Investing in a durable pair of boys hiking pants is worth the money, but you’ll want to make them last multiple seasons.
Proper care and cleaning preserve performance and save you from prematurely replacing worn-out pairs.
This guide shares tips to wash hiking pants, remove stains, and maximize their longevity.
Read the Care Tag – Your #1 Instruction Manual
The care tag on boys’ hiking pants provides crucial washing guidance straight from the manufacturer. Carefully follow the tag directions for:
- Machine or hand wash methods – Use the gentle cycle with a mild soap.
- Water temperature – Warm or cold water helps prevent shrinkage.
- Tumble drying – Use a low heat setting or air drying to maintain water resistance.
- Ironing – Opt for low temperatures as needed to smooth wrinkles.
- Bleach – Never use bleach as it degrades the fabric.
Adhering to the care tag is key to keeping hiking pants looking and functioning at their best.
Wash ASAP After Heavy Use
Don’t delay washing boys’ hiking pants after a muddy trek or other heavy-duty wear. Leaving in dirt, mud, and sweat degrades the technical performance fabric over time.
- Wash pants within 1-2 days maximum after tough hikes.
- Pre-treat heavily soiled areas before washing.
- Check all pockets thoroughly for items that could damage the washer.
- Always zip up zippers, secure velcro closures, and tighten drawstrings before washing.
Quickly removing filth preserves water resistance treatments and anti-odor properties.
Gently Target Stubborn Stains
For tough stains on boys’ hiking pants, don’t aggressively scrub the fabric. This can damage the durable weave. Instead:
- Lightly dab the stain with a mild detergent and rinse thoroughly.
- For mud or dirt stains, let pants soak in cold water before washing.
- For oily stains, apply a small amount of baking soda paste before the wash cycle.
- Avoid harsh stain removers that may break down the technical fabric over time.
Always test stain remedies first on an inconspicuous inner area to ensure no damage or discoloration.
Line Dry for fewer Wrinkles
Line or flat drying is ideal to limit wrinkles on hiking pants after washing. If machine drying, use the permanent press setting and remove the pants immediately when finished.
To smooth stubborn wrinkles, iron inside-out on a medium heat setting. Tumble drying with a damp washcloth can also naturally relax wrinkles between washes.
Proper drying methods help keep boys’ hiking pants looking crisp and tidy for the trails.
Maintain Durable Water Repellency
Quality hiking pants rely on durable water repellent (DWR) treatments to effectively shed rain, mud, and moisture. But DWR performance fades over time. Restore lost water beading with these tips:
- DWR sprays easily add a fresh water-resistant protective coat.
- Tumble drying on medium heat helps reactivate depleted DWR.
- Use specialized DWR-restoring detergents to revitalize garments.
Maintaining effective water repellency is crucial for all-weather hiking comfort.
With some diligent care, those pricey boys’ hiking pants will deliver reliable performance, ward off odors, and repel rain storms for many seasons before needing replacement!
