Mumsnet Talk

I used to work in a dry cleaners and we would have machine washed those on a v delicate cold cycle, there's no way dry cleaning would remove the smell of cat pee. we also washed most wedding dresses in the washing machine and charged 100 odd quid for it

I was just about to be outraged that you could buy dry clean only knickers. If you risk washing in the machine put them inside a pillow case tied up.

My OH has some suit trousers which are dry clean only, and he has some separate trousers which are machine washable. Both trousers look exactly the same, from the same shop, are made from the same combination of materials just with different barcodes. I wash the suit trousers on a hand wash cycle, 30 degrees and have come out fine.

I've given them a quick hand wash firstly with vinegar and water then a hand washing wool mix type of detergent. Quick gentle spin.

They seem fine, but they still smell . I think it's time for the big guns- might have to put them on a gentle wool cycle maybe with Ariel bio. They are ruined anyway if I can't get the smell out.

Thanks everyone for your helpful advice and I will try to avoid using the word pants in public whilst residing in the UK!

*some

I have soe dry clean only knickers. Naturally have only ever hand washed them! Ergh!

You could try a spray bottle or a sponge with some cold water and washing liquid in and try sponging out the cat piss. Try to get them only as wet as absolutely necessary.

And yes, thongs and pants are underwear. Trousers are long legged outerwear and flip flops are shoes.

Sorry nipersvest

No advice but yes, pants is definitely a thongs/flip flops thing. In the UK pants = underpants/panties/knickers. We say trousers for the long things you cover your legs with before leaving the house!

thanks nipper cross posted with you; I'll do what you recommend

I think you can hand wash dry-clean-only stuff (very gently), machine wash on wool setting hand-wash-only stuff, and bung anything else in your normal cycle. Go for it

No don't, I did and dh new suit pants are ruined, they permanently look like they've been rolled in a ball and stuck in the bottom of the wash basket can't even get a replacement pair.

Thanks, it's good to get everyone's opinions. Haven't decided yet exactly what I'll do, but I'll let you know if I ruin them or not…

textile designer here - i would hand wash them, in cold water with a proper handwash/woolcare detergent. gentle spin in the washer afterwards.

don't put any heat near them, if they need ironing, just do a cool one and very gently, no pressure on the iron.

i have washed many things that are dry clean only, it's hard to say exactly how the fabric will react but my best guess is that it'll be ok. with a suit, it's generally the jacket that dictates the washing instructions, it will say dry clean only as if the jacket is lined, what can happen if it gets washed is the outer fabric will shrink, but the lining won't, causing the the jacket to no longer fit well. hope that helps.

Would probably give it a go on the delicate cycle, or hand wash them. I once had a dry clean skirt with a tea stain. Dry cleaners couldn't get rid of it. Showed my nan, who said, of give it here, and rinsed it out under the tap. From that day I rarely use dry cleaners!

I wouldn't risk something that has wool in it - it's too easy to shrink it.
If you're willing to risk it, it might be an idea to just get the cuff wet and let it dry, and see if it seems to crinkle up or shrink at all.

*problem

The problems of washing part of a suit is that any colour fade is obvious. Also a nightmare to iron properly if they get too screwed up.

However, I would wash on cold / gentle / low spin and dry flat.

Sorry is pants like a thongs/flip flops kind of thing??

Thanks mistlethrush. I mean trousers. I was not present when he bought them!, they're part of his new suit.

They are 52% polyester
46% wool
2% Lycra

Please god, tell me they're not knickers! Ewww.

But yes, tell us what's in them.

Are they trousers or do you really mean pants - if so, what on earth persuaded you to buy dry-clean only pants?

If they are trousers, could you tell what they are made of as that will impact upon the answer.

The cat pissed on them, DH thinks Drycleaning may not be appropriate. Normally I wash all things catty with a dose of bio gel and it gets it out beautifully.

Just not sure with dry clean only- does anyone know?