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Another felt cleaning method and product

fedoralover

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,006
Location
Great Northwest
There's a thread on Naptha and woolite cleaning so I thought I'd start a thread on this method and product. I've used Naptha before, but I've found that on at least 95% of the vintage fedora's that I've cleaned most will clean up great using this product and it's a whole lot easier and safer.

I bought this Penny's Marathon at a Flea Market for $3.00. It looked exactly like the pics show, as it was in the bottom of a box. I popped the crown out and sprayed it with a product made by "Scout" called "Felt hat cleaner for Darker Colors."
Note: there is one for light Felt or White felt, I forgot which. Point is "NEVER USE IT!" It's only for white cowboy hats and it has silica in it.

As you can see this stuff foams up and lifts the dirt to the surface and then you can wipe off the felt with a rag. It dampens the felt but doesn't excessively wet it. I let it dry with the crown popped out and then you can use a little steam to reshape it.
This hat is the worst one I have ever done and it turned out fine as you can see.
Just another option for people to try.
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fedoralover
 

hatted

One of the Regulars
Messages
156
Location
SF Bay Area
I've looked for scout, but it only seems to available by mail-order (I've checked every store in the SF bay area that might conceivably stock the stuff, but no dice).
 
Messages
10,603
Location
My mother's basement
I wonder how that product differs from the foaming carpet and upholstery cleaners commonly available at auto parts stores and such. I ain't saying it's the same thing, but just asking, you know.
 

fedoralover

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,006
Location
Great Northwest
tonyb said:
I wonder how that product differs from the foaming carpet and upholstery cleaners commonly available at auto parts stores and such. I ain't saying it's the same thing, but just asking, you know.

I never knew that there was such a thing, but it's worth checking out. I have some work hats that could use some cleaning, I'll see if I can find what your talking about and give it a try. I have to drive all the way to Portland to a western supply store to find this Scouts stuff.

fedoralover
 

Scott Wood

Practically Family
Messages
913
Location
9th & Hennepin North, CanuckSask
Great result

I am going to see if I can get or order some of that.
The only hat-like store in town here is a western wear/tack-saddlery shop so I might be in luck. Have won some recent auctions that will require cleaning.
Wish me luck,
Woody
 

Wolfmanjack

Practically Family
Messages
547
WOW!

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap WOW fedoralover, that is really impressive!:eusa_clap :eusa_clap I've gotta try this stuff.
 

buler

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,375
Location
Wisconsin
Fedora said:
I bet it's basically the same as the foaming carpet cleaners. Which might be cheaper, not sure.

Could search the web for an MSD on the Scout cleaner and then compare to an MSD for one of the carpet cleaners. My guess is they would be very similiar also.

I've used Scout several times myself with less than spectacular results. Probably depends (like always) on what type of dirt/grime is on the felt.

B
 

zetwal

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,343
Location
Texas
buler said:
I've used Scout several times myself with less than spectacular results. Probably depends (like always) on what type of dirt/grime is on the felt.

There could be situations where someone gets a desired result. But I myself don't care for Scout either. In my opinion, whatever cleaning it may do is minimal, it's hard or impossible to apply evenly, and it leaves behind an odorous chemical residue.
 

fedoralover

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,006
Location
Great Northwest
zetwal said:
There could be situations where someone gets a desired result. But I myself don't care for Scout either. In my opinion, whatever cleaning it may do is minimal, it's hard or impossible to apply evenly, and it leaves behind an odorous chemical residue.

???? Really, and it's the same product as shown in my pic? I've never experienced that at all.

fedoralover
 

zetwal

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,343
Location
Texas
Yea the exact same product. Scout felt hat cleaner for dark colors. I personally don't like the product. But obviously it worked for you! No doubt many here do like the stuff. I suspect that many others don't.
 

Tango Yankee

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,433
Location
Lucasville, OH
Fedora said:
I bet it's basically the same as the foaming carpet cleaners. Which might be cheaper, not sure.


Seems to me someone had a thread a couple of years ago describing how they used such a product with good results. Can't recall which one, though.
 

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