Hats are fashionable accessories that almost any sports fan or fashion lover wears. But if they are not washed regularly, they might slowly fade in color. However, imagine if you had a magic tool or knew the right strategies, cleaning your hat would become more effortless.
In this guide, we will explore how a fitted hat cleaner and other tools can do wonders for your hat, giving it a flawless look.
How to Care For Your Hat in 7 Simple Steps?
Step 1: Prepare Your Hat Care Kit
You will need some tools to begin. A hat care kit is a good supply package, mainly including a hat cleaning solution, a hat washer frame, and sometimes extra items, like brushes or fabric fresheners.
- Fitted hat cleaner: This cleaner is designed to remove stains and odors without damaging your hat’s fabric.
- Hat washer cage: This tool holds the hat’s shape during cleaning, preventing the brim from bending or shrinking.
- Hat care kit: A kit may include extra accessories like brushes or deodorizing agents to help clean spots or freshen up your hat.
Step 2: Inspect and Prep Your Hat
Before washing your fitted hat, give it a swift swipe to remove dust, dirt, or debris. Spot-clean any stains visible on your hat by brushing it with a soft cloth or brush before you soak it. This step helps the fitted hat cleaner to work more effectively when applied.
Remove the sweatband from your hat if it is separable; take it out to prevent any probable damage in case of cleaning. If the sweatband cannot be removed, carefully avoid getting moisture to the parts that do not need to be cleaned.
Step 3: Use the Hat Washer Cage
The best approach to clean fitted hats is to use a hat washer cage. This preserves the hat’s form. Fitting snugly within the hat, this useful item shields the fabric from the possibility of shrinking or becoming misshapen while being washed. Gently place your fitted hat inside the washer cage, ensuring it fits securely. This cage will prevent your hat from shifting too much, keeping its structure intact.
Step 4: Apply the Fitted Hat Cleaner
Now that your hat has been secured within the cage, it is time to use a fitted hat-cleaning solution. These solutions are designed to be less harsh on fabric but can effectively remove dirt and stains.
- Soak if necessary: Very dirty hats can be left to soak in a solution of water and cleaner. This eliminates grime within minutes.
- Soak if needed: For heavily soiled hats, you can let the hat soak in a mixture of water and cleaner for a few minutes to lift the dirt.
- Always check the instructions on your specific fitted hat cleaner to ensure you're using it properly. Certain cleaners may need to be diluted, while others can be used as is.
Step 5: Wash the Hat
After the cleaner has been applied, place the hat (still in the hat washer cage) into the washing machine. Choose a gentle cycle with cold water to protect the fabric from any damage. Refrain from using strong detergents that might damage the material or result in your hat losing its color.
If you do not have a washer, use a soft brush or cloth to carefully clean the hat or immerse it in cool water with a gentle soap. This ensures that your hat is cleaned without getting damaged.
Step 6: Dry the Hat Properly
When your hat has been washed, take it out from the washing machine. Now, try to gently pat out excess water from the hat. Do not wring or twist the hat because this might distort its shape.
This should help the hat keep its shape when drying. Do not leave your hat to dry under direct sunlight or heat because these conditions can cause the fabric to shrink or fade.
Step 7: Final Touches
After your hat is fully dried, inspect it one last time. You can brush off the remaining dirt and lint from the hat by using the soft brush from the kit. If there's still a lot of freshening-up to be done, place a deodorizer on your fabric, this will keep it fresh.