How do I wash wool trousers??

be-happy_2

Call me stupid but...

I bought a gorgeous pair of trousers by Next from my local charity shop and have worn them loads for work, went to wash them tonight and it says on the label 'dry clean only'. I don't want to have them dry cleaned as it will probably cost more than I paid for them. Does anyone know the best way to wash them without them shrinking or whatever??

maypole

Well, this is not advice, but it is what I would do if they were mine.

I would just swish them gently in a sink with luke warm water and a mild detergent, rinse and gently squeeze out the excess water. Carefully hang them by the waist on the washing line, smoothing the legs out.

be-happy_2

Thanks Maypole, will give it a go and hope it isn't raining tomorrow like it has her all afternoon!!

Psykicpup

I go by 'can I wear it again if I dont(clean)' if no then I wash on low on a woolies wash (most washing machines have them) I just hope that nothing goes wrong - only ever had one disaster - a kimono with real embriodery. everything else has always been fine

Angelina-M

be-happy wrote: »

Thanks Maypole, will give it a go and hope it isn't raining tomorrow like it has her all afternoon!!

Please report back how it goes. OH has some wool trousers that were really expensive (Hugo Boss) and he's paying a fortune to have them dry cleaned. After finding out the joys of owning a press (see my press thread lol) I have decided I want to wash all his clothes as I can now press them as well as the cleaners.

Peartree

You often find dry cleaning labels on trousers or skirts that were merchandised as part of a suit set. Actually, it is the jacket that is really the part that needs dry cleaning because of the interfacing, etc. I've never had a problem just washing wool trousers on the 'hand wash' cycle of my washing machine with a 'silk and wool' liquid (Lidl do a very good one I use for everything). I've 'chanced it' with many items and can honestly say I haven't had a disaster yet!

It actually makes me quite cross when you see dry cleaning labels on so many fabrics which clearly aren't.

whatatwit

Angelina-M wrote: »

Please report back how it goes. OH has some wool trousers that were really expensive (Hugo Boss) and he's paying a fortune to have them dry cleaned. After finding out the joys of owning a press (see my press thread lol) I have decided I want to wash all his clothes as I can now press them as well as the cleaners.

I have had problems with mens trousers that say 'professional dry clean only' I washed them on a delicate cycle and they came out like an old rag...even now when I have them dry cleaned they still don't look good....GGGRRRRRRR.

With your OH's Boss ones, do they really need cleaning every time....you may be able to get away with a good blow on the line and then using your press.
Or, have a ring round the dry cleaners...smaller independant ones often offer better prices.

Angelina-M

whatatwit wrote: »

I have had problems with mens trousers that say 'professional dry clean only' I washed them on a delicate cycle and they came out like an old rag...even now when I have them dry cleaned they still don't look good....GGGRRRRRRR.

Never ever say things like this when I've got them in the spin cycle.... :rotfl:

No not his Hugo Boss ones but some suit trousers that are wool and say dry clean only. I thought i'd practise with them so I hand washed them and put them on a slow cyle spin.... then sat down and read your post. Why do I always rush into things!

Anyway they have come out of the washing machine really quite creased but I'm not too scared of that as the press is really good. I shall leave them for an hour on the airer then try pressing them whilst still damp.

Will report back if they are wearable again. :eek:

whatatwit

Good luck Angelina-M

maypole

Peartree wrote: »

You often find dry cleaning labels on trousers or skirts that were merchandised as part of a suit set. Actually, it is the jacket that is really the part that needs dry cleaning because of the interfacing, etc. I've never had a problem just washing wool trousers on the 'hand wash' cycle of my washing machine with a 'silk and wool' liquid (Lidl do a very good one I use for everything). I've 'chanced it' with many items and can honestly say I haven't had a disaster yet!

It actually makes me quite cross when you see dry cleaning labels on so many fabrics which clearly aren't.

I think the manufacturer has to cover themselves, that's why they do this.

be-happy_2

Will do trousers by hand this afternoon and let you know how they come out. Daren't put them in washing machine as it is about 25 years old (why get rid, it still sloshes clothes about and they come out clean) and I think that it does the same thing no matter what setting I put it on!!

The trousers were actually part of a suit so maybe that is the reason for the dry clean tag. I have another pair of trousers which can be machine washed but it says in the label, if worn with the jacket they need to be dry cleaned.

Why do clothes manufacturers make clothes that need to be cleaned by professionals?? I would get in professionals to clean my sofa, but trousers....