Whether it is a casual bucket hat or a leather hat for important occasions, the cleaning and maintenance of a hat is related to its life and appearance. Cleaning a hat is never a trivial matter of "simply throwing it into the washing machine". Hats of different materials need to be treated in different ways. Improper cleaning methods will not only cause the hat shape to deform, but may also cause your favorite hat to fade, shrink, or even "die".
1. Preparation steps before cleaning general hats
Before talking about different materials in detail, let's take a look at the general operating procedures that all hats should follow before cleaning:
1.1 Read the washing label instructions
This is the most important step! Many hats have washing labels sewn inside, indicating whether they are washable, dry-cleanable, or machine washable. Don't operate blindly, read the label before starting.
1.2 Remove dust and surface stains
Use a soft brush or lint roller to clean the dust on the surface of the hat, especially for materials such as straw hats and felt hats that are prone to dust accumulation.
1.3 Test for fading
Gently wipe a small inconspicuous area (such as the inside of the brim) with water to confirm whether it will fade. Especially for leather and dark hats, be especially careful.
2. How to clean hats made of different materials
2.1 Cotton hats (such as baseball caps, bucket hats)
Advantages: easy to care for, washable
Common problems: The hat shape is easily deformed, and the brim shrinks
✅ Recommended cleaning method: hand washing
Prepare a basin of cold or warm water (below 30°C) and add a small amount of neutral detergent.
Use a soft brush (toothbrush can also be used) to dip in soapy water and gently scrub the stains inside and outside the hat.
Focus on cleaning the inner circle (the area where the forehead contacts), which is the most likely place for sweat to accumulate.
After rinsing, press dry the water with a dry towel and do not wring it hard.
❌ Prohibited operation
Machine washing: It is easy to deform or crack the brim
Drying: High temperature is easy to shrink and the hat shape will collapse
✔️ Drying suggestion
Put a dry towel ball inside the hat and place it in a ventilated and cool place to dry naturally to keep the hat shape full.
2.2 Straw hat (straw hat, paper straw hat)
Advantages: breathable, refreshing in summer
Common problems: easy to absorb water and deform, fragile material
✅ Recommended cleaning method: partial wet wipe
Use a wet towel to wipe the dirty area locally, and it is not recommended to soak the whole area in water.
You can use a toothbrush dipped in clean water and baking soda to gently brush stubborn stains.
Use a clean towel to dry and dry it in the sun.
❌ Prohibited operation
Soak in water to wash
Exposure to the sun or use a hair dryer
✔️ Drying suggestion
Stuff a towel inside the hat to keep the shape, and dry it in a cool place to avoid direct sunlight that may cause cracking or deformation.
2.3 Wool hat (felt hat, beret)
Advantages: warmth, strong sense of style
Common problems: shrinkage, deformation, felting
✅ Recommended cleaning method: dry cleaning is the best
If it is not professional dry cleaning, you can use a special wool cleaning spray for local treatment.
Small stains can be gently wiped with wool-specific detergent and cold water.
❌ Prohibited operation
Washing or machine washing: wool tends to shrink and harden when exposed to water
Violent scrubbing
✔️ Maintenance suggestions
When not wearing, hang it in a ventilated place or store it in a box to avoid moisture and mold.
Use moth repellent (such as sachets) to prevent moth infestation.
2.4 Leather hat (cowhide, sheepskin, PU leather)
Advantages: high-grade texture, windproof
Common problems: cracking, fading, oil residue
✅ Recommended cleaning method: wipe with dry cloth + leather cleaner
Use a slightly damp soft cloth to wipe the surface dust and oil.
Then use leather-specific care oil to polish and moisturize to maintain flexibility and gloss.
❌ Operation prohibited
Washing or soaking in water
Direct sun exposure or hot air drying
✔️ Storage suggestions
Place in a dry and ventilated place to avoid heavy pressure
Hats can be used to maintain the shape of the hat
2.5 Crocheted hat (wool yarn hat, knitted hat)
Advantages: warm, good feel
Common problems: easy to pilling, loose
✅ Recommended cleaning method: Gentle hand wash
Add wool fabric detergent in cold water
Press gently with your hands to wash, do not rub
Wrap with a dry towel after rinsing to absorb excess water
❌ Operation prohibited
Wash with hot water
Hang to dry (easy to sag and deform)
✔️ Drying suggestions
Lay flat to dry to avoid stretching
Hats can be adjusted with a towel
3. Hat storage and maintenance tips
3.1 Avoid stacking and flattening
It is recommended to use a hat stand or a special hat storage box for multiple hats
Hard hats such as straw hats cannot be folded for storage
3.2 Clean regularly to prevent odor
Inspect the inner ring and forehead contact area weekly
In summer, high temperatures require more frequent cleaning of sweat stains
3.3 Use moisture-proof and insect repellent
Wool and leather hats in particular are prone to mildew or insect bites
4. hat care FAQ
Q1: How often should a hat be cleaned?
A: It depends on the frequency of wearing. Daily wearers are recommended to clean the forehead area once every 2 weeks; those who do not wear it often can clean it once a season.
Q2: What if the hat collapses after washing?
A: You can use a towel to prop up the hat shape during the drying process. For those who are severely deformed, it is recommended to use steam to restore the shape.
Q3: What if the hat is flattened during travel?
A: Choose a foldable hat (such as a nylon bucket hat); or carry a folding hat support and a hard box for protection.
5. Conclusion: A good hat also needs to be well cared for
A beautiful hat is not only a finishing touch of fashion, but also an extension of identity, attitude and taste. However, no matter how high-end the hat is, if it is not properly maintained, it will not escape the fate of fading, collapse and mold. Hats made of different materials are like friends with different personalities, and they need to be cared for in different ways.
I hope this article will become your "ultimate guide" for hat care, so that every hat you love can accompany you longer and more stylishly!