How to Clean Pith Helmets
Pith helmets have been in use since the 1840s, but did not reach their true popularity among the military until the 1870s. Made of cork or tree pith and covered with wool or twill, pith helmets were designed to leave a pocket of air between your head and the hat, to help keep you cool. Since they are intended for rough use, it's not hard to clean pith helmets. While you need to be very careful cleaning antique pith helmets, modern ones are practically wash 'n' wear. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Brush all lint, dust, and any dried stains off your pith helmet with a baby brush. Clean the inside as well as the outside.
-
2
Spray spot cleaner onto the corner of a clean cloth and gently dab and blot at any spots until they are removed.
-
-
3
Use another corner of the cloth sprayed with spot cleaner to clean the inside of the pith helmet, especially the hat band where sweat would accumulate.
-
4
Dissolve 1 to 2 tablespoons of mild laundry soap in a bowl of warm water. Soak a clean cloth in the solution and wring it out until it is damp.
-
5
Clean the outside of the pith helmet with the damp cloth, re-wetting it as needed. To remove any soap residue, go over the helmet again with a new cloth that is damp with clear water. Let the helmet air dry.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Cotton swabs dipped in hydrogen peroxide are good for small, stubborn stains.
Clean a small test patch before using any kind of cleanser on an antique pith helmet.
