Help can I hand wash these?

[ILikeMyBike]

I picked up some gorgeous second hand 100% wool trousers. Very lightweight, close weave. I guess they're a bit like thin suit trousers. I've only just seen the label says dry clean only!

I don't have a dry clean only lifestyle or budget!

What will happen if I hand wash them in cool water with delicate detergent? I hand wash my wool jumpers. Is there something specific about this type of wool fabric that makes it ill advised or is it just the brand (Cos) covering their arse?

You don't have the money to regularly dry clean so the only other option is to wash them. Hand wash cycle with specific wool detergent and hope for the best!

Yes you can

method - fill the sink a few inches deep with tepid water, add wool detergent. Then lay the trousers onto the water and gently push them down so that the water goes through the fabric. Spot rub any small stains but don’t rub or twist the fabric. Rinse the same way, it will take several rinses, the water should be clean enough to drink. Lift the trousers, squeeze v gently and then lay onto a bath towel, roll the towel so that it soaks up excess water and then hang the trousers to dry away from heat .
I wash everything, even coats.

Many machine cycles will slightly shrink wool. I have a Miele with a wool cycle that is safe for cashmere and any delicate wools, it’s the reason I bought this machine , but prior to that I used the hand method above, even for very old textiles and things like lace. Wool shrinks because of the agitation, not just the heat, so you need to limit how much you pull or twist wools.

@Christwosheds that's really helpful thank you. I don't mind hand washing at all.