Learn to Care For Your Hat

Extend the life of your hat by following these simple tips and tricks on how to properly store, clean, and care for your hat.

 

How To Store Your Hat

  • A hat box is a great way to protect your hat from dust and becoming misshapen.
  • If your hat has a brim that angles downward, overhang the brim on the edge of a table or shelf.
  • Fill your hat with tissue paper or t-shirt when packing or storing for long periods of time.
  • Never leave your hat in a car or near a window. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods of time due to sun fading. Straw hats can also dry out and become hard/brittle.

 

How To Clean Your Hat

Remove dust and lint from your hat periodically to avoid deterioration and soiling.

 

Got A Stain?

Don’t wait till its too late, pick up our Water and Stain Repellent and keep your hat safe.

 

Determine the Materials

Natural fibers (Wool, Cotton, Linen)  

  1. Create a gentle cleaning solution by mixing 1 tablespoon of detergent into 1 cup of cold water.
  2. Dip a clean cotton cloth into the solution, then gently apply a small amount to the stained area. Dab the stain. Do not rub, as this can damage the material.
  3. Pat dry with another cloth or paper towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. Finish by letting the hat air dry fully.
  4. If a stain is intense on a cut-and-sew hat, take it to a local dry cleaner to avoid damage.

Synthetic

  1. Synthetics such as polypropylene and acrylic are good to hand wash. Just fill a clean sink with cold water and 1 tablespoon of detergent.
  2. Gently agitate your hat in the water followed by a cold water rinse.
  3. Finish by rolling your hat gently in a clean, dry towel, then unroll and let it air dry.

Suede

  1. Make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.
  2. Dab onto a nylon-bristle brush, rub gently over the stain and let dry.
  3. Gently roll your hat in a towel to remove excess moisture, then let air dry on a second towel.

Straw

  • Straw can be brushed. A small whiskbroom can be used for those deeply textured straws. Other straws can be cleaned using a soft brush or cloth.



Caught In The Rain?

It is important to dry your hat as soon as possible after getting wet to avoid shrinkage.

  • Use a clean cloth to gently pat dry the outside of your hat.
  • Once most of the moisture has been patted out, let your hat air-dry naturally in a cool, dry place.
  • Never attempt to force dry your hat using artificial heat. Hair dryers, radiators, and other sources of high heat will damage your hat.


  • Does Your Hat Smell?

    Natural fibers (wool, cotton, linen)

    • An odor is caused by a build-up of bacteria in fibers of your hat. To help this, place your hat in the freezer overnight. Don’t worry this won't damage your hat, the cold actually kills the bacteria making it as good as new!

    Straw

    • Do not place a straw hat in the freezer, this will cause the straw to dry and crack. To clean, steam the hat and let air dry.




    Note: Please check the label inside your hat before following any instructions. The suggestions above are for reference should your hat not provide cleaning details. Chapel Hats is not responsible for damage resulting from any cleaning.