Maintaining your favorite hat in its best shape and condition is a skill that may not be easy to acquire. After using it for a while, washing your hat to keep it fresh, clean, and ready to use again is necessary. And, that's where your dilemma comes in.
How should I wash my hat? Should I wash it by hand? Can I put a hat in the washing machine?
Those questions come to mind when you prioritize keeping your hat in the best appearance, right? In this article, we'll help you understand the proper care of your hat before washing it and teach you the steps on how to wash it using the washing machine.
Understanding the Hat Materials and Care Instructions
Before washing your hat, you should check its materials and care instructions first to see if putting it on a washing machine is recommended. You don't want to ruin your beloved hat by just running it on a machine without understanding the washing instructions suited for the hat you have.
While hand washing may be a safe and suitable method for some hats, there are also different cleaning methods other than that that are suited for certain materials, just as polyester and cotton are best cleaned in a washing machine. So, you should always check the care instructions on your hat before washing it.
Risks of Washing Hats in the Washing Machine
Obviously, you use a washing machine for convenience. To answer your question, "Can I put a hat in the washing machine?", yes, you definitely can!
Cleaning your hat or even your clothes in the washing machine can save you time and effort compared to hand washing. It is also, without a doubt, effective in removing stains and dirt.
However, there are risks that you should keep in mind when washing your hat in the washing machine. Listed below are some of them:
1.You may damage your hat if its materials are too fragile to withstand the agitation in the washing machine.
2.Your hat may become deformed and then lose its shape due to its material. They may also shrink if not properly handled when washing.
Five (5) Steps for Washing Hats in the Washing Machine
You can effectively clean your hat using the washing machine and keep it in pristine condition by following the steps below:
3.As mentioned a while ago, always check the hat's care label before washing it. Some hats require specific cleaning methods depending on the materials they are made of.
4.Look for any apparent stains. Make sure to pre-treat them first with water and a detergent solutionbefore running your hat in the washing machine.
5.It is best to put the hat inside a mesh laundry bag or any protective bagto minimize the risk of damaging your hat during the washing process. This way, you can keep the hat from getting caught and tangled in the washing machine's agitator.
6.Before proceeding to the washing process, don't forget toset your washing machine on a gentle cycle. Also, never use bleach or fabric softeners. By taking these precautions, you can prevent damaging your hat when washing.
7.Finally, start the cycle to begin the washing process. Be sure to wash your hat in the machine without any other itemsto keep it from getting tangled and deformed.
After washing, remove your hat from the laundry bag and reshape it. After that, hang it up to dry naturally in a shady area. To avoid shrinking and losing shape, you should also keep your hat out of the sun and other sources of extreme heat.
Conclusion
The question "Can I put a hat in the washing machine?" has already been answered in this article. You can rest assured to proceed with washing your hats without having to worry about that concern in the future. Cleaning hats using a washing machine may be convenient and time-saving, but that doesn't erase the possibility that they can be damaged. Fortunately, you don't have to worry about damaging your hat when washing it in a washing machine. Just follow the steps and the best practices for washing a hat in the washing machine discussed in this article, and rest assured that you'll get to clean your hat while still keeping its best shape.
Aside from the steps we have provided you, you can also use alternative cleaning methods to keep your hats in their best appearance. Always remember that it only takes a little bit of effort to make your hats clean and in good condition whenever you need them.