Tam o' shanter

[Rowland2094]

I have a very old tam o shanter, it really needs a clean but how? should it be washed by hand or dry cleaned? It would have been made to wear on ones head in rain or shine but would washing it make it shrink? I suspect it should be washed very very gently by hand and dried on a towel. It wsa made by Andersons of Edinburgh who are not out of business.

Rowland

[hc4361]

You're right. Wash gently in lukewarm water with real soap flakes and leave to dry naturally.

[Rowland2094]

Many thanks, thats what I will do.

Rowland

[katerich48]

I would have thought if it was made from wool you really shouldn't risk washing it... Once it has shrunk in the wash there is no going back... If Andersons are still in business give them a call for advice or take it in to them.....

[Rowland2094]

Having read my question I should have typed "who are now out of business" Sorry.
Do you think wool will be affected by warm water? I thought (rightly or wrongly) that it was hot water that did the damage or hot air to dry them.
Are you saying perhaps dry clean?

Rowland

[moonshadow]

I have washed my hubby's green beret successfully a few times, also made of wool, but it does have a leather rim band. Advise luke warm water a small amount of Woolite( sold in Tesco) do not leave to soak and press between towel firmly to get as much water out as possible. What is very important to stop it shrinking while drying is to place it on an item the same diameter as it is before washing. If it's very precious to you why not go along to a dry cleaners and ask advice and if they can quarantee it won't shrink then perhaps it would be best to let them clean it for you.

[Rowland2094]

Many thanks to all who gave such good advice. I have now washed it in warm soapy water and dried it by pressing it in a towel. I kept the original shape by using a former and the results look quite good.
I have now replaced the clan crest (after a good polish) and suspect that grandad will continue to sleep securely in his grave!!