avoid damaging the leather. For extra care, apply a special leather conditioner at the end. This protects the gloves from new scratches and dirt and keeps the leather supple. To prevent the material from becoming too stiff, apply the conditioner while the gloves are still damp.
Cotton and Viscose Are Durable Companions
Cotton and viscose are more relaxed: Always follow the care label to enjoy the winter accessory in its usual form for as long as possible and maintain its warmth.
Cotton and viscose scarves should generally be washed at 30 degrees Celsius on a gentle cycle. Hand washing with a suitable delicate detergent is also an option. Afterward, squeeze out the water and lay the scarf flat or hang it to dry. However, knitted scarves should not be hung to maintain their shape.