How to Remove Red Wine Stains
By Dolores Domingo
The Benefits of Washing a Hat
A hat is like any other piece of clothing. It is in contact with your skin and outside elements. They can collect dirt, salt from our skin, and sometimes even food if your hands are not clean when you take them off.
By cleaning your hat regularly, you can help avoid developing acne or other skin issues from continuous contact with soiled materials.
The Best Way to Wash a Hat
The type of hat you have will determine how to clean it effectively. Some cleaning methods will not work on various fabrics and could cause damage, so you must know the best way to wash a hat you own.
How to Clean a Hat
Depending on the materials, the best way to wash a hat is by hand with mild dish soap and water. You can spot-wash dirty areas for a quick clean or use your sink or a large bucket to submerge it for a full deep clean. For stubborn stains, you can use an active laundry detergent like Oxi-Clean that works wonders on your favorite baseball cap.
You can use a soft cloth or a small brush to work at the stains to help diminish them. Avoid using products with bleach or harmful chemicals that can dull or fade the material colors.
How to Clean a White Hat
If you have a white hat showing signs of use, you can hand wash it but include a small amount of bleach to help brighten it up. You want to limit the bleach since too much can damage the material fibers and cause damage.
How to Clean a Wool Hat or Felt Models
To clean a wool hat, first, brush off any dust or dirt particles from the surface. If you notice any build-up of oils or grime, sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on the surface to help draw this out of the fibers. Let it sit for a few hours before brushing it clean.
The process to clean a felt hat is similar. Do not submerge these materials in water or use a washing machine. You can spot wash them with equal parts of water and vinegar to treat any stains, or use a powdered cleaner safe for wool and felt fabrics.
How to Clean a Straw Hat
Straw hats require an alternative method of cleaning to keep them in shape. Brush the surface of your straw hat with a small hand whisk broom or a sponge cloth. You can also use a straw hat cleaner for a deeper clean.
How to Clean a Cowboy Hat
Cowboy hats can be made of felt or straw, making them relatively easy to clean. Always clean a cowboy hat when it is dry, and use products specially designed for the material.