Awright, I've got my Scout...

[Biltmore Bob]

If it's not really dirty and spotty I would'nt bother cleaning it. I use a a paint brush to simply brush lint and dust from my hats. Hat sponges are realy an abrasive. Using one actually sands and raises the knapp of the felt kind of removing a thin layer of the felt and the dirt and spot with it. I have never used comercial cleaners, I don't think I, meaning me, would trust a commercial cleaner on anything but a cheap truly filthy hat.

My opinion is not to be regarded as anything but my opinion.

 

[fedoralover]

Well, I have used this stuff a lot and while anything can be over done, it is actually pretty good for regular dirt and dust. On vintage felt which is much superior to new felt I have never had it do what Bob said. It may on new felt, I don't know. But I have used it on everything from my Stetson 100 to my Borsalino's, Stratoliners etc, and have had no problems.

I have always brushed the felt off first, but I can't imagine that vacuuming would hurt it if you used a soft bristle attachment. After that I spray it on and let it foam up for a few minutes and then brush it off in a counter clock wise wipe. I usually pop the crown out when I do it and then let it dry and then reshape it.

For other stains wiping the hat with naptha or laquer thinner using a clean cotton cloth will do a more serious job. Obviously you would want to do this in a well ventilated area.


regards fedoralover