Fiona is the editor of Plantpuree, a website that celebrates vegan living. With over 20 years in diet & fitness, fashion, and beauty, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to her work and writing on veganism.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
It’s been confirmed. Faux leather pants are the new jeans. (1) No longer reserved for an edgy evening outfit, we’re keeping them casual and lowkey during the day. Repeatedly. Which means that a quick wipe down just won’t do. You’ll need to learn how to wash and dry faux leather pants the right way to keep them fresh.
Is it better to handwash or use the washing machine you ask? Well, before you throw them in the washing machine or dive into a sink full of soapy water, be aware that some vegan leather needs special care. And if you don’t follow the right steps, you run the risk of ruining them.
But how do you know how and when to wash faux leather pants?
Keep reading….Our comprehensive guide is here to provide all the necessary dos and don’ts so you can maintain them in the best condition possible!
Key Take Aways
- Read the care label – not all faux leather can be washed!
- Don’t use hot water
- Avoid strong detergents
- Avoid soaking or scrubbing
- Airdry – do not use a dryer or heat
- Condition after drying to prevent cracking
- Don’t dry clean unless specified by the brand.
Table of Contents
Preparing Your Faux Leather Pants Before Washing
Check The Care Label
Sounds obvious but first check the care label – not all faux leather clothes can be washed! Some vegan leather pants such as luxury brand Nanushka are labeled as ‘dry clean only’, so it’s important to read the instructions before assuming that you can (or should!) throw them in the wash. If the tag does say ‘dry clean’ – then don’t risk washing them at home, head to the cleaners instead.
Conversely, don’t dry clean vegan leather pants unless the care label says you can. The chemicals used in dry cleaning can cause damage to your trousers. For example, your Zara faux leather pants should not be dry cleaned – they are machine wash only. And the same for any of your H&M faux leather.
And if the care label says ‘hand wash’ then you’ll need to do just that.
Turn The Pants Inside Out
To protect the delicate fabric and prevent damage to the outside of your trousers -before you wash them, turn them inside out. This will help keep their color and texture looking fresh for longer. It’s also wise to zip or fasten any zips and press studs before washing, as this will minimize any damage.
Another reason is that throughout the course of a day, the pants – particularly faux leather leggings, rubs against our skin. To ensure that sweat and body cream stains are exposed to detergent for maximum cleaning power, you must turn your trousers inside out before washing them.
How To Wash Faux Leather Pants – Machine Wash
Most faux leather clothes can be machine washed on a delicate cycle, however, a low temperature is essential for longer lasting pants as hot water can shrink or damage some faux leather fabrics
How To Machine Wash Faux Leather Pants
- Place The Pants in a Mesh Bag
Place your faux leather pants in a net bag, mesh laundry bag or pillowcase for extra protection before putting them in the machine. This will help protect them from getting tangled up with other clothes and snagging on rough edges.
- Choose a Gentle Detergent
Avoid strong detergents and choose a gentle one that is specifically designed for delicates or wool. Faux leather doesn’t respond well to strong chemicals, so it’s best to stick with a mild detergent that you would use when washing delicate items or wool. There are even special vegan leather detergents you can buy.
Whichever detergent you use make sure that you don’t use too much and avoid using fabric softeners which can damage the faux leather and cause discoloration. - Choose A Short Washing Cycle
The correct washing machine setting can make a huge difference, so be sure to choose the delicate cycle on your washing machine, as this will help protect your faux leather pants from damage.
Set the washing machine for a short cycle such as delicates, handwash or a 15-20 min cycle with reduced spin and a low temperature. - Set the Machine to the Lowest Temperature Setting
Whatever machine cycle you decide to use – double check that it is set to the lowest temperature setting, as this will help protect your pants from shrinking or discoloring. Hot water can damage some vegan leather fabrics, so keep it nice and cool and err on the side of caution.
- Air Dry
Once your faux leather pants have finished their cycle in the washing machine, don’t put them into a dryer – air dry them instead. Heat from a tumble dryer can shrink or warp some faux leather fabrics, so it’s important to avoid using heat altogether when cleaning your trousers.
How To Hand Wash Faux Leather Pants Correctly
- Fill a sink with lukewarm water and add a few drops of gentle soap, or a handwash detergent specifically for wool or delicate materials.
- Gently agitate the water with your hands and very gently rub any stained areas of the pants in a circular motion, as this will help to loosen any dirt and grime from the material.
- Fully submerge the trousers into the soapy water and leave them for no longer than a few minutes – don’t vigorously scrub or soak them for too long as this could damage the faux leather.
- Once the pants are done soaking, rinse them gently in clear, cool water.
- Avoid wringing out or squeezing excess water as this can damage the faux leather fabric.
- Lay the faux leather pants flat on a towel and gently roll them up to absorb any excess water.
- Finally, hang them up in a cool place away from direct sunlight to air dry.
How To Dry Your Faux Leather Pants
Once you’ve finished washing your faux leather pants, the best way to dry them is to hang them up and air-dry. Do not use a tumble dryer as this will run the risk of shrinking or damaging your faux leather trousers.
Don’t dry your faux leather pants in the sun or use a hairdryer to speed up drying time. If you need to speed up the drying time, you can use a fan placed far away from the trousers as this will help to dry them without damaging the material.
Once your faux leather pants are dry, use a faux leather conditioner or oil and a soft cloth to lightly buff the surface for a glossy finish.
Tips For Maintaining Your Faux Leather Pants Between Washes
To keep your faux leather pants looking as good as new for longer, here are some quick tips to follow:
- Avoid exposing your faux leather trousers to direct sunlight as this could cause them to fade.
- Don’t wear the same pair of pants two days in a row, as this will help them retain their shape and color.
- Use a damp cloth to clean off any dirt or spills quickly – but avoid scrubbing too hard as this can cause discoloration.
- Hang up wet or soaked faux leather pants immediately after wearing them and blot with a towel to remove excess water. Faux leather is water-resistant but not waterproof and too much water can damage some vegan leather fabrics over time.
- Avoid getting them too close to direct sources of heat, such as radiators or stoves.
- Iron or steam your faux leather pants on very low temperatures
- Make sure to use conditioner regularly to keep the pants in top shape. This will help to keep the fabric supple and restore its softness, whilst also protecting it from cracking or fading.
- Before hanging and storing your faux leather pants – make sure they have been cleaned and conditioned
How Often to Wash Faux Leather Pants?
How often you need to wash your faux leather pants depends on how much wear and tear they get. Generally speaking, aim to wash them every two weeks or after a couple of wears. This will help keep the fabric looking clean and in good condition for longer.
Remember: always check the care instructions on the label before cleaning your faux leather trousers and always spot test any cleaning product before using. This will help to avoid any accidental damage or discoloration.
Hopefully this article has been helpful in giving you all the information you need on how to wash and care for your faux leather pants. Now you can keep them looking and feeling new for longer! Good luck, and happy cleaning!
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