A Hat can save your head and eyes from heat, glare, rain and wind blow. So, it is not just a fashionable thing. Besides, you can use hat for advertising a local business or to support your favorite team. It becomes dirtier with the sweat, body oils or environment. As hat’s shape is not like other clothes, it might be damaged by a machine wash. If you are busy and don’t have enough time then you can wash it in a dishwasher. Do you know how to wash a hat in the dishwasher? For easy cleaning, here are some practical tips.
What to Know Before Washing a Hat
Though hat is not a costly item, you cannot accept a ruined one after washing. So, you should keep some points in mind before washing it.
Read the Label
Like other clothes, your hat also comes with a tag where you will get instructions about washing. If the tag says only dry cleaning then this post is not for you. If the tag says machine washable then you are in the right place and follow the instructions mentioned below.
Confirm About the Material
Before going to wash your favorite hat in the machine, be confirmed about your hat’s materials for a better wash.
Made with Straw
A hat made with straw looks good at a reasonable price. But this material can’t tolerate agitator or impeller’s spin. Never dare to clean it in a washing machine even when it becomes sturdy. Otherwise, it will be ruined.
Made with Cotton
A hat made with cotton is suitable for all seasons. Cotton is a natural fiber. It is durable also. So, it can undergo the spin of a washing machine. Though you may notice a little bit shrink but it is not permanent.
Cotton Blends and Synthetic Fabrics
A hat made with cotton blends and synthetic fabrics is much more durable than cotton. A machine wash neither can shrink the fabric nor can remove the color.
Note: Never wash a hat that is made early in ’80s or before in the machine. In most cases, these are built with a cardboard brim and a machine wash can damage that. But the newer type of hats built with plastic brim, cotton-blend brim or other resilient material is suitable for machine wash.
Made with Wool
Wool hat is mainly knitted for winter season. High motion of a washing machine can lose its shape. But you can clean a wool hat placing it in a pillowcase or garment bag while washing.
What You Need to Clean a Hat
- A working dishwasher
- Mild level dishwasher detergent that doesn’t contain bleach or lemon scent
- Laundry additive or stain remover from a reputed manufacturer (optional)
- Hat frame (optional)
Guideline for Washing Hats in a Dishwasher
If you are confirmed about the materials and ready to wash your hat in a dishwasher, just move forward.
Step 1
Is your hat heavily stained or soiled by sweat or by weather? You should pre-treat it with liquid or paste. It will boost the effectiveness of wash. Wait at least 30 minutes after applying the paste or liquate. It will break down the hard dirt and soil.
Step 2
Do you have a plastic frame for hat? It’s good. Just place your hat into the frame and place it in the top shelf of your dishwasher. If you don’t have a frame and want to wash more hats then you should secure them using adjustable strap. You can also use clips or cloth pins.
Step 3
Add detergent to the soap dispenser. Before adding detergent, confirm that it doesn’t contain belch or citric acid. Otherwise, fabric may damage.
Step 4
Set the normal wash cycle with warm water. Don’t use hot water or heated dry option to save your hat from shrinking.
Step 5
After completing the cleaning process, bring out the hat frame or hat from the dishwasher. Keep the hat in a place where there is adequate airflow until it dries.
Cautions
- Always place your hat in a frame if it is made with delicate.
- You must secure hat with adjustable strap or clip with the rack in the dishwasher.
- Confirm that your hat has no chance to fall down in the middle of cycle.
- No-bleach, mild detergent is must for hats (especially for wool or delicate fabrics).
- Hot water causes fabric bleed or discolor. So, select cold water and gentle cycle from the control panel.
- For hard dirt or soil, apply laundry soap or detergent and wait one hour before washing.
- Never use laundry dryer for hat. It will damage the fabric and discolor it.
- Try to avoid direct sunlight for drying a hat. Rather, you can place it on a dry towel and ensure enough airflow.
- You can use a plastic form to keep the original shape of your hat.
There is no agitator or impeller in a dishwasher like a washing machine. Rather, it works with its spraying power that cleans kitchenware without damaging anything. This is the exact reason why you should use a dishwasher for washing hats without damaging their shape.
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