How to Clean Hats: The Right Way to Wash and Care for Every Style

Felt: A durable choice for structured hats like classic fedoras, offering weather resistance. 

Wool: Versatile and warm, often used for everyday beanies or softer structured styles. 

Straw: Lightweight and breathable, straw hats like the iconic Panama hat are perfect for warm climates and summer style. 

Cotton: A comfortable, durable fabric primarily used for casual pieces like peaked caps and bucket hats. 

Leather: Rugged and adventurous, leather hats develop a unique patina and are incredibly durable, often seen in outback styles. 

Suede: A softer, luxurious alternative to leather, suede hats are often chosen for their soft, velvety texture.  

Synthetic Blends: Versatile enough for everyday wear, these mimic other fabrics or offer properties like water resistance for active or travel hats. 

Regular Brushing: Use a soft-bristled hat brush to gently remove dust, lint, and loose dirt from the surface, always brushing with the nap of the felt (in the same direction). 

Spot Cleaning: For small marks, lightly dampen a clean cloth with cool water and gently blot the stain. For tougher spots, a tiny amount of mild, diluted soap can be used, but always follow with a clean, damp cloth to remove residue. 

Avoid Soaking: Never submerge or soak a felt hat in water, as this can permanently distort its shape, shrink the material, and damage its internal structure. 

Gentle Brushing: Use a soft-bristled hat brush to gently sweep away dust and lint, brushing with the nap to maintain wool's smooth appearance. 

Targeted Spot Cleaning: For small stains, blot with a cloth dampened with cool water and a tiny drop of wool-specific detergent, avoiding rubbing to prevent felting.  

Air Dry Only: Never use a dryer. Reshape carefully and air dry naturally away from direct heat to maintain the hat's form 

Gentle Dusting: Use a soft cloth, a small brush, or even a soft-bristled toothbrush to delicately remove dust and loose dirt from the surface, working with the weave. 

Targeted Stain Treatment: Lightly dampen a cloth or cotton swab with a very dilute solution of hydrogen peroxide or a mild, non-bleaching soap. Gently blot the area, avoiding harsh rubbing which can damage the weave. 

Prevent Saturation: Never immerse a straw hat in water or allow it to become saturated, as this will almost certainly cause warping, shrinkage, or encourage mold growth. If it gets wet, absorb moisture with a clean towel and reshape carefully. 

Hand Washing: Gently hand wash in cool or lukewarm water with a mild detergent. For stubborn spots, lightly scrub with a soft brush or cloth. 

Thorough Rinsing: Rinse completely under cool water to remove all soap, gently squeezing out excess water without twisting. 

Air Dry & Reshape: Never machine dry. Reshape while damp and air dry on a rounded object away from direct heat or sunlight to maintain its form and prevent fading. 

Gentle Wiping: Use a soft, lightly dampened cloth to gently wipe away dust and surface dirt. 

Specialist Care: Sparingly apply a high-quality leather cleaner and conditioner designed specifically for hats to moisturise and protect the material. 

Never Soak: Absolutely avoid soaking your leather hat, as excessive water can cause irreversible warping and stiffening. 

Gentle Brushing: Use a dedicated suede brush or eraser to gently lift dirt and minor scuffs, always brushing in one direction to maintain the nap. 

Targeted Stain Removal: For stubborn dry stains, use a suede eraser. For oil or grease, lightly dab with a cloth moistened with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. 

Avoid Water: Never use water to clean suede, as it can leave permanent marks, stiffen the material, and cause discoloration. 

How to Wash a Cap: For light dirt, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild soap. For deeper cleaning, hand wash the entire cap in cool water with gentle detergent. 

Protect the Brim: Be cautious with brims, especially older ones that might contain cardboard; avoid soaking, bending, or twisting them to prevent damage. 

Maintain Structure While Drying: Never machine dry. Gently reshape the cap while damp and air dry on a rounded object like a cap washer to preserve its original form.