Hat Care Guide — Care Instructions by Material
Hatloom Care Guide
Select your hat material below to see specific care instructions — cleaning, maintenance, and storage — for that type of headwear. The right care routine extends the life of a quality hat significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a wool felt hat without ruining it?
Use a soft-bristle hat brush to remove dust and lint after each wear, brushing counter-clockwise to maintain the nap. For light stains, dab gently with a slightly damp clean cloth — never rub. Do not submerge a wool felt hat in water; it will shrink and lose its shape permanently. For deeper cleaning, take it to a specialist hat cleaner.
Can you put a baseball cap in the washing machine?
It depends on the internal structure. Canvas and cotton caps without a cardboard brim can be machine washed on a gentle cold cycle inside a mesh laundry bag. Structured caps with cardboard visors must be hand washed only. Never tumble dry any cap — heat distorts the structure. Reshape by hand while damp and air dry on a rounded surface.
What is the best way to store a felt hat?
On a hat stand or inside a hat box with tissue paper supporting the crown. Never store a felt hat upside-down on its brim — this distorts the brim edge over time. Avoid hanging by the brim. Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity. A cedar block inside the box helps prevent moths and absorbs odour.
How do you reshape a straw hat after travel?
Hold the hat over steam (a kettle works well) until the straw becomes pliable — this takes around 30 seconds. Reshape by hand into the original form, then set it crown-down on a flat surface and allow to dry completely before handling. Do not use direct heat (hairdryer or oven) as this makes straw brittle.