How to Wash Hats

Why Hats Need Special Care

Hats are shaped garments — unlike flat clothing, they need to maintain their three-dimensional form through washing and drying. The wrong method can cause permanent shrinking, warping, or loss of structure. The right approach depends entirely on the hat's material and construction.

Washing by Hat Type

Wool and Felt Hats (Fedoras, Dress Hats)

• Spot clean only — never submerge wool felt in water, it will shrink and lose shape permanently
• Use a soft brush to remove surface dust and lint
• For stains: dab with a damp cloth and a tiny amount of Eucalan Fine Fabric Wash, blot gently, then air dry
• Use a garment steamer to reshape and refresh between cleanings

Knit Hats (Beanies)

• Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent
• Gently squeeze water through — never wring or scrub
• Rinse thoroughly in cool water
• Press between two towels to remove excess water
• Lay flat to dry, reshaping while damp — never hang, which causes stretching

Bucket Hats and Canvas Hats

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool water inside a mesh laundry bag
• Or hand wash in cool water with mild detergent
• Air dry on a round object (like a bowl or balloon) to maintain shape

Straw Hats

• Never submerge in water — straw warps and loses shape when wet
• Wipe down with a damp cloth only
• For sweat stains on the inner band: dab with a mixture of water and white vinegar
• Air dry away from direct sunlight

How to Wash the Sweatband Inside Any Hat

The inner sweatband is where most dirt and odor accumulates. For hats you can't fully wash:

• Mix equal parts water and white vinegar
• Dip a cloth or soft toothbrush into the solution
• Scrub the sweatband gently
• Wipe clean with a damp cloth and air dry completely

How to Dry Hats Without Losing Shape

After washing, stuff the crown with clean towels or tissue paper to hold the shape while drying. Place on a hat shaper or inflatable hat display stand for best results. Air dry at room temperature — never use a dryer or place near heat.

Quick Tips for Hat Care

• Brush hats after every wear to remove surface dust before it sets
• Store hats on a hat rack or in a box — never stacked under heavy items
• Keep hats away from direct sunlight during storage to prevent fading
• Address sweat stains promptly — they become harder to remove once dried and set

Recommended Products

• Eucalan Fine Fabric Wash — gentle spot cleaning for wool and felt hats
• Mesh Laundry Bags — protect bucket and canvas hats during machine washing
• Inflatable Hat Display Stand — maintain hat shape perfectly while air drying