Your hat is more than an accessory. It broadcasts your favorite brand, shows your culture, and hides your unkempt locks. It keeps the sun, rain, and wind from ruining your adventures. It's important to take care of your hat so it continues to bring you joy and security. That means keeping it clean. We'll show you how to clean a hat with a toothbrush so you can rejuvenate your old friend for many more years together. 

How to Clean a Hat With a Toothbrush

If you have a close relationship with your Banner & Oak hat, there’s a good chance it’s due for a cleaning. The best way to make sure your hat stands the test of time is to clean it with a toothbrush. Follow these easy steps to keep your hat looking and functioning like a champ.

What You’ll Need:

1. Warm water
2. Mild soap or laundry detergent
3. A toothbrush
4. A damp towel

Before you clean a hat with a toothbrush, make sure the fabric is safe to clean. For example, a wool hat requires special detergent that's safe to use on wool (like Woolite). You can clean most hats with mild soap or detergent, but always check first. 

How to Clean Hat Stains 

Your hat might have stains that won't come out with mild soap. The sweatband is a common place for hard-to-clean spots. Sweat, body oils, and products (like sunscreen and makeup) build up over time. You can get those stains out of your hat with a toothbrush and stain remover.

Steps for How to Clean Hat Stains With a Toothbrush

1. Mix a cup of warm water with ½ a scoop of color-safe stain remover (like Oxiclean Max Force or Tide Ultra Stain Release). You can also use shampoo, which is made to remove body oils.
2. Apply the stain remover directly to the hat by pouring it onto the stain or dipping the stained area of the hat into the mixture.
3. Scrub the stained spots on the hat, using a circular motion. Be careful around the stitching. 
4. Let the hat sit with the stain remover for 15-30 minutes.
5. For extra cleaning power, you can soak the hat in mild detergent for 30-60 minutes.
6. Rinse that hat with warm water.
7. Set the hat aside to air dry. 

Please note: If you don't want to use harsh cleaners, you can create a natural stain remover by mixing four tablespoons of baking soda with ¼ cup of water.

Things to Avoid

1. Don't scrub too hard; it can cause the stitching to unravel. Be especially careful on the mesh panels of trucker hats (like the Banner & Oak Sierra Gray hat).
2. Don't clean the hat in the washing machine. Most hat fabrics are too delicate for the machine's agitator. Also, many older hats have a thick cardboard bill, which can come apart in the machine.
3. Don't use chlorine bleach on the hat. Oxygen bleach is okay to use, but chlorine will strip the color and damage the hat.

There's nothing sadder than a tired old hat on its last legs. By mastering how to clean a hat with a toothbrush, your hat will look brand-spankin' new in no time.