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A pristine, white hat has always been a bold fashion statement. From simple baseball caps to stylish fedora hats, this headgear is a good accent to your outfit for any type of occasion.

But it’s all fun until they get dirty. The downsides of wearing these ivory-colored accessories are the noticeable stains that they come with. You can try to be very cautious, but once you wear it, dirt will always happen. 

Guide for Cleaning White Hats

This doesn’t mean that you should get discouraged from wearing one. It’s still possible to restore your white hat to its dazzlingly clean state.

We don’t want you to have any hat-cleaning mishaps to your favorite headgear. That’s why we created a step-by-step guideline for every method to clean your white.

Follow the steps below, and your best chapeau will be as bright and clean as the day you first wore it.

Before Washing

When the dirt and stains in your hat are already visible, you should prepare to go through the intensive process of cleaning it.

More than soap and water, your hat’s fate depends on your meticulousness. 

Check the Label

As in any hat, make sure to check the care label of your hat for any restrictions for cleaning it.

Some hats aren’t for machine washing, while others cannot endure bleach. The specific temperature and washing methods at which it must be washed are also indicated on the label.

You should adjust how you treat stains on your white hat to suit its materials. Besides the instruction, it’s also necessary to identify the fabric material it’s made of.

Here are the washing care needed for each hat type:

Cotton: Cotton is a resilient material that can endure machine washing. Take note, however, that it shrinks slightly with repeated washing.

Wool and wool blend fabrics: Wool is suitable for the handwashing method, but it can shrink and deformed when washed in the machine. 

Polyester and synthetic blends with cotton: these hats are highly durable for all kinds of washing methods and do not shrink or deform under pressure.

Straw hats: these hats can get only get spot-treated or hand-washed with cool water and mild detergent. Do not, under any condition, washed this using the machine.

Leather and suede hats: these shouldn’t get too wet. Treat the stains gently and avoid washing the entire hat.

Other than the fabric material, look as well for components of the hat that aren’t washable. For instance, some older baseball caps have a cardboard part that shouldn’t get wet. 

During washing

Here are some tips to keep in mind when washing your hat:

Handwashing

1. Choose a mild detergent: When washing a white hat, your initial thought might have been to use bleach. Do not. Bleach is heavy with chemicals, and these potentially damages the delicate materials of your hat. In fact, it can even worsen existing dirt stains.

Also, if you are aiming to handwash for gentle cleaning, you may be thinking of using dishwashing soap and lukewarm water to remove the stains. This isn’t encouraged at all, for it can discolor, distort, or shrink your hat. 

Just a bit of detergent powder is the way to go. 

2. Fill the sink with water: Fill a clean sink with water. For wool and delicate types of fabric, use cool water; for cotton and canvass, use warm water.  Drop in the detergent soap powder, and stir until the solution is dissolved.

3. Soak the hat and scrub the dirt: Soak the entire hat slowly and brush the stains with a soft-bristled toothbrush. 

4. Rinse the hat: Drain the cleaning solution and dirty water and run cleaner water in the container. Rinse the hat until the soap and stains are gone. 

5. Dry the hat: Once done, place it down a clean, dry towel inside a well-ventilated air. Let it air dry for at least. Do not put it in the dryer.

Spot Cleaning

For hats made of fragile and delicate material, it’s always ideal to not wash the whole thing. Besides, if the stains are minor, you can simply do spot cleaning. Here’s how you do it:

  • Choose a cleaner: most cleaning products are household items, so you don’t need to go to the supermarket to buy one. Remember to do a spot test to make sure that it will not discolor or deform your headgear. You can choose hydrogen peroxide, distilled vinegar, dish soap, shampoo, baking soda solution, or mild detergent. 
  • Place it on a clean cloth: While cleaning, put it in a clean environment to avoid adding stains to your white hat. A colorful fabric could bleed its color onto your white hat and stain it. A dirty clot, on the other hand, could transfer the dirt onto your hat.
  • Remove stains by brushing: Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush or a damp washcloth into the cleaning mixture, gently scrub the stain in circular motions. Do not be harsh in scrubbing to not ruin the fabric.
  • Rinse it gently with a towel: After getting rid of the stain, rinse the cleaner by patting a damp towel on the spot. Let it air dry for about half an hour before wearing. Do not put it directly under the sunlight. 

Machine Washing

If you’re dealing with tough stains, then a heavier job must be done. Keep in mind that only synthetic and polyester hats can withstand machine washing. Cotton hats can endure the motion, but repeated washing will shrink their size. 

Here’s how to wash your hat using a washing machine:

  • Pretreat stains with laundry stain remover: Before throwing it in, treat the stains with a solution and let it dry for a few minutes.
  • Set the washing machine to a delicate or gentle cycle: Throw in more clothes along with the hat. Use cool or cold water to keep its fabric quality.
  • Let it dry: Once done with the cycles, put it on a clean cloth and let it dry by itself. Do not put it in the dryer. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How often should I wash my white hat?

As much as possible, keep washing minimal. You do not have to clean it right away if you see a small stain on it. It’s prescribed to wash it every two months to maintain its quality.

How do I keep my white hat clean all the time?

It’s inevitable for white to accumulate dirt, especially when you always use it. You also shouldn’t feel restricted in wearing one often just to keep it clean. 

Can you wash a hat in the washing machine?

The short answer is yes. However, make sure to check the care label of your hat for any restrictions for cleaning it using the washing machine.

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