Learn how to wash your caps and hats with these 7 foolproof tricks. Find out what to do and what not to do while cleaning.
If you have a favorite cap or hat, there will come a time when it needs to be washed. Prolonged use, especially on the hottest days, inevitably leads to dirt buildup, not to mention odor. If you need to learn how to wash caps and hats, here are 7 tips on how to do it correctly.
If these accessories are among your most prized possessions, the last thing you want is for them to lose their color, texture, or shape. If you’ve never washed them before, it’s natural for you to have doubts about how to clean them. Learn the do’s and don’ts to keep these accessories looking like new.
The best tips for washing caps and hats
Unless the manufacturer recommends it, you should never machine wash caps and hats. And this is even if the washing cycle is short and gentle because it is inevitable that their shape will be compromised at the end. Similarly, the use of powerful detergents can permanently alter the color.
Use cold water
Using cold water is the first tip to keep in mind when washing caps and hats. Unlike hot water, cold water will not alter its elasticity, color, shape, or construction materials. This is a practical tip that every cleaning enthusiast knows, backed by scientific studies.
The water should not be near freezing, but it should be a few degrees above room temperature. Collect enough and let it sit for a bit if its temperature prevents you from handling it fluently.
Be careful to keep the cap or hat in it for a short time. Moisten the accessory for a few seconds.
Use neutral detergents
Neutral detergent is a product designed to care for clothes, skin, or any delicate material. Its pH is not acidic, so it does not compromise the material’s texture, shape, or color.
Its use is often only associated with delicate garments. However, it should be used all the time. If your accessory has specific stains that you want to remove, you can rub directly on it with your hand and let it soak for 10 minutes. Avoid rubbing too hard because rubbing can compromise the material even if the detergent is neutral.
Scrub stains with a toothbrush
If the detergent didn’t remove the stains, you could use a toothbrush to create more friction. A toothbrush is a better option than a regular clothes brush due to its size and malleability.
Be careful to apply only a little force or rub too long. Otherwise, you may discolor the garment. The best thing to do is to rub for two or three seconds and then check the condition of the stain. And so on.
Apply baking soda
Baking soda is an ingredient with a thousand uses. Researchers have approved its use as a stain whitener, not to mention that it is an excellent ally in eliminating foul odors. The scent that remains after use is neutral. Therefore, it is perfect for washing caps and hats.
Baking soda generally does not stain after application. But if the garment’s material is exceptional, you can do a little test to have peace of mind.
Rinse with cold water
After using a neutral detergent, scrubbing with a toothbrush, and using baking soda, stains and foul odors should be gone. If so, the next step is to rinse the attachment with cold water.
Again, take this step only for a short time. The longer the accessory spends in the water, the more likely it is to lose its shape.
Look for padding to maintain shape.
The next step is to prepare the garment for drying. Just like the washing machine, using the dryer to remove excess water is also not recommended. As you can already guess, these accessories should also be kept from wrung out sharply.
Finding some filling is recommended to preserve the shape of the accessory. A clean towel can do the trick.
Leave to dry away from the sun.
Lastly, you should always dry hats and caps out of direct sunlight. Direct light can discolor them, alter their texture and make them less malleable. Washing these accessories during the summer months is ideal, as you can dry them in the shade quickly and without any inconvenience.
You know all the secrets to washing caps and hats.
Washing caps and hats does not involve any complications. Before you start, it is essential to check the manufacturing materials.
If these accessories are ancient, the visor is likely made of cardboard or a fragile material damaged in contact with water. It is, therefore, preferable to wash these accessories dry.