Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Rani Gorgis. Rani Gorgis is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of Park Blvd Laundry & Dry Cleaners in San Diego, California. With several years of experience in the laundry and cleaning industry, Rani specializes in dry cleaning, wash-n-fold, shirt laundry, and servicing smoke-damaged clothes. He holds a BS in Accounting and a CPA certification.
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Dress pants are often a necessity for work and special occasions. Typically, dress pants need to be washed carefully or taken to the dry cleaners, especially if they are made out of a delicate material. Always be sure to read the care instructions before washing and drying your pants. Whether you are using a washing machine, washing by hand, or drying your pants, be sure to carry out the process with special attention and care.
Steps
Check the instructions. It is very important to always check the instructions before washing the dress pants. The pants could be damaged if you wash them improperly. Take your pants to the dry cleaners if you are worried about damaging the pants.[1][2]- Cotton, wool, and durable polyester are okay to machine wash. Wool, silk, and delicate cotton should be washed by hand.
Test the fabric with water. Do a spot test before washing. Run a small amount of water over a hidden part of the pants. You can also dab on a little of the laundry detergent that you plan to use. Rub a cotton swab over the fabric. You need to take the pants to the cleaners if any dye rubs off on the cotton swab.[3]Advertisement
Turn the pants inside out. Turning the pants inside out helps to reduce fading and protects the buttons. Once you have turned them inside out, put the pants into a mesh bag. You can find mesh bags made specifically for laundry at many supermarkets.[4]
Wash the dress pants in cold water on the gentle cycle. Put the mesh bag with the pants inside of it into the wash. Use a mild laundry detergent. Turn the washing machine on to the gentlest cycle available and use cold water.[5][6]- Take the pants out of the washing machine as soon as the cycle has ended.
- Fill the sink with cold water and mild detergent to wash your pants. You can use the sink, a wash basin, or your bathtub to wash the pants. Fill the sink with cold water. Pour in a small amount of mild detergent until the water begins to produce suds.[7]
- Saturate your pants in the water and detergent. Dip the pants into the water until they become completely saturated by the water and detergent mixture. Use your fingers to rub out any stains or dirty areas. Scrub gently in order to avoid damaging the fabric.[8]
Refill the sink with clean water to rinse out the pants. Drain the soapy water when you think the pants are clean. Refill the sink with cold and clean water. Dip the pants in and out of the clean water until all of the laundry detergent has been rinsed out.[9]
Spot-clean with water, salt, and the cleaner of your choice. Begin by soaking the stain in room temperature water. Then, pour salt directly on the stain and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off the salt and apply the cleaner from the inside of the pants (which will depend on the type of fabric the pants are made of). Lay a paper towel on the stain, let it sit for an hour, and then rinse off the area where the stain was.[10]- Use light acids, like lemon and vinegar, on cotton pants.
- Apply a wool detergent to wool pants.
- Use a standard laundry detergent or dish soap on pants made out of synthetic materials, like rayon and polyester.
- Silk is very sensitive, so soak the pants entirely when spot-cleaning silk pants. Apply glycerin to the stain.
- Roll the pants up in a towel. Do not dry the pants in a dryer. Lay the wet pants onto a clean, dry towel. Roll them up into the towel. Squeeze the rolled up towel to remove the excess water from the pants. Roll out the towel, and move the pants to a drier part of the towel. Repeat until all of the excess water has been squeezed from the pants.[11]
- You will probably need to roll up and squeeze the pants in the towel four or five times.
Iron your pants. It is best to have a professional iron your pants if they are pleated. If not, you can iron them on your own. Turn them inside out and iron the pockets. Then, turn them back out and iron the rest of the pants. Set a crease in the front by aligning the inseams. Hold the iron a few inches away as you steam along the edge of the inseams.[14]
Hang up the pants. Make sure to hang up your pants after every cleaning. If your pants have pleats, fold them along the pleat and hang them across the hanger. If they are not pleated, simply fold them in half on the hanger and hang them up.- Folding the pants on the hanger helps to prevent wrinkles.
- Try to avoid hanging your pants in a place that is very humid. Hang your pants in an area that maintains a 40-50% humidity level.
Expert Q&A
- QuestionCan I put dress pants in the dryer?
Rani GorgisRani Gorgis is a Laundry and Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of Park Blvd Laundry & Dry Cleaners in San Diego, California. With several years of experience in the laundry and cleaning industry, Rani specializes in dry cleaning, wash-n-fold, shirt laundry, and servicing smoke-damaged clothes. He holds a BS in Accounting and a CPA certification.
Laundry & Cleaning SpecialistYes, but make sure you use low heat to eliminate wrinkles and avoid shrinking the pants.
Tips
- At-home dry cleaning kits are available from brands like Woolite for around $20. These kits, however, may not work for all stains and types of materials.[15]Thanks
- Buy your pants in the correct size, or have them altered to fit you properly. Wearing pants that are too large can cause extra wrinkling.Thanks
Warnings
- Always be sure to read the instructions. Take your pants to the cleaners if you don’t feel comfortable machine or hand washing on your own.Thanks
Things You’ll Need
- Laundry detergent
- Cotton swab
- Mesh bag
- Towel
- Iron
- Clothes hanger
References
- ↑ http://laundry.reviewed.com/features/how-to-wash-dry-clean-only-clothes-at-home
- ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 April 2021.
- ↑ http://lifehacker.com/wash-your-dry-clean-clothes-at-home-1499874666
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/jeans-pants/pants-maintenance
- ↑ http://laundry.reviewed.com/features/how-to-wash-dry-clean-only-clothes-at-home
- ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 April 2021.
- ↑ http://laundry.reviewed.com/features/how-to-wash-dry-clean-only-clothes-at-home
- ↑ http://laundry.reviewed.com/features/how-to-wash-dry-clean-only-clothes-at-home
- ↑ http://laundry.reviewed.com/features/how-to-wash-dry-clean-only-clothes-at-home
- ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/03/28/how-to-remove-stains/
- ↑ http://laundry.reviewed.com/features/how-to-wash-dry-clean-only-clothes-at-home
- ↑ http://laundry.reviewed.com/features/how-to-wash-dry-clean-only-clothes-at-home
- ↑ Rani Gorgis. Laundry & Cleaning Specialist. Expert Interview. 7 April 2021.
- ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/jeans-pants/pants-maintenance
- ↑ http://laundry.reviewed.com/features/how-to-wash-dry-clean-only-clothes-at-home
About This Article
Before cleaning dress pants, check the tag for laundering instructions. Many types of dress pants can be cleaned in the washing machine, while others might specify that they are hand-wash or dry-clean only. If you’re not sure, put a little water and detergent on an inconspicuous spot to make sure it doesn’t damage or discolor the pants. Before putting your dress pants in the washing machine, turn them inside out. Put them in a mesh wash bag, which will help protect them from damage. Wash your pants on a gentle cycle in cold water and immediately remove them from the washer when the cycle is done. Roll them up in a clean, dry towel to squeeze out excess water, then lay them out flat to air dry. Iron your pants before hanging them up. For more tips, like how to spot clean your dress pants, read on!
Reader Success Stories
"I haven't had the chance to take my suit to the cleaners. I have a youth church meeting tomorrow, so I did this and it worked. My pants came out really good!"..." more
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