I have several cloth hats which need dust removal.  Mostly USMC field hats (campaign hats) and some visor caps.  What is the best way to remove the dust without damaging the cloth?  My thought is with a vacuum, that would do it using the brushy end fitting of the hose.  But all I have is a typical old house size vacuum.  Do any of you know if there is perhaps a smaller device made especially for preservation?  If so, I'd love to learn about it.  I've attached an example of the kind of problem I'm dealing with.

Steve 

 

I use a brush that's meant for clothes like to dust off a sport coat.  Also, a soft clean shoe brush works.  Anything with real soft bristles.

12 minutes ago, aznation said:

I use a brush that's meant for clothes like to dust off a sport coat.  Also, a soft clean shoe brush works.  Anything with real soft bristles.

Thanks for the advice!!  I'll check it out.  

 

Steve  

OMG! I was literally just asking myself that very same question tonight! 
Thanks for the question and the suggestion!

mikie
 

I just use a regular vacuum with a very soft brush.  Been working great for over 40 years.   

A soft bristle brush that is brushed counter clockwise. And totally optional step (used mostly for silk top hats and those delicate goods) is to use a velvet polishing pad.

 

Just whatever you do don’t use a lint roller, the residue will gunk up the hat in the long run.