How to Hand Wash Wool Slacks Without Ironing
Wool slacks are a challenge to launder because you have to worry about the fabric shrinking and wrinkling. Dry cleaning wool slacks is one option that is easy, but it has one big drawback: dry cleaning becomes expensive for garments that are worn often. Washing wool garments by hand in cold water and then hanging the slacks properly on a pants stretcher will save money, and you will not need to iron the slacks when they have dried. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wool slacks
- Wash basin
- Gentle liquid detergent
- Scrub brush (optional)
- Pants stretcher
Instructions
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1
Check the slacks for stains. If there are any spots, treat them with a few drops of the gentle detergent by rubbing it into the stain.
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2
Put the slacks in the wash basin and fill it with lukewarm water.
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3
Pour a cap full of the gentle detergent into the lukewarm water.
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4
Hold the slacks under the water until they are completely soaked. Let the slacks soak at least 10 minutes, and then gently rub the fabric against itself to remove any soil particles.
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5
If there are any stains or deeply soiled areas that you treated in Step 1, scrub them gently with the scrub brush.
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6
Drain the soapy water, and rinse the slacks in cold water. Let the cold water run over the slacks until it runs clear.
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7
Squeeze as much water as you can out of the slacks but avoid wringing or twisting them. Drape the slacks over shower rod or clothes line until they quit dripping.
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8
Slide the thin end of the pants stretcher most of the way into one leg of the slacks. If your stretcher has adjustable ends (to fit different widths of pant legs), adjust them now. Line up the seam of the pant leg with the edge of the stretcher as you push the stretcher toward the end of the leg.
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9
Slide the stretcher the rest of the way into the pant leg. Check again to make sure the seam is lined up with the edge of the stretcher, and then repeat Steps 7 and 8 for the other pant leg.
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10
Allow the slacks to hang in the stretcher until they are completely dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Pants stretchers are an old-fashioned laundering item, but they are regaining some popularity. They are available from a number of online retailers and some department stores. Look for adjustable leg ends to accommodate different pant leg widths, and use plastic-coated or rust-resistant stretchers, as they will be pressing against your clothing.
