student caps - dry cleaning?

[Rosamunda]

Does anyone know if it is possible to get the traditional "ylioppilaslakki" student caps cleaned eg in Sol? My husband's (circa 1978) could do with a bit of a refresh There is no care label inside the cap (or the original box) and I don't even know if the velvet is cotton or synthetic.

[FinnGuyHelsinki]

The velvet should be cotton, I don't know if its even allowed to make those out of any other material, but should be easy to check from the manufacturer's website (since you know the make). The cap cannot be washed whole, most if not all caps have also glued seams and/or other parts, which don't stand getting wet and/or chemicals. You can use a detergent for the cotton top, separately, removing and re-sewing it, or while keeping the cap intact. Traditionally the cap is not washed/cleaned, so any yellowing due to aging and smaller stains should remain. Obviously this doesn't apply if something really drastic has happened to it, in which case you could consider just getting a new one.

[Rosamunda]

It's not filthy just looking a bit grimy but, as you suggest, I guess this is part of the natural ageing process and adds to the charm. I can't be bothered to take the thing apart so I'll just give it a brush. I'll see if I have any spray-on textile cleaner (eg for shoes) - that might do the trick.

I looked on the website http://yolakki.fi/ylioppilaslakit.html and the fabric is 100% viscose but I'm not sure if that was already the case in the 70s when this cap was made.

[Jukka Aho]

Does anyone know if it is possible to get the traditional "ylioppilaslakki" student caps cleaned eg in Sol? My husband's (circa 1978) could do with a bit of a refresh :|

Be sure to check with him whether he wants that done. ;)

As others have noted, it is a tradition to let the cap show its age (through yellowing etc.) Following this tradition, stains acquired from the 1st of May celebrations are considered just to add to its charm.