Washing a hat with a pompom

There are several ways to wash a hat with a pom-pom. When choosing the right option, consider the type of material and any decorative elements. Let's find out whether it's safe to throw such hats in the washing machine. We'll also share expert care recommendations.

Let's use technology

Washing hats, scarves, and mittens isn't necessary very often—just a few times during the winter. Therefore, it's best to clean them as carefully as possible to preserve their shape. If handled improperly, they can shrink or, conversely, stretch several sizes.

Be sure to read the product label - it contains the manufacturer's basic recommendations for caring for your headwear.

Much will depend on the material from which the product is made. Synthetic, wool, and blended hats are usually machine washable, but the pom-pom will need to be removed. On some hats, the "ball" is attached with a snap, which simply needs to be unfastened. If the decoration is sewn on, you'll need to carefully undo it.

The pom-pom is cleaned separately. If it's real fur, dust it off with a cool hair dryer. You can also treat the pom-pom with soapy lather, brush it off, and let it dry.

If you decide to wash your hat in a washing machine, follow these recommendations:

• set the most gentle cycle, such as delicate or hand wash;
• the water heating temperature should not exceed 30, maximum 40 degrees - this will prevent fading and deformation of the headdress;
• use special detergents for washing, ideally gels or balms, since powder does not dissolve well in cool water;
• It is better to avoid spinning – after washing, let the water drain and lay the item out on a horizontal surface for further drying;
• It is advisable to turn the hat inside out, place it in a special washing bag, and only then throw it into the drum.

It is better not to wash hats with long pile in the washing machine, as this can lead to blockages in the drainage system.

If you only have one hat and don't have anything to machine wash it with, it's best to hand-clean it. This method is gentler and therefore safer. We'll explain how to deal with stains.

Traditional care

It's best to hand wash a hat with a pom-pom. The process will take no more than 10-15 minutes, depending on how dirty the item is. Follow these steps:

• separate the bubo from the cap;
• pour lukewarm water into a basin (the temperature should not exceed 40°C);
• add detergent to the container and whip up the foam;
• turn the hat inside out;
• Place the hat in a basin and soak it for 2-3 minutes;
• Using gentle movements, rub the dirtiest areas;
• drain the soapy water and refill the container;
• Rinse the hat in cool, clean water.

Don't wring the item out while spinning, as it will immediately lose its shape. To remove excess moisture, use a terry towel. Place the hat in it—the dense fabric will absorb the water.

Although every washing machine has a "Wool" cycle, it is better to wash such hats by hand. It is important to use liquid detergents – powder granules dissolve poorly in cold water and remain in the fabric fibers, appearing as whitish stains. The temperature should not exceed 30°C. When washing a wool hat, avoid rubbing the material vigorously. It's important to use gentle, light movements. Rinse in several stages, preferably using conditioner. Drying the hat properly is also essential.

It's best to place a wet wool hat in a plastic bag and place it in the freezer. Once the water turns to ice, remove the hat, shake it out, and lay it out on a towel to dry. After approximately 35 hours, the hat will be ready to wear. Keep the freezer well-ventilated and maintain a humidity level of 40-45%.

To clean your pom-pom, you can use a multi-purpose solution. Add a teaspoon of ammonia to half a liter of warm water and one and a half tablespoons of baking soda. If the "ball" or areas on the hat itself have turned yellow, you can treat them with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.

When you need to remove just one small stain from a pom-pom hat, it's best not to go through a major wash cycle. Dry cleaning is a simple method. To do this, spot-treat the material with mustard powder, starch, or a special cleaning agent. Then, brush the area.

Put the pompom back in place

Experts recommend removing the pom-pom from the hat before washing. How to remove the fur trim depends on how it's attached. Sometimes unfastening the button is enough, while in other cases, ripping the trim off is necessary. Removing a pom-pom sewn into a hat is easy. Fine-grained nail scissors will do the trick. Be extremely careful not to damage the hat.

To avoid having to rip out the fur trim every time you wash it, it's best to attach a snap right away. You can buy the hardware at your local fabric store. Sew the snap on once the hat is completely dry. This process takes 15-20 minutes, but it will save you a lot of time during subsequent washings.

Another option is to attach the pom-pom to a small pin instead of a snap. This option is suitable for those who don't have sewing skills. This will also prevent the pom-pom from coming loose during subsequent washings.

How to restore a pompom to its original appearance?

Even if you follow all the recommendations and advice, a fur decoration may look unsightly after washing. Restoring the pom-pom is only possible after it's completely dry. Therefore, first use a hairdryer. Place the hairdryer 30-40 cm away from the fur. Set it to a cool setting.

Pom-poms that are decorated with sequins, beads or rhinestones should be dried especially carefully.

The next step is to brush the pompom with a stiff comb. If the decoration is made of natural fur, it is advisable to purchase a slicker brush for it. This is a special comb used for grooming pets. The pom-pom's condition after washing will largely depend on how it was dried. If the hat was washed with the pom-pom, it should be dried on a doll or jar. Hats with detached embellishments should be hung flat to dry.

By following basic washing and drying guidelines, you can preserve the appearance of your pom-pom hat for a long time. Be sure to read the care label after purchasing the item. The manufacturer will always provide care instructions, including the appropriate temperature range, and whether the hat is machine-washable.

   

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