Yes, you can wash cotton dress pants in the washing machine with other clothes, as long as you follow some basic guidelines to ensure their proper care:
Sort your laundry: Separate your laundry based on color and fabric type. Wash similar colors together to avoid color bleeding and potential damage to your clothing.
Turn the pants inside out: Before washing, turn your cotton dress pants inside out. This helps protect the outer surface and reduces the risk of color fading or abrasion during the wash cycle.
Use a gentle cycle: Select a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine to minimize the agitation and reduce the risk of damaging the fabric.
Use a mild detergent: Choose a mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can weaken the fibers and affect the color of the pants.
Avoid fabric softeners: Fabric softeners can leave a residue on clothing, including cotton dress pants, and may reduce their breathability and absorbency. It's best to skip fabric softeners for these garments.
Wash with similar fabrics: Washing your cotton dress pants with other similar fabrics, such as other cotton clothing items, can help prevent potential damage caused by rougher fabrics like denim or clothing with zippers, buttons, or hooks.
Don't overload the washer: Avoid overloading the washing machine, as it can cause excessive friction between garments and result in damage to the fabric.
Air dry or tumble dry on low: After washing, either air dry your cotton dress pants or tumble dry them on a low heat setting. High heat can cause cotton to shrink or lose its shape. If you opt for machine drying, take them out while they are still slightly damp to minimize wrinkles.
By following these steps, you can wash your cotton dress pants along with other clothes while still ensuring they receive proper care and attention to keep them looking their best.