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How to Care for 7 Types of Hats and Sweatbands
How to Care for 7 Types of Hats and Sweatbands
Keep All Your Hats Clean And Looking Great
Some hats are fashionable. Some hats are practical. Almost all hats are fun. Whether structured or soft, leather or felt, learn how to care for different types of hats - baseball caps to straw hats to fedoras - to keep them looking great.
Start with the sweatband which is often the most stained part of a hat due to perspiration, body soil and make-up or hair products.
For fabric sweatbands, fold them down and clean with a mild detergent/water mixture and a soft brush. Use the brush to scrub the band and then blot with a clean white cloth dipped in water. Leave the band folded down until it air dries.
For leather sweatbands, fold it down and use a commercial leather cleaner to remove stains and odor. Follow package directions and allow to air dry. When the band is dry, use a leather conditioner or lotion to keep it supple.
Read on for care tips on specific types of hats.
Care Of Baseball Caps
Whether you wear a baseball cap for work or play, there may come a time that it needs a bit of cleaning. But before you start, take time to look at the little tag on the inside to get an idea of what fiber content and any manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. Of course, your tag may be gone or unreadable and caps made before 1983 didn’t require a tag. So, we’ll cover instructions for safe cleaning of almost any type of baseball cap.
Cleaning Cotton or Man-Made Fiber Newer Baseball Caps
Newer baseball caps are often made of cotton twill, cotton polyester blends or jersey mesh. These fabrics are strong and durable and usually colorfast. New caps use a plastic form to shape the brim, not cardboard. These plastic forms can withstand a wash without becoming deformed.
To clean, pretreat exceptionally dirty areas like sweatbands with a solvent-based spray or gel like Zout or Shout or Spray 'n Wash or a bit of heavy duty laundry detergent like Persil or Tide. These detergents have enough enzymes to break apart body soil and oil molecules.This is necessary to remove the body oils that come along with perspiration. Wash the cap with the rest of similarly colored clothing on the delicate cycle using cool water. Do not use bleach. If you are very concerned with protecting the shape of the cap, you can use a specially designed hat form and toss it in the washer.
Allow the cap to dry in the form or over a large coffee can or other head-shaped container. Do not put baseball caps in the dryer because excessive heat and tumbling action can distort the hat's shape.
If the cap has a cardboard or paper filled bill, you will have to do spot-cleaning only. Use a soft-bristled brush and scrub the stained areas with a heavy-duty detergent/water mixture.
Do not over wet the area. Blot with a clean white cloth dipped in water. Allow to air dry. You may need to repeat the steps several times.
You have probably heard of washing caps in the dishwasher on the top rack. I would not recommend this because dishwasher detergents are quite harsh and often contain bleach that can ruin your cap. And, the high temperatures are not good for the fabric and may cause shrinkage.
Cleaning Newer Wool Baseball Caps
Wool baseball caps should be hand washed using cool water and a mild detergent designated for wool. Be gentle and don’t scrub or twist the fibers. Rinse well in cool water and roll gently in a thick towel to absorb most of the moisture. Allow to air dry on a head-shaped object. If you dry your wool cap on your own head, it will dry to the precise shape of your head.
Cleaning Older or Commemorative Baseball Caps
Commemorative caps should always be stored in a covered case to prevent dust and grease from accumulating on the cap. These should only need a light dusting or brushing to keep them at their best. Always store away from direct light and intense heat.
If a deeper cleaning is needed, first do a colorfastness test. Using a white cloth with a bit of mild detergent, gently rub an inconspicuous area of the cap.
If there is color transfer, do not proceed. If it is colorfast, continue using the cloth to clean the entire hat. Do not immerse the hat in water. The bill may be shaped using cardboard that will dissolve. Rinse your cloth in clean water to “rinse” the cap. Air dry on a head-shaped container.
If you have an autograph that you want to preserve, keep the cap in a dark, air conditioned space to prevent fading and mold or mildew from forming. If you want to wear the autographed cap, protect the signature by covering the signed area with a white, pressing cloth and iron the area on high heat. This will help set the ink.
Care Of Fabric and Straw Fashion Hats
Women's fashion hats make a statement about the wearer and mark some very special occasions. What began as a mandatory accessory to protect a woman's hat and skin from the elements or to protect her modesty in church or from men, has evolved into an accessory to express a woman's personality.
Women's hats can be made from natural or synthetic straw or fabrics like wool felt, brocade or velvet. The addition of a veil or feathers continues the artistic expression of the hat maker often creating a work of art.
To keep the body of a fabric fashion hat looking its best, use a soft bristle brush or lint roller to remove dust and lint. Work around the hat slowly, brushing with the nap of the fabric and taking care not to crush any decorative accessories. If possible, remove trim like ribbons or flowers to make brushing the hat easier.
If the trim is not removable, use a hair dryer on cool/low to blow away dust from flowers and intricate areas.
To remove oily stains from hair products, lotion or body oils, sprinkle the stained area with cornstarch or talcum powder. Allow the powder to sit for several hours and then brush away with a soft brush. Do not use liquid cleaners on felted hats. For heavy fabric hats like brocade, use a mild detergent mixed with cool water and spot treat stains with a white cloth.
To restore hat veils to their original best, use steam from an iron, clothes steamer or hold over a pot of boiling water to carefully reshape a crushed veil. Do not over-steam or the entire hat can loose its shape.
If you want the veil to be stiff and stand away from your face, iron the veil between two layers of waxed paper. Use a medium setting on your iron with no steam. A trace amount of wax will transfer to the veil and make it look crisp.
If you get caught in the rain when wearing your fashion hat, shake off excess water. Use acid free tissue paper or clean white cotton cloths to "stuff" the hat to help it hold its shape. Change the stuffing every couple of hours to speed the drying process. Allow to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
Be sure that the hat is completely dry before storing. Always store fashion hats in a correctly sized hat box to prevent crushing and dust accumulation.
Care Of Fedoras and Flat Caps
For felt and other fabric fedoras, begin by removing dust with a soft bristled clothes brush; always brushing with the nap of the fabric. You can also use a lint roller to remove fuzz and dirt. Use it gently to prevent misshaping the hat. For straw, simply wipe with a damp, white cloth to remove dust.
If your hat becomes wet, shake off excess water. Allow to air dry away from high heat or direct sunlight. If possible, use a hat form or large jar to support the hat to keep the brim from flattening and the top or "pinch" of the hat from becoming misshapen.
If you perspire heavily while wearing the hat, carefully wipe down the inside and outside of the hat with a damp cloth to remove excess salts. Turn the hat band out and allow to dry completely between wearings.
If salt stains form on the felt, dip a white cloth into an equal mix of distilled white vinegar and water. Spot clean the salt stains and then allow to dry completely. Use a soft brush to restore the nap of the felt.
To remove oily stains from hair products, lotions or body oils, sprinkle the stained area with cornstarch or talcum powder.
Allow the powder to remain on the hat for at least a couple of hours and then brush away. The powder will absorb the oils.
Do not use liquid cleaners on the hat unless the fibers are synthetic. You can use a bit of mild detergent mixed with water on a clean, white cloth to spot treat stains. Rinse by wiping with a cloth dipped in plain water and allow to dry naturally.
Care Of Fur And Faux Fur Hats
ProfeWhether you have a mink, fox or rabbit fur hat, proper care will make it last many, many years.
Natural fur hats should be protected from chemicals like make-up, perfume and hair products. Never apply these products while wearing the hat. After every wearing, store your fur hat covered on a shelf away from direct light and with good air circulation. Never store natural fur in a plastic bag and avoid chemicals like moth balls and insecticides.
If your real fur hat gets wet, shake off excess water and allow the fur to dry naturally away from direct heat and sun. Place the hat on a wig or hat form or over a rounded vase or jar so air can circulate freely. This will also prevent the fur from becoming crushed or flattened if placed directly on a hard surface. Never use high heat to dry fur by placing it too close to a heat source, in direct sun or using a hot blow dryer. When the fur is dry, shake to fluff. If necessary, you may brush the fur with a good quality pet brush to restore the smoothness.
Brush lightly in the direction of the fur.
Your natural fur hat should be cleaned at least annually by a professional fur cleaner - not a dry cleaner. A qualified furrier has the knowledge and equipment to correctly clean furs. Dry cleaning or immersion in standard dry cleaning chemicals will rob the fur hide of natural oils, dry it out and cause it to shed.
Linings can be cleaned in the hat, or removed and cleaned separately.
At the end of the season, have the hat professionally cleaned. If the hat is expensive, consider allowing the furrier to store the hat in climate controlled cool storage. At home, place the hat on a form and cover with a hat box or cotton storage bag to prevent crushing and dust from settling in the fur. Store in a cool, dry location that does not have huge swings in temperature. Do not use plastic storage bags or boxes that can trap moisture and cause mildew problems.
Care Of Knit Or Crocheted Caps
If your knit cap was purchased from a commercial manufacturer, there will be a fabric care label inside as required by law in the United States.
This label will have care instructions and tell you the type of yarn used to make the cap.
If your grandmother or best friend hand made the cap, ask them about the fiber content of the yarn. Is it cotton, wool or acrylic yarn?
Superwash wool can be hand or machine washed on the gentle cycle in cold water.
Regular wool must be washed by hand in cold water or it will felt and shrink.
Cotton, linen and ramie yarn can be washed in the washing machine on a gentle cycle using either cold or warm.
Acrylic and other synthetic yarns can be washed in with your regular laundry as they do not shrink.
Unknown fiber content items should be hand washed in cold water and laid flat to dry.
Always remove any embellishments like ribbons or flowers or pins, if possible, before washing. If the embellishments can not be removed, ALWAYS hand wash the cap. Sequins and "jewels" can be damaged in a washer even on the gentle cycle.
Caps that are made from synthetic fibers like acrylic or synthetic blends can be machine washed. Turn the hat inside out and always use the washer's gentle cycle and cool water. Again, allow to air dry to prevent shrinking and reduce pilling.
Before washing, check the hat completely for any loose threads, snags or ripped seams which can get worse during washing.
Do not pull the threads! Instead make repairs or follow these tips on how to fix a snag.
Knit or crocheted hats that are made from natural fibers like wool or cotton or flax or from a blended yarn of the fibers should be hand washed in cool water. For wool fibers, choose a detergent formula developed just for wool that contain lanolin, such as Eucalan. Lanolin is a natural oil produced by sheep and helps preserve wool fibers and increases the water resistance of wool.
Hand washing may seem like a lot of trouble, but for a handmade or expensive natural fiber cap it is worth the effort.
Gently agitate the knitted item in the water. Never wring or scrub.
Drain the sink and add fresh, cold water for rinsing. Repeat this process until all the water is clear and free of suds.
Support the item from underneath as you transfer it to a dry towel.
Gently remove excess water and lay item flat on a dry, absorbent towel and roll up in the towel, pressing firmly as you roll. Do not wring the towel.
To dry, lay a bath towel on a flat surface. Place the knitted cap on the dry towel and reshape into its original shape. Pat it into shape; avoid tugging or pulling.
Allow the cap to dry completely, turning over several times.
To remove fuzzy pills or balls from knitted caps, follow these tips and restore the good looks of your cap.
Care Of Leather Hats And Caps
Tanned leather is sold in two grades:
Aniline: Aniline leather is a full grain leather that has been treated with the chemical aniline. This is the most common type of leather used for jackets.
Nappa: The highest grade leather, nappa leather is very soft, supple and uses a full grain sheep or lamb hide.
The key to keeping a tanned leather hat looking its best and protecting you from the weather is how you treat it before you ever wear it outside. Ask the seller about the finish of the leather and be sure that the leather is properly treated with a leather protector. If the hat is less expensive or purchased at a second-hand shop, you can purchase leather protector products in both liquid or spray-on formulas. The protector helps repel water and prevents stains on the leather surface from water spotting and soil. The protector products should be reapplied at least yearly or more often if your coat is frequently exposed to harsh weather.
There are a few other tips that you should follow to prevent damage to your leather hat:
Do not apply hair spray, perfume or cologne while wearing your leather hat. The alcohol will dry out and stain the leather. Use the products and allow them to dry completely before putting on the hat.
Never attach badges, pins, tape or stick-on labels to leather. It will mar the finish.
Have a professional attach any emblems or embroidery to the leather surface. Holes caused by incorrect stitching are nearly impossible to remove.
When a tanned leather hat loses it good looks, treat it with a commercial leather conditioner or dressing.
Avoid saddle soap or harsh cleaners and getting your hat extremely wet which may dry out the leather excessively. If the hat is really dirty and must be "washed" always condition it as soon as it is dry.
If you do get caught in a rain storm, wipe the leather with a soft, white cloth and allow to air dry naturally away from direct sunlight and high heat. Dry on a hat form, if possible, to prevent shrinking and misshaping the brim. When completely dry, apply leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple.
Care Of Stetson Hats
Making a style investment in an expensive felt hat like a Stetson means that you should look for one that is constructed from natural fur or wool felt. Most Stetson felt hats are made from beaver, rabbit or wild hare fur. The fur fibers are felted with extremely hot water to make a solid material that both repels water and provides warmth.
The most common soil on a hat is dust. To remove accumulated dust, use a soft bristled brush like one made for cleaning suede and starting at the left side of the hat, brush it counterclockwise to keep the surface looking smooth. Continue brushing toward the back of the hat and gently work all around the hat including the upper and lower surfaces of the brim.
If the hat has grease or water stains, use a bit of cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the stain. Sprinkle a good layer of the powder on a dry hat (never do this if the hat is wet) and allow to the powder to sit on the felt for several hours.
Next, brush away the powder with a soft bristled brush. If the hat is dark, it will take several brushings to get rid of the powder (and hopefully, the oil). Repeat if needed to absorb the oil. Never attempt to use liquid laundry stain removers or cleaners.
If your felt hat gets wet, shake off excess water.
Turn down the interior leather sweatband and stand the hat on the band to dry naturally. Do not dry on a flat surface or the brim will lose its shape. Place the wet hat in a warm area away from direct sunlight or excessive heat. Allow to air dry.
Rain does not usually cause a staining problem with a felt hat; however, acid rain can sometimes spot the felt. If that happens, use a clothes steamer to give the hat a good steam. Hold the steam nozzle at least twelve inches from the hat and move slowly around all sides. Brush the hat well while it is still damp and then allow to air dry away from heat and direct sunlight. Be sure that the hat is thoroughly dry before wearing or storing.