How to wash & dry a wool Balmoral cap?

[unixken]

The headband of my wool Balmoral hat wicked up quite a bit of perspiration and body salts last weekend, and I'd like to launder the hat.

I suspect the best way is probably hand washing in the sink, lots of cool water, mild soap, rinse well, shape the hat, and let it air dry without wringing it out. I have a steamer to touch up any wrinkles later. Would that be the way to launder the hat? If not, is there a better/safer way to clean my hat? What's the best way to shape the hat while it dries?

Thanks in advance!

[Bill aka Mole]

Perhaps this might be of assistance. Jock would be the one in the know about this stuff. http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=57667 Read thru the entire posting about how to shape the balmoral.

[unixken]

That's a great thread for shaping the hat. (though I'm not looking to shrink the hat at all, as the fit is fine as it is.)

Does anyone have recommendations for a hat-safe soap?

[Pleater]

To felt/shrink wool three things need to be applied - soap, agitation and heat - if you can avoid having all three at the same time then your wool item should be safe.

Unfortunately the modern washing machine is really good at providing all three at once, which is great for felt making but not for jerseys/sweaters.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Arnot]

You could try this. I did and it works.

http://www.westcoastkilts.com/highlanddress-bonnets.php

[Jock Scot]

I have no idea, I just have a new one every thirty years or so.

[SlackerDrummer]

I have no idea, I just have a new one every thirty years or so.

Aye, but you live in Scotland. You wash yours every time you go out in the rain.

[Jock Scot]

Aye, but you live in Scotland. You wash yours every time you go out in the rain.

Precisely!

[Pleater]

I was taking the water requirement as assumed - perhaps it ought to be Felt Factor Zero.

The classic felt making of the fez and other felted hats uses soap - though perhaps with wool which has already been scoured it is not so essential. Wool with the lanolin on doesn't shrink or felt.

There was a shipwreck with a cargo of wool bales which were salvaged after 60 years and the wool was tested and sold as good to use. It is a really incredible substance.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Washing? Your best bet is to have it dry cleaned. Saves on having to buy a new one every thirty years or so.