Trucker hats’ popularity spread like a bushfire because they could fit anyone since they were easily adjustable. You may be wondering why there is a certain fuss around the trucker hat these days. It is now more than a hat for truck drivers but it is now a fashion piece. Sometimes, getting rid of sweat stains on these hats may seem difficult. After a lot of research, we have found the right way for you to clean your trucker hat.
It may seem like the normal thing to do to wash the hat in the washing machine, but doing so may cause the hat to become weakened or in some cases, it may be torn apart. Another mistake to avoid is scrubbing the hat with a hard bristled brush, as this can cause damage to the fabric of the hat very quickly. Follow these simple guidelines to wash your trucker hats properly without causing damage to them.
Get Your Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning a trucker’s hat begins with gathering the necessary materials and supplies for cleaning the hat. Some of the cleaning agents required are as follows:
- Detergent with Oxiclean
- Soft bristled brush or a soft cloth
- A towel
- A bucket or a tub
Before you begin, put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands. To begin, fill the bucket or tub halfway with clean water and then add a non bleaching detergent. If you want your hat to retain its color, it is vital that you choose a color-safe one.
Soak the Hat for Some Time
Allow the hat to soak in the Oxiclean detergent for approximately one hour. If you examine the hat, you should be able to see if the stains have been removed. Follow these tips after you have soaked it.
- Check from time to time to see if the specks of dirt are coming off
- Soak for as long as it needs especially if the hat is quite dirty
Soaking the hat is necessary because it helps the stains and dirt come off easily. It is also necessary for the next two steps you will read.
Look Out For The Most Stained Parts
The interior band is usually the most stained part in a trucker hat. Dip the hat into the water to target specific stains.
- Put a small amount of detergent on the stains.
- Scrub gently with a brush or soft cotton cloth
When it comes to stain removal from hats, chemical and physical treatments are the best options. Hence applying detergent and using a brush is advised. Some other methods to try are sponging and freezing. Freezing won’t be necessary in this case except you have ink stains.
Make Use of a Soft Haired Brush
Because of the materials used to make trucker hats, it is advised that they be scrubbed gently with a soft brush. This is also effective for cleaning extremely dirty areas.
- Use a circular motion when scrubbing
- Take extra care around the stitching
- Be careful of the mesh panels
Another advantage of this brush is that it can be used to remove stains and dirt from the inside of the hat when your hands are unable to adequately clean the inside of the hat.
Clean Water Rinse
Take the hat and carefully rinse it with clean water. The water could be cold or hot.
- Remove the hat from the soapy water
- Thoroughly rinse it under running water or in a pail of non-detergent-containing water.
Gently Squeeze Out Excess Water
Excess water should be gently squeezed out of the hat, but avoid twisting the brim of the hat so that it does not lose its shape. Follow these tips
- Do not squeeze the front of the hat
- Place the hat on top of a clean, dry towel after removing it from the water.
- Press the towel lightly on the hat to absorb any excess water.
Take the Hat and Set it Aside to Dry.
Remove the hat from the water and dry it with a clean towel. To prevent it from becoming too wrinkly, lay it out to dry on a towel. Consider the following suggestions for drying your hat:
- Heat exposure of any kind can ruin a hat’s shape and cause shrinkage.
- Turn your hat upside down on a dry towel in a well-ventilated room.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Its color will fade.
Hairdryers and laundry dryers are not safe either. Just let them dry inside your home.
Conclusion
There may be certain exceptions when it comes to washing trucker hats. Check the label, and if your hat has a tag, carefully read the washing directions. Even if the label says it’s safe to machine wash, cleaning a hat by hand is usually the most effective technique. To wash by hand, follow the directions above and make sure to gather the materials listed below first.