Washing leather trousers is not recommended, as water can damage the leather and compromise its texture and appearance. Instead, spot-clean small stains with a damp cloth and mild soap, or take them to a professional cleaner specializing in leather care for deep cleaning or significant stains. Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer.
If you’re talking about faux leather trousers….. then yes….. you can put these into a washing machine – just always use a mild detergent and don’t put them in with anything that might scratch or damage them! But real leather is a different story…
Can You Put Leather Trousers in the Washing Machine?
If you’re talking about genuine leather….. then no….. you shouldn’t put leather trousers in the washing machine! Not only will this cause damage to them….. but it will also invalidate any warranty you may have if they are faulty.
You shouldn’t put leather pants in the washing machine….. because the agitation of the machine will cause them to shrink and stretch out of shape… However….. you can hand wash them easily with a bit of saddle soap and water.
You can clean leather pants….. but you’ll want to take special care to make sure your pants don’t shrink in the process.
How Do You Clean Leather Trousers?
You should wash your leather trousers by hand… This is because when you do a machine wash you can stretch the material out and this will make them loose fitting…
- When you hand wash them use a mild detergent….. like baby shampoo or mild soap….. and put them in warm water.
- Let them soak for about 20 minutes to loosen any dirt….. then rub the leather material against itself using your hands.
- Use cold water to rinse the soap off….. then put the trousers on a towel to dry naturally.
- If you have more stubborn stains on your garment….. you can use a soft-bristled brush to get rid of it; however….. be very gentle.
It is important that you always take care not to get any water into the seams when cleaning your trousers… If water gets into the seams it can cause damage that will lead to more problems later on.
This is why it is also important that you make sure that you avoid getting any products on your leather trousers when cleaning them… Products can cause damage and lead to stains on the material of your pants.
You can wear your pants after washing them….. but you will want to make sure they are completely dry before wearing them again because wet leather can crack and this could make it difficult for you to wear them comfortably again in the future.
For the best results when washing leather trousers….. follow these steps:
- Use a specialist leather cleaner… You can find this in a supermarket or order it online… Make sure to read the instructions on the packet carefully before you get started.
- Fill your sink with cool water….. add the cleaning solution and immerse your trousers… Agitate them gently underwater to loosen any dirt and wipe them down with a cloth.
- Take them out of the sink and hang them up to dry naturally away from direct heat such as radiators or an open fire… Don’t use a dryer because this will make the leather brittle over time.
- Once they’ve dried….. spray them with a waterproofing spray to keep them protected in between washes.
- If you have to wash your leather trousers frequently….. apply some waterproofing spray every few washes to keep them looking good for longer.
Should You Wash Leather Pants Inside Out?
The short answer is yes….. but not really.
The longer answer is: it’s not a big deal either way and you shouldn’t go out of your way to do it….. however….. if the pants are dirty….. the stains will be less noticeable on the inside.
Consider this though: if you do wash them inside out….. the dirt will be rubbing into the clean side of the leather….. so over time it will become dirty as well.
It’s a non-issue in my opinion and most people don’t even consider washing their leather pants inside out unless they’re particularly dirty or stained… Just wash them when you need to with like colors and don’t worry about whether or not they’re inside out.
Can You Wash Faux Leather Trousers?
If you have faux leather pants….. there’s no need to worry about whether or not they can go into the washing machine… Many faux leather garments are made of polyester….. which is highly resistant to stretching….. shrinking….. or fading when subjected to heat.
Check the care instructions on your garment to know for sure what’s safe for it… If you’re unsure if your faux leather garment is washable or not….. contact the manufacturer for more information.
- Use mild detergent and lukewarm water… Do not use soap with bleach or fabric softener because it could damage the material of your faux leather trousers.
- Also….. do not iron faux leather as it may cause discoloration… Hang dry instead of using a clothes dryer to prevent shrinkage from heat damage and make sure there is plenty of room for air to circulate around your clothing while drying because heat from a clothes dryer can also cause shrinkage.
In summary….. the best way to clean your leather trousers is to use a damp cloth and wipe them down… If they are very dirty you may need to wash them by hand.
You may also be interested in… Why Can’t I Find Trousers That Fit? and What Belt To Wear with Suede Shoes?
Louise Wilson is an accomplished author, passionate textile historian, and renowned fashion enthusiast with a rich background in the world of apparel.
Graduating with honors in Fashion Design, Louise further expanded her skills and knowledge by completing a master’s degree in Textile History. Her academic pursuits have led her to explore the fashion capitals of the world, including Milan, Paris, and New York, enriching her insights into the global world of fashion.
As an author, Louise’s passion for fashion has found its way into her writings, where she intricately weaves narratives of style, design, and fashion history.