STAIN REMEDIES:
A Tale of Two Techniques
** EDITOR’S NOTE: Earlier today, a rough draft of this post was mistakenly published prior to a final proof reading. We take pride in our obsession and want to present only the best. Our apologises. Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.
Last week we posed a question that plagues all cap wearers: How do you deal with stains and dirt on your beloved fitted baseball cap? As we continue to search for the holy grail of fitted first aid, let’s take a look at a few solutions that were fired back at us. More after the jump. >>
I buy the whole cleaning kit from LIDS, which includes the water proof spray, a cleaning solution in spray form and, a brush with a little terry cloth. First off I water proof all my fitted caps with two coats of cap protector/repellent. Then if somehow my fitted becomes a little dirty I follow the instruction from the spray cleaner for the specific material and use water + spray + brush or mini towel, then let air dry. I swear by this process and products, plus I spent way too much money to let my fitted caps get all nasty.
- ANDRES 23, 7-3/8 from San Francisco California
We have a product in the UK called Vanish that has worked wonders on my hats if grimey, the trick is to analyse what your stain is first cause the last resort is that you should have to wet the material and risk compromising the fabric or colours. Some stains are beyond cleaning- wine, oil, etc etc. If its ice white colourway its game over boy.
If its just dusty normally a dry brush following the grain of each panel discussed below in detail if its just a dusty hat or got hairs and fluff etc. If its a full on mud stain that a dry brush wont cure then here are the steps I follow:
a.) First read what material your hat is made from- eg. 70%acrylic 30% wool etc etc,
The 100% wool hats, especially the vintage numbers are a nightmare once they get wet as they bobble up similar to how a wool jumper would do after the wash. I recommend you don’t get a wool hat dirty AT ALL. If the hat is not 100% wool then you can move onto step 2.)
b.) Every hat is usually made up of 6 main panels, as we all know. Each piece of material and panel is laid so that the grain runs diagonally from top to bottom. if you look at one of your fitteds closely you will see what we mean. This is effectively the ‘grain’ of the hat similar to a piece of wood, normally any stain will be sitting within one of the grooves of material which run diagonally from the top of each panel to the bottom.
c.) Choose your cleaning product- not sure how it runs in the U.S.A, but as I mentioned in the UK we have this product called Vanish - no doubt other products are effective at removing stains and shiz. AVOID ANYTHING BLEACH BASED, unless maybe your working on a White hat but even then heaven help you
Work a very small amount if the cleaning product into both sides of the hat the inside and outside of the area whether its the sweatband or the panels or visor. Be careful if you’re dealing with the front two main panels as they contain the bukrum support material that gives the box its strength on the hat and if they get wet they will lose all strength and shape.
Taking either a toothbrush/ nail brush or something similar or even your fingers, apply a little warm water and always brush within the grain we discussed above from top to bottom diagonally. Always try and be careful you don’t damage the fabric by scrubbing overly hard.
After removing as much of the stain as you can you have to dry the hat and attempt to get it to hold shape. The best step but least comfortable is to let it sun dry on your head like you would a pair of trousers, this way the hat can shape ideally to your head and almost give you a custom fit.
Whatever you do, don’t believe the hype and put your cap in the washing machine, whether it is in a ‘hat protective cage’ or not. If you’re going to clean it do it by hand and get close to nature and mother earth -do nit let a machine at a high temperature shrink your favourite hat, cage no cage.
Ideally buy yourself a cap carrier from NEW ERA or other alternative brands and keep your lids locked safely away six at a time when your on road. and if your wearing an Ice White hat and its raining or your near mud then boy, take that off and tuck it under your hoody cause your askin for trouble.
RIFF RAFF, 21, 7-1/4 from London, UK
Thanks to ANDRES and RIFF RAFF for sharing their stain combating techniques in detail. We will continue to report on various products and techniques in the Fitted RX category that will help maintain and restore your collection. Whether you have 1 or 150 caps, its well worth protecing your investment.
