How to Store a Felt Hat

This might surprise you, but when putting down your felt hat on a table or another flat surface, you should always place it upside down on the crown and not resting on its brim. Otherwise, it might change its shape or become flattened out. It can also be hung from a peg or a hat rack, but make sure the peg or hook isn’t so sharp that it makes a dent in the hat. Don’t keep it on a peg for a long time, as this might also change its shape. For extended storage, use a hat box that will support both the crown and the brim, and keep it in a cool, dry location. Beware of heat and moisture, both of which might damage the hat. Use cedar or lavender as a moth deterrent.

The Secret to Cleaning a Felt Hat

Remove loose dirt with a hat brush. Don’t use a nylon brush, as the bristles may be too abrasive for the delicate felt of the hat. For a light-colored hat, use a brush with light bristles, and for darker hats, use darker bristles, and brush it gently counter-clockwise with small motions. Regular brushing will prolong hat life. Dust the hat with a damp cloth, but make sure it isn’t too wet. To remove fuzz and hair, wipe the hat gently with a piece of sticky tape. For smudges and stains, use a specially formulated hat cleaner. For a grease stain, rub a little cornstarch into the stain and then brush it off.

Felt Hat Care Tips

There are several steps you can take to extend the life of your felt hat. Help the hat keep its shape by handling it by the brim rather than the crown. Make sure your hands are clean! If your felt hat gets wet, let it dry naturally. Using a heater or hair dryer might cause the hat to shrink or become distorted. Don’t leave the hat in a hot car, as heat and sunlight can cause fading and shrinking. If the sweatband gets oily or wet, flip it down and let it naturally dry. Following these tips will keep your felt hat looking great for years!