When it comes to washing hats there’s no one-size-fits-all setting – the type of fabric decoration and any special instructions from the manufacturer will all determine which cycle is best for your hat.
Whether you’re caring for a vintage chapeau a trusty ball cap or a sunny summer sun hat here’s what you need to know about washer settings for hats.
Choose the Right Setting
When it comes to laundering hats the general rule is to use the gentlest cycle your machine has to offer.
In other words use the “delicate” or “hand-wash” setting as well as the lowest temperature setting that your machine has.
This will help to protect the fabric embroidery and decorations on your hats reducing the chances of your favorite hat getting ruined in the wash.
If your machine doesn’t have a delicate or hand-wash setting you can use the “normal” cycle on the coldest setting it supports.
This should provide a gentle enough wash for most hats.
Always Read the Label
No matter what type of hat you’re washing always take the time to read the manufacturer’s care instructions first.
This information is usually printed on a label somewhere inside the hat and it will tell you the best way to clean the hat for best results.
Some hats may need to be spot-cleaned instead of submerged in water while others can be washed in the machine on a gentle cycle.
Hand-Washing vs.
Machine-Washing
If a hat is made of a durable fabric like canvas or cotton you can usually machine-wash it on a gentle cycle.
However if your hat is made of a fragile fabric like silk or beading it’s best to hand-wash it.
Fill a clean sink or large bucket with lukewarm water and a mild detergent then submerge the hat and gently swish it around in the sudsy water.
Rinse the hat thoroughly in cool water and allow it to air-dry.
Wool Hats
Wool hats can be more sensitive to temperature than other fabrics so you’ll want to select a low-temperature washer cycle.
Avoid the spin cycle altogether as it can cause the wool fibers to stretch and lose their shape.
Additionally you might want to consider using a wool-specific detergent as this will be gentler on the fabric than regular detergent.
Cotton Hats
Cotton hats can usually be washed with a normal washer cycle.
A cold or warm temperature setting should do the trick depending on the item’s laundering instructions.
Aim to use a mild detergent that is gentle on the fabric as this will help to preserve the hat’s color and shape over time.
Nylon Hats
Nylon hats are also fairly resilient and can be washed on a normal cycle.
Don’t forget to turn the hat inside out before washing to help protect the fabric’s color and shape.
Like cotton hats you should use a mild detergent and a cold or warm temperature setting.
Leather Hats
Leather hats should be cleaned by hand using a damp cloth and a gentle leather cleaner.
Avoid getting the hat too wet as this will dry out the leather and cause it to crack over time.
As an alternative to cleaning you can use a leather conditioner to help keep the material soft and supple.
How to Dry Your Hat
When it comes to drying your hat there are a few options.
If your hat is made of a durable fabric you can usually machine-dry it on the lowest setting.
If your hat is made of a delicate fabric air-drying is the best option.
Place the hat on a clean towel and reshape it as it dries.
Once it’s dry you can lightly steam it to remove any wrinkles.
Keep Your Hat Clean and Fresh
Whether you’re dealing with a vintage chapeau or a trusty ball cap the best way to keep your hat looking it’s best is to keep it clean.
By following the manufacturer’s care instructions and choosing the right washer setting for your hat you can ensure that your favorite hat will last for years to come.