How to clean hats?

Before washing a hat at home, it is important to find out what material it is made of, since each type has its own characteristics meaning that we should choose the right product to clean it. Using the right products is important to avoid damaging our hats, which could otherwise be damaged permanently.

How to clean natural fibre hats

Natural fibre hats, such as palm, straw or bamboo, require special care when cleaning them to avoid damage.

• Step 1. Shake the hat: to get rid of any loose dust or dirt. If there are any stains on it, we can use a soft brush with a little water to gently brush the stain out.
• Step 2. Clean it with a damp cloth: slightly moisten a cloth in warm soapy water, making sure to wring it out well to get rid of any excess water that could damage the natural fibres. Avoid hot water as it can weaken the fibres of your hat.
• Step 3. Dry the hat: place the hat on a flat surface and allow it to air dry, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. To keep the original shape of the hat while it is drying, you can fit some screwed up paper inside it to hold the shape.

You can repeat these steps until the stains have completely gone. It is important to be careful and patient throughout the entire process though in order to avoid damaging the natural fibres.

How to clean felt hats

We should never wash felt in the washing machine as it will lose its shape.

To keep felt hats in good condition, we can use a brush specifically designed for hats or a lint roller to remove dirt and dust, thus keeping the brim and top of the hat flat and clean.

If there are stains on the hat, the most advisable way to clean it is to dilute a spoonful of peroxide in one litre of water. Then, wet a brush in the solution and gently clean the surface with it, paying special attention to the stained areas.

Another option is to mix one litre of water with a spoonful of Savon de Marseille soap. Scrub the stains using a toothbrush with some of the mixture on it, taking care not to soak the hat. Finally, rinse and dry the hat using a cloth.

Nevertheless, if deeper cleaning is required, you should take the hat to a trusted dry cleaner. 

How to clean straw hats

Straw hats are some of the most common types during the summer months, and they are very easy to wash at home. We should gently brush the hat with a soft bristle brush to get rid of the first layer of dirt. We then clean it using cotton wool soaked in a mixture of pure alcohol and water. Finally, we should dab it dry with a cloth and then allow it to air dry completely.