How to Clean a Hat Brim
In vintage movies and newspaper photos, hats are worn by almost everyone, male or female. In the 21st century that's no longer the case, but hats are still an important fashion accessory. A well-made hat, whether constructed of felt, leather or cloth, can last for many years if it's properly cared for. Hat boxes and hat stands help them retain their shape, and regular cleaning prevents wear and keeps them attractive. The most crucial area to maintain is the hat's brim, which is most likely to attract dirt. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling the hat to avoid soiling it further.
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Brush the brim in a counterclockwise direction to remove loose dirt or soil. Use a soft brush for felt or a stiff brush for suede.
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Turn the hat over and repeat on the underside of the brim. If the brim is shaped into a curl, roll a small towel and tuck it into the curl to prevent the hat from losing its shape as you press with the brush.
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Remove stubborn lint from the hat with a wide piece of painter's low-tack masking tape. Press the tape over the area with lint, then remove it to lift the lint away.
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Wash sweat stains from the hatband carefully with a damp cloth dipped in a mild solution of baby shampoo. Take care not to make the hat itself wet as you work.
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Tips & Warnings
Grease spots are difficult to remove from felt hats. Treat them with dry-cleaning solvent, or take the hat to a professional cleaner.
Spots on a suede hat can be removed using the same baby shampoo solution you use to clean the sweatband. Use fine sandpaper to restore the grain of the suede, if necessary.
Shiny leather hat brims should be wiped regularly with a damp cloth to remove dirt and fingerprints, then oiled lightly with mink oil or neatsfoot oil.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
