How to Clean a Felt Hat

Co-authored by Ayad Mirjan

Last Updated: August 21, 2024 Approved

Cleaning your felt hat is a delicate task. Give it a light cleaning by brushing it, using tape or a lint roller to remove dirt and dust, and wiping it clean with a dry cloth. To remove stains, use a makeup sponge or eraser, sprinkle stains with corn starch, or use a gentle stain remover. For a refreshing, deep clean, sprinkle the entire hat in an absorbent powder (e.g. baking soda), and let it sit before removing the powder.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Cleaning Your Hat Lightly

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1
Brush it with a hat brush. Use a hat brush to remove dust and dirt from the surface of your hat. Gently brush the hat counterclockwise, starting at the front and working your way all around. Be sure to brush in the same direction consistently.^{[1]
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- Purchase a hat brush in a hat store, or online.
Buy a small lint roller or use a piece of tape to remove dust and debris from your hat. Wrap the tape around your hand, sticky side out, and gently sweep and dab across the surface of your hat. Replace the tape frequently to ensure that you remove as much as possible.^{[2]
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Use a dry, clean cloth to brush dried dirt, dust, or debris off your hat. Dried dirt may flake off easily as you wipe it. For stubborn dust, wet the cloth so that it is moist, but not saturated, and wipe your hat.^{[3]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Removing Stains

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If you notice a stain on your felt hat, use a gum eraser or clean makeup sponge to remove it. Gently dab the stain (or smudge) to try to remove it. Alternatively, purchase a dry cleaning sponge from a hardware store (designed to absorb dust, dirt, and soot) to remove stains.^{[4]
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If you notice a grease stain on your hat, sprinkle some corn starch directly onto it (approximately 0.5 tbsp - 0.25 oz). Rub it into the stain gently. After 5-10 minutes, brush it away to see if it has absorbed the stain.^{[5]
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Use a cloth dampened with fabric stain remover to wipe stains. For a gentle stain remover, purchase Woolite fabric stain remover. After treating stains, rinse the cloth and re-wipe stains to remove stain remover from the hat.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Freshening Your Hat

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1
Sprinkle absorbent powder on your hat. To refresh and deep clean your hat, sprinkle it with an absorbent powder. Choose a powder that is close to the color of your hat to avoid discoloration. For instance, opt for:^{[7]
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- Wheat germ for darker colored hats
- Baking soda for a white hat
- Corn meal for beige or tan hats
Leave your hat for several hours to allow the powder to soak up dirt and oils efficiently. Be sure to place the hat upside down on its crown rather than on its brim. The brim can lose its shape if left on a flat surface for a long time.^{[8]
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Shake off as much of the absorbent powder as possible. Remove the rest of the powder by using a vacuum cleaner with a detachable hose, or a cordless mini vacuum cleaner. Place a breathable cloth (such as cheesecloth) over the hose or mini vacuum to reduce the suction power and avoid damage to the hat.^{[9]
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Turn the sweatband in your hat down to allow it to dry. This will ensure that the sweat and oils do not soak into the felt. Leave the hat to dry for several hours, or overnight.^{[10]
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If drying out the sweatband does not effectively freshen up your hat, wash it. Avoid getting water anywhere other than the sweatband. Use a toothbrush, water and a mild soap (e.g. shampoo) to gently scrub the sweatband. Carefully rinse the sweat band and blot the hat dry. ^{[11]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Maintaining Your Hat

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Keep your hat stored in a cool place to keep it in good shape. Heat can cause the sweatband to shrink, rendering the hat unwearable. The foyer, for example, may be an excellent spot if the heating is moderate in that area.^{[12]
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Purchase a water-repellent felt hat protection spray to safeguard your hat. These sprays protect against rain and stains. Using these sprays extends the shelf-life of your hat.
When putting on and removing your hat, avoid touching the top (the crown). The oils on your fingers or hands could transfer to the felt and leave a stain. Instead, handle your hat gently by the brim.^{[13]
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Question

How do I get paint off my hat?

Community Answer

If it was an expensive hat, you should take it to a professional for cleaning.

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How do I get rid of the smell from my hat?

Community Answer

Wash it and hang it outside in the sunshine to dry and get refreshed. If you can't wash it, you could perhaps spray a scent or perfume to mask the smell but this can easily stain, so be careful to spray only where it won't show.

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Tips

Buy a hat box to avoid damage to your hat during travel, or to store your hat at home.^{[14]
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Use a large coffee tin as a makeshift hat stand.

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