If you have a favorite hat, the chances are that you’ll want to wear it day in and day out. Luckily, some of the most stylish, timeless, and high-quality hats are always a great addition to your outfit and can protect your skin from dust and UV damage.
Nonetheless, when it comes down to wearing the same hat every day or over a long period, it is important to be mindful that germs and bacteria might be accumulating on the internal and external fabric of your hat.
To keep your hat hygienic and in the best shape, regular cleaning is crucial. Learn how to clean your hat without causing it to lose its shape below!
It All Starts with Choosing the Right Hat!
If you spend time and effort carefully choosing your accessories, you are certainly not alone. But choosing your hat is just as important!
When selecting a hat, keep into consideration important factors such as how you will be using it, what type of fabric or material it is made from, and the recommended care instructions.
Knowing this can help you choose a quality hat that will last much longer before needing a deep clean. Don’t forget that a properly fitted and well-maintained hat should keep its shape, color, and shine for years!
Learn How to Care for Different Fabrics, Materials, and Styles
It’s essential to know the material and fabric of your hat before beginning the cleaning process. For instance, felt hats won’t require washing as often as a cloth cap or cotton fedora. On the other hand, hats made in delicate materials like velvet should only be handled with light cleaners without bleaching agents.
Lastly, make sure to review the washing and care instructions on the hat! For example, while some cotton hats can be washed in the washing machine, running hats of the highest quality might require more specialized care!
Clean Your Hat Regularly
It is important to keep your hats clean and in good condition, so establish a regular cleaning routine. Every couple of weeks, shake off dirt and dust from the hat’s exterior with a soft-bristled brush or cloth, such as microfiber. Cleaning your hat regularly will only take a few minutes and can delay more in-depth cleaning processes, which can end up affecting your hat’s shape and quality.
Get the Supplies You Need
Before you clean your hat, make sure to get the right supplies. Although these vary depending on the hat you are attempting to clean, you will probably need a mild detergent, a soft cloth, and a toothbrush and, if waterproofing is needed for fabrics like wool, keep a quality wax at hand.
Consider Spot-Cleaning Your Hat
Although you can use specific stain removers for fabrics, mild detergents, and a soft cloth are all the tools needed to quickly spot-clean your hat. However, make sure to always test detergents first on an unnoticeable area before washing the entire hat.
Carry Out a Deeper Cleaning
Every now and then, your hat might require a deeper cleaning. In this case, you might consider using a washing machine or taking advantage of detergents for heavy stains (i.e.: the ones containing enzymatic cleaners or oxygen bleach).
While the former method is more suitable for soft hats and caps, the latter is better for baseball caps that need to keep their shape. If you are unsure about these options, opt for a professionally dry-cleaning service!
Air-Dry Your Hat
Although this might vary on your hat type and material, you should opt for air-drying it whenever possible. This can help you avoid the damage that clothes dryers might cause. When air-drying your caps and hats, be sure to keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent UV damage and discoloration.
What Not to Do While Cleaning Hats
Most hats can be spot-cleaned at home, without any special supply or chemicals. However, if you are unsure how to care for your favorite hat, it is important not to attempt to deep clean it! Instead, you should not think twice about investing in professional cleaning services.
A clean hat is essential for making a good impression and looking your best. Having a clean hat will make you more confident and stylish, knowing that you look good. It will also make you feel better about yourself and give you the assurance that your hat looks as good as new. Cleaning your favorite hat is a great way to make sure you always look your best.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! How do you clean your favorite how? How often do you do it? How often do you buy new hats? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!