How to Clean a Navy Hat

Learn how to clean a Navy hat.

Spot clean your Navy hat to remove stains or dirt using supplies that you probably have in your home. If spot cleaning doesn't remove the stains, a more thorough washing may be needed.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Liquid laundry detergent
• Clean, white towel
• Washing machine
• Laundry marker
• White towel

Instructions

1. Clean your Navy hat as soon as you notice any type of spots or dirt on it. Mix one cup of water with 1 tsp. liquid laundry detergent. Dip a clean, white towel into the detergent mixture and use it to blot at the spot. Continue to blot the stain until it is removed. Dip the towel into the detergent mixture as many times as needed.

2. Clean the Navy hat in the washing machine if the stains don't come out with spot cleaning. Be sure to wash the hat by itself. Use liquid laundry detergent rather than powder to prevent further spotting, and use cold water to prevent the hat from shrinking. After you fill the washing machine with water, add the detergent before putting in the hat.

3. Take the hat out of the washing machine immediately when the cycle finishes. If you leave the hat in the washer it will wrinkle.

4. Fold the sides of the Navy hat the way you do when you wear it. Make sure that the crease is right along the seam. You can find the seam where the circular bill and the headpiece are attached. Remove wrinkles by smoothing out the folds.

5. Lay a dry, white towel on a table and place the hat on it to air dry. Don't put the hat in the clothes dryer because this may cause it to shrink and bend out of shape.

6. Examine the stenciling after the hat is dry. Use a fine-tip laundry marker to touch up any fading marks.

Tips & Warnings

• If washing doesn't get the stains out of your Navy hat, you will have to buy a new hat from the Navy Commissary or Navy Exchange.

• Don't ever use bleach on your Navy hat. Bleach may cause your hat to yellow and may ruin the stenciling.

References

• The US Navy: Navy Uniform Standards
• Navy Department Library: Hats/Caps US Navy Uniform