Dress pants cleaning in Tomball, TX

Why dress pants and slacks need careful cleaning

Dress pants take a lot of stress in a small area. The seat, knees and inner thighs rub with every step and every time you sit, which thins the fabric and builds up shine. Wool slacks can shrink in a warm wash and come out shorter, which throws off the hem. The waistband usually has a stiff curtain or interfacing inside that can buckle in water. A pressed crease is set with steam, and once a crease is pressed in the wrong place, the old line can stay visible beside the new one. In light colored fabric, pocket bags that shrink differently from the outer cloth can show through as lumps or outlines.

Reading the care label

Wool and wool blend slacks usually say Dry clean. Polyester, and some polyester and wool blends, may say Machine wash cold with tumble dry low or line dry. Pay attention to line dry, because a hot dryer can set wrinkles into synthetics. Dry clean only is common on pleated trousers and tuxedo pants with a satin side stripe, since the pleats and trim distort easily in water.

Before you bring them in

• Check the back pockets for receipts and tissues, which shed lint all over dark fabric.
• Say whether you want a center crease or a flat front with no crease.
• Point out spots on the thighs and lap, where food spills usually land.
• If the hem is coming down or the length is wrong, ask about hemming while you are at the counter.
• Mention a broken hook or missing waistband button so it can be replaced.

Care between cleanings

• Hang pants upside down by the cuffs from a clip hanger so their own weight pulls wrinkles out.
• Blot spills right away with a clean cloth and do not rub, which spreads the stain and roughens the surface.
• Alternate between pairs so the knees and seat get a rest between wears.
• Empty your pockets when you take them off, since a wallet or phone stretches the fabric over time.