Naptha for cleaning hats

[fedoralover]

After reading An****v's recommendation on using Naptha to clean felt I decided to give it a try on an Adam fedora I bought for work. It had a dark stain on the crown that wouldn't come out with this other cleaner I had. It's the kind that foams up and then you wipe it off. I wiped the whole crown off with a rag that I dosed with Naptha and after it dried the spot was no where to be seen. You have to let it dry outside of course as the Naptha has quite a smell to it. Thanks An****v.

fedoralover

 

[Andykev]

Caution

PLEASE NAPTHA IS NASTY STUFF AND DEMANDS PROPER RESPECT. IT IS A SOLVENT and YOU SHOULD USE IN WELL VENTILATED AREA.

I use mine out in the garage with the door open, and our water heater is enclosed..so no open flames. I don't even fill the gas lawn mower anywhere neare any spark.....****!

I am delighted it worked. It is good stuff.

 

[Fedora]

My can of light fluid says Naptha on it. Same thing? I have seen the stuff in gallons over the years and it is used to thin varnish. I never used the stuff in cabinet work. Used alot of denatured alcohol though, and laquer thinner. Wonder if denatured alcohol would work as well? Fedora

 

[Art Fawcett]

yes Fedora, it will.

 

[Fedora]

Thanks Art. Now that stuff I have plenty of. Will give it a try as warranted. regards, Fedora

 

[Akubra Man]

Since we are on the topic of Naphtha ....

I tried it on a silver belly Stetson to remove a black dirt spot and it worked great but left a ring after drying. I rubbed the spot and around it with a cloth dipped on the Naphtha to remove the mark. Did I apply too much? Should I have immersed the whole hat?

 

[RBH]

I tried it on a silver belly Stetson to remove a black dirt spot and it worked great but left a ring after drying. I rubbed the spot and around it with a cloth dipped on the Naphtha to remove the mark. Did I apply too much? Should I have immersed the whole hat?

I have never used it for spot cleaning, I alway immerse the whole hat.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Ahhhh.

I've had the same dreaded ring mark after spot cleaning. I was able to get rid of it by repeated applications of Naptha with a clean rag, dobbing it in, in an ever widening pattern. I also use less and less fluid/wetness as I radiate out away from the initial mark. Eventually, the ring goes away or lightens almost entirely.

A real good brushing first to remove dust is key also as the ring is probably either some of the stain not being lifted out or evidence of dirt in the felt which is highlighted once the Naptha has cleaned the spot to which it was applied.

 

[randooch]

naptha dangers

just a reminder that the stuff is a carcinogen, so wear good gloves and, if you have one, a mask.

(i'd add an icon, but none of 'em has a hat.)