Hat Cleaning
From oily fingers and outdoor grime to barbecue sauce and sudden spills, your hat is bound to attract a pesky spot or two. As a hat owner, it's important to know how to clean your hat properly -- cleaning a hat the wrong way can lead to discoloration and lost shape. Whether you are sporting a felt, straw, or cloth hat, here is the proper way to treat, rinse, and rid your hat of spots and stains while keeping it looking fresh.
How to Clean a Felt Hat
Felt hats, both wool and fur felt, need a gentle touch:
- Brush regularly. Use a soft hat brush and sweep counterclockwise around the crown and brim to lift dust and dirt.
- Spot-clean stains. For light marks, rub gently with a slightly damp cloth. For grease, dab on a little cornstarch or talcum powder, let it sit to absorb the oil, then brush it away.
- Lift scuffs. A dry sponge or an art-gum eraser can lift surface scuffs from felt.
- Air-dry only. Never use direct heat. Let the hat dry away from sunlight to protect its shape and color.
How to Clean a Straw Hat
Straw is more delicate, so avoid soaking it:
- Wipe with a damp cloth. Use a lightly dampened cloth and wipe along the weave, not against it.
- Use mild soap for spots. Add a drop of gentle soap to the cloth for stubborn marks, then wipe clean with a second damp cloth.
- Dry in shape. Let the hat air-dry on a clean towel, reshaping as needed, away from heat and sun.
How to Clean a Cloth or Cotton Hat
Check the care label first. Many cotton and canvas hats can be spot-cleaned with mild soap and water, and some are machine-washable on a gentle cycle. Reshape the hat while damp and air-dry it to keep the brim and crown crisp.
Hat Cleaning Tips
- Always test any cleaner on a hidden spot first.
- Work gently and gradually -- over-scrubbing can damage felt and straw.
- Handle your hat by the brim edges to avoid transferring oils to the crown.
- When a stain will not budge, take felt and fur hats to a professional hatter.
Keep Your Hat Looking New
Regular care prevents most stains in the first place. See our hat care guide for storage and handling tips, and browse hat care products like brushes and cleaning sprays.
Hat Cleaning FAQ
Can you wash a hat in the washing machine?
Most felt and straw hats should never go in the washing machine, as it can ruin their shape. Some cotton and polyester caps are machine-washable on a gentle cycle -- always check the care label first.
How do you get sweat stains out of a hat?
Gently scrub the sweatband with a mix of mild soap and water using a soft brush, then wipe with a damp cloth and air-dry. For felt hats, use as little moisture as possible.
How do you clean a straw hat?
Wipe a straw hat with a lightly damp cloth along the weave, using a drop of mild soap for spots, then air-dry it in shape away from heat.
