In many cases it is possible to wash a white hat by hand using a few simple products. Once you understand if the material is resistant to washing or not, you can proceed with water, detergents, a toothbrush or a dish brush; you can then dry it in the sun or at home.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Finding out if You Can Wash Your Hat and How to Proceed
Step 1. Inspect it
Before deciding whether to wash it, you should carefully examine it; evaluate how it was sewn, check the brim and the belt. If it looks like it's made of good quality materials, the seams are strong, and the brim has a plastic core, there's a good chance you can wash it.
- Do not wash a hat with a cardboard peak.
- If it looks loosely sewn and is not very strong, do not proceed.
Step 2. Check the material
You need to understand what fabrics and materials were used to make the hat. Read the label or print inside; this should bear the name of the fibers used, such as cotton, wool, polyester or twill; these materials are all washable.
Step 3. Read the washing instructions
The label or print on the lining should include washing instructions including the water temperature, whether or not to use the washing machine and drying methods; if they are present, it is important to respect these directives.
Step 4. Take it to a dry cleaner
If you are concerned that washing at home is unsafe, consider contacting a professional for a dry cleaning; the shopkeeper is able to proceed for you or give you valuable tips for washing your hat at home.
Step 5. Be wary of the dishwasher method
Some believe that this appliance can wash hats safely, but this is not the case; the machine brings the water to high temperatures and sprays it violently on the elements inside. For best results, limit yourself to a hand wash or use a dry cleaner.
Method 2 of 4: by hand
Step 1. Gather the materials
To wash a white cotton or polyester hat, you need 250 ml of hydrogen peroxide, 15 ml of liquid dish soap and a spoonful of sodium percarbonate; if the hat is made of wool, you must use a specific detergent for this fiber. You also need a sink or tub, an old toothbrush or dish brush to get rid of stubborn stains.
Step 2. Prepare the washing liquid according to the type of fabric
If you are cleaning a cotton or polyester hat, fill the sink or basin with hot water; While the water is running, add a spoonful of sodium percarbonate detergent, 250 ml of hydrogen peroxide and 15 ml of dish soap. When the bowl is 2/3 full, turn off the tap and shake the liquid to mix the ingredients.
If the hat is wool, use cold or fresh water and add a cap of detergent specifically for this fabric
Step 3. Soak the hat
Once the sink is 2/3 full and the ingredients have been mixed, add the accessory to be washed, making sure it is completely submerged.
- For the cotton or polyester one, 10-15 minutes of soaking are sufficient.
- If it is wool, you need to wait at least an hour.
Step 4. Scrub it with the toothbrush
If it's cotton or synthetic fibers, you can do this after bathing in water to get rid of stubborn stains. Work gently on each patch and then scrub the entire surface to get rid of any remaining grime.
If the hat is made of wool, you should not rub it, otherwise it will form balls of fibers
Step 5. Rinse it off
After washing, wipe off the soap and dirt with clean water. If you are treating a cotton or polyester garment, you can use hot water; wool must instead be rinsed in cold or fresh water. Make sure you have removed all traces of detergent from the fibers.
Step 6. Let it dry
Once all the foam has been removed, you need to air dry the hat and not put it in the dryer. Place it on an overturned bowl and expose it to the sun, in order to maintain its shape; if you can't store it in a sunny place, let it dry indoors. To speed up the process you can turn on a nearby fan.
Method 3 of 4: in the washing machine
Step 1. Pre-treat the belt and any stains
Use a spray-on laundry stain remover to remove stains from the hat; you should also clean the belt in the same way. If the hat has colored stitching or decorations, make sure the product does not spoil the colors.
Step 2. Place it in a laundry net
If you have a specific one for delicate items, such as underwear, you should also use it for the hat; this simple remedy provides some protection from the vigorous action of the washing machine.
Step 3. Set a cycle for delicate, cold water laundry
After treating the stains, choose an appropriate program; for most headgear it is best to select a gentle cycle with cold or low temperature water. Proceed with washing and at the end remove the hat from the basket.
Step 4. Let it air dry
Never put it in the dryer, but expose it outdoors; alternatively, you can keep it indoors in a well-ventilated area.
Method 4 of 4: Localized Cleaning
Step 1. Prepare a solution based on the type of tissue
Cotton and polyester can be cleaned with a combination of 250ml of hydrogen peroxide, 15ml of liquid dish soap and a spoonful of sodium percarbonate diluted in 4 liters of hot water. Wool, on the other hand, needs 30 ml of specific detergent dissolved in 4 liters of cold water.
Step 2. Wet the patch with pure water
Before starting localized cleaning, soften the dirt with hot (for cotton and synthetic fibers) or cold (for wool) water.
Step 3. Gently scrub the stained area with an old toothbrush
Dip the soft bristles in the cleaning solution and use them to treat dirty areas; if you are concerned about making balls of fibers, you can massage the fabric with your fingers.
Step 4. Rinse and air dry
After removing the stain, rinse the fabric with water, taking care to remove all traces of detergent; if possible, let the hat dry in the sun or at home.
