To clean a hat, especially baseball caps that can get dirty with sweat and oils, follow these easy steps for hand-washing
Instructions for Hand-Washing a Hat
Step 1: Treat Stains.
Check if your baseball cap has a cardboard bill by tapping it and listening for a hollow sound. If it has a cardboard bill, avoid submerging it in water.
Instead, spot-treat vintage hats and baseball caps with cardboard bills for stains or discoloration using a gel stain remover. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer and allow the solution to soak in before washing.
Step 2: Fill a sink and wash the hat.
Prepare a sink or container filled with cool water that can fully submerge the hat. Add a few drops of liquid laundry detergent and agitate the water to create bubbles.
Place the hat in the water and let it soak for approximately 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Rinse and dry the hat.
After the soaking period, rinse the hat with cool water, gently squeezing it to remove the suds while avoiding the bill. Pat the hat dry with a clean towel.
To maintain the shape of the hat, you can air-dry it by placing it over a small bowl or container.
By following these steps, you can effectively hand-wash your hat, keeping it clean and in good condition.
When should you avoid washing clothes by hand?
It is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s label instructions that indicate “dry clean” only.
Additionally, for heavy-duty items like towels, it is best to machine-wash them rather than hand-washing them.
Do hand-washing clothes sanitize them?
No, hand-washing alone does not sanitize clothes.
washing machines typically sanitize clothes with high-temperature water, often exceeding 140°F. Such high temperatures are not suitable for hand-washing.
To sanitize hand-washed clothing, alternative methods such as steaming or ironing can be used on dry garments.
*The information is for reference only.