Cleaning Your Cap: How to Keep Your ’47 Hat Crisp

It’s essential to keep your ’47 hat clean, especially if you wear it often. Over time, hats suffer general wear and collect dust, dirt, sweat, and odors. Routine maintenance and proper cleaning are key to keeping your '47 cap looking crisp. Follow this comprehensive guide about how to clean hats to make sure yours stays fresh for years to come.

Before You Begin: Check the Care Label

Before diving into cleaning, always check the care label inside your ’47 cap. This small tag offers helpful instructions on how to wash specific styles and fabrics. Wool, cotton, and synthetic blends all require varying degrees of care. Wool caps, for instance, need special attention and delicate detergents to avoid damage or shrinking. 

Unstructured hats like our ’47 CLEAN UP and ’47 FRANCHISE are more forgiving and can typically withstand gentle washing or soaking. Structured hats like our ’47 MVP or ’47 TRUCKER contain a buckram panel, so be sure to reshape these hats to prevent warping.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Having the right tools makes cleaning your hat simple. Here’s what you’ll need: 

• A mild, color-safe laundry detergent (for wool caps, use a detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics)

• A soft-bristle brush or a clean cloth

• A bowl or sink of cold water for hand washing

• A towel

• For stubborn spots, consider a stain remover

Spot Cleaning vs. Full Cleaning

How much you need to wash your ’47 hat depends on how much your cap is soiled. For minor stains or sweat marks, spot cleaning with a mild detergent should be adequate. Common trouble areas like the brim or sweatband can be cleaned with a toothbrush or sponge. For heavily soiled hats, a full handwashing might be necessary. We’ll tell you how to wash hats fully in the section below.

Step-by-Step Guide to Handwashing Your ’47 Hat

Step 1: Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add a small amount of mild, color-safe laundry detergent.

Step 2: Gently submerge the hat and wash, focusing on heavily soiled areas with a soft brush or cloth.

Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove any soap residue.

Step 4: Gently press to remove excess water without wringing or twisting the hat.

Drying Your Hat Properly

Drying your ’47 cap correctly is crucial to maintaining its shape and fit. Place the cap on a clean towel and pat gently to remove excess water. Be sure to reshape the brim and crown to their original form gently. Dry your hat on a rolled-up towel or over a small bowl to prevent shrinking or misshaping. Avoid using dryers or radiators or placing your hat in direct sunlight, as excessive heat can warp the brim or cause fading.

Extra Tips for Maintaining Your Hat’s Freshness

Keeping your hat fresh between washes reduces the need for cleaning. Wipe off sweat or dirt marks as soon as you notice them, and spray with a fabric freshener or place in a well-ventilated area to neutralize any odors. Lastly, keep your hats in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or humidity to avoid fading or mildew.

The Importance of Caring For Your '47 Cap

A clean, well-maintained cap not only looks great but also feels more comfortable. Whether you’re rocking a cotton hator a woo hat, following these steps will help keep your cap in top condition. Regular care will make sure your hat stays a stylish and reliable accessory for years to come.