How to Clean Leather Caps
You can clean a leather cap well without spending money at a dry cleaner. You wouldn't want to do so with a beaver-pelt Resistol cowboy hat, but you can wash a low-cost cap like a clothing item. Some techniques exist for cleaning leather gloves and handbags and they also work for caps. Even some clothing retailers, like TravelSmith, offer washable leather items. Washing will work for both smooth leathers and suede. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Mild detergent (like Woolite)
- Lingerie bag
- Ammonia (optional)
- Dry, white towels
- Clean sponge or white washcloth
Instructions
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Machine Washing
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1
Fill the machine with cold water. Set your machine to a medium-sized load, which will allow the cap to move freely for a better clean.
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2
Add mild detergent like Woolite. Use only half the recommended amount for a medium load--you don't want to leave chemicals in the leather. If the cap has an odor, add a quarter cup of ammonia to the washer. Ammonia will kill any mold or mildew, but the smell of ammonia will wash away completely.
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3
Wash your cap by itself, in a lingerie bag (a net bag with a zipper or pull). Alternatively, tie off or pin the hat inside a white pillowcase. Remove the hat immediately after the spin cycle. Lay it down on dry, white towels.
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4
Work the cap back into shape every few hours with your hands. When it is nearly dry--which may take two days--wear it for about an hour. This helps it dry more quickly and ensures that it retains its shape.
Hand Washing
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5
Repeat the above steps in a sink or vessel filled with diluted detergent, and, optionally, ammonia.
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6
Move the cap around by hand for about 10 minutes. Rub the sweatband and liner (if the cap has one) with the detergent and a clean sponge or washcloth.
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7
Rinse completely, using a shower head or sink sprayer. Lay out and dry the cap as described above.
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Tips & Warnings
Turn out the sweatband at the end of the day and store the cap crown down for ongoing care. This allows the band to dry without soaking sweat and oils into the leather.
Leather caps attract perspiration and body oils from your head. Wearing the cap will restore its suppleness.
Use only white towels for drying to avoid the risk of migration of dye to the cap.
Wash the towels immediately with bleach if they have absorbed color from the cap.
Remove the cap immediately from the washer once the cycle is done or it will develop wrinkles and marks from the lingerie bag.
Do not sun dry or use artificial heat to avoid drying out the leather.
Do not wash your cap in the dishwasher (a popular way to clean ball caps). Hot water will shrink the leather.
Do not use a Ball Cap Buddy, a frame meant to keep the shape of a hat in a dishwasher or washing machine. It will leave grid marks on the leather.
