How to Wash Wool Dress Pants

By: Kimbry Parker

Wool is a durable natural fabric that has been in use since primitive times. It offers warmth in the cold, but also keeps you cool when it’s hot. Despite its durability, you must properly care for and clean wool garments to prevent shrinkage and other damage to the fabric. This doesn’t mean you have to take your wool dress pants to the dry cleaner each time they need to be laundered. Wash them right at home, but use care to keep the fabric intact.

Step 1

Spot treat any stains on the wool pants by apply white vinegar. Dab the vinegar onto the spot prior to washing.

Step 2

Fill a sink or tub with enough cool water to completely cover the pants. Add a few drops of mild detergent. You can buy special wool detergent or use gentle laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid. Mix the detergent and water with your hands.

Step 3

Place the wool pants into the water. Swish the pants around gently in the water, then let them soak for about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Drain the water from the sink or tub. Pick up the pants and gently squeeze out the excess water, taking care not to stretch or wring the fabric in the process.

Step 5

Fill the sink or tub with clean, cool water. Put the pants in the water and swish them around to rinse. Repeat this process until no soap remains. Avoid rinsing the pants directly under running water, as this can stretch the fabric.

Step 6

Lay the pants on a white bath towels on a flat surface. Use several towels if necessary to accommodate the length of the pants. Roll the towel and pants together while gently squeezing to remove the excess water.

Step 7

Place another towel on a flat surface. Lay the pants on the towel and use your hands to reshape the pants. Leave the pants on the towel to air-dry completely away from direct heat. Replace the towel once the front of the pants are dry on top, then flip them over to allow the back to dry.