Help for a Glengarry bonnet

[Seumas52]

I am not sure just what category this should go in so I put it here. I need the rabble's help with a problem. I have a glengarry which is in a wooden antique trunk. I used to wear it when I was piping. The problem is the trunk was stored for a while and when it was it got wet from a leaky roof. Now the inside of the trunk has a musky, mildewey smell to it which has gotten into the glengarry. It also has a white stain on it.

So my question to the rabble is this: any suggestions how to clean the glengarry and get the mildew smell out of it? Any help would be greatly appreciated as I would like to start wearing the bonnet again.

Thank you,

Seumas52

[longhuntr74]

I'd probably wash in by hand in some room temperature...or slightly warmer...water with some woolite and a natural bristled brush (softer bristles...something like an unused shoe shine brush maybe?) After washing, set it up on an upside-down bowl and let it dry at room temperature. That would be my approach.

[Father Bill]

Have you asked the opinion of a high end dry-cleaner? They're there to actually look at it and give you advice, even if they can't do it themselves.

[madmacs]

If you end up with just a smell issue, stick it in a ziploc bag with an open box of baking soda for a few days

[creagdhubh]

I'd probably wash in by hand in some room temperature...or slightly warmer...water with some woolite and a natural bristled brush (softer bristles...something like an unused shoe shine brush maybe?) After washing, set it up on an upside-down bowl and let it dry at room temperature. That would be my approach.

I agree.

[Pleater]

I'd recommend using an ordinary shampoo as used for human hair rather than Woolite, which I think is rather harsh.

Having felt garments washed in Woolite it seems to leave them rather stressed - I can't think of any other way to put it. They bristle, but the shampoo washed ones are relaxed and smooth.

The just slightly warm water is right.

Gently squeeze the water through the cap to push the mildew out of the fibres. Rinse three times in water the same temperature as the washing water, and add half a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse - wool likes an acid pH.

Fold the cap so it is smooth, then roll it in a coloured towel - in case the dye comes out, and stand on it for half a minute to press out the water. Pull the cap into the proper shape and dry it in an airy but not sunlit place. Sunlight toasts wet wool.

Only use a bowl if you have a head and a bowl which are a perfect match, otherwise suport it on a rolled up towel.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[piperdbh]

Go with what Anne says. Anne knows.

What about the trunk? Was it damaged by the moisture?

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I'm with Father Bill-- send it to your local dry cleaners.

[Father Bill]

I'm with Father Bill-- send it to your local dry cleaners.

Slow down just a shade . . . that may indeed be the best way to go, but my advice was to consult with them before letting them have a go. If asked the right way, they might actually surrender some even better advice than giving it a swish themselves. My cleaners often discuss two or three approaches with me before giving their best shot.

[Seumas52]

Thanks folks, you have been a great help as usual. Thank you for taking the time to read and aswer my query. It is most appreciated.

Jim (Seumas 52)