It’s not rocket science nor is it always salvageable…but I find these little tips and some general knowledge of the nature of yarmulkes goes a long way in getting them clean and lasting longer.
Being in the yarmulke line for 10 years, I am constantly confronted by frustrated moms, “Motty [insert the name of your own darling] dropped his new yarmulke in the toilet! Or…used it in a frisbee game in the shul yard and it landed over the fence in the dumpster…is it a goner?”
The short answer is NO. Now, for the million dollar question: “Can I wash my yarmulkes?”
The universally recognized answer is no but those of you who are familiar with boys know that no is an insanely ridiculous answer.
Scenario One
You are holding a dripping wet yarmulke that just made it out of the bathtub. OR You pull his pants out of the washing machine, and out of the pocket comes his newly customized yarmulke, now freshly washed.
What to do:
- Have your sheepish-looking boy run and get your styrofoam sheital head from your room. He’ll recognize it by the puncture marks and the mustache he drew on the face one day when you weren’t looking.
- Put the yarmulke on top and reshape while pulling it taut, then pin it down all around using the T-pins you use for your sheital.
- Wait patiently for it to dry.
- It will look almost good as new.
Scenario Two
Your son comes home from yeshiva with ketchup, mud, milk, or glue on his yarmulke.
What to do:
- Spot wash it with a pin drop of dishwashing liquid and water.
- If the yarmulke is velvet, use a spray bottle of alcohol, spritz some of the stain, and scuff. As an added bonus, it will freshen up the yarmulke.
Now for some fun face and important info on yarmulkes I have garnered over the years, with the help of my loyal customers, thus saving you hours of research:
* All yarmulkes will fade and shrink. Water, sweat, and sun, as well as each person’s sweat acidity/ph balance combine to play a role in the longevity of the yarmulke.
* The quality of the velvet affects the rate at which it will fade. The way the lining and stiffening is sewn into the yarmulke will affect the way the yarmulke retains its shape.
What’s the story with sizing? (Do I actually need to try every piece on my son while he fidgets and rolls his eyes at me?)
* For the most part, fabric yarmulkes by each manufacturer fit the same with some exceptions. For some companies, velvet yarmulkes should be tried on because sizing may vary.
* Yarmulkes made of wool or trimmed with leather are often thicker and will fit smaller on your child’s head.
That’s all there is to it folks (those that know me know I can talk about yarmulkes and not be done)’
|