You must cherish your felt hats, not just for their stylish appearance but for the memories attached to them. However, over time, these hats can become faded due to dust, dirt, and exposure to the elements. A faded or dirty hat can be a disappointment. Cleaning a felt hat requires delicacy to prevent shrinkage or damage. Don’t worry we get you covered. We’ll guide you through step-by-step methods on how to clean a felt hat.

What is Felt?

Felt is a fabric made by matting, compacting, and pressing fibers together. Felt is traditionally created from wool, although it can also be made from other animal fibers or synthetic materials. 

Animal fur (usually beaver) is heated, moistened, and compressed throughout the hat-making process, enabling the strands to interlock and produce a dense, flexible material. This material is then formed and molded into multiple hat designs.

4 Step-by-Step Methods to Clean a Felt Hat

To preserve the shape and texture of a felt hat, it must be cleaned with care. Following are the step-by-step methods describing different ways to effectively clean your felt hat.

1. Brushing Method

If you clean the surface dust and dirt from your felt hat, this is the most effective method:

1. Hold your hat firmly.
2. Gently brush the surface of the hat in a counterclockwise direction.
3. Focus on areas where dust gathers mostly, like the brim and crown.
4. Repeat this process as needed to keep your hat looking clean.

2. Lint Roller or Tape Method

This method is applicable for the quick removal of light dust or pet hair.

1. If you’re using a lint roller, roll it gently over the entire surface of the hat.
2. For tape, press a piece against the hat and then peel it away to lift off debris.
3. Repeat until the hat’s surface feels clean.

3. Steaming Method

To get rid of the loosened dirt and wrinkles from your felt hat, steaming is the most effective way to revive its shape and form.

1. Fill a kettle with water and bring it to a boil. You can also use a fabric steamer.
2. Hold your hat a few inches above the steam to avoid moisture.
3. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently wipe away dirt as it loosens from the steam.
4. Allow the hat to air dry naturally.

4. Damp Cloth Method

Minor stains are easily wiped away from a felt hat with a damp cloth without damaging it.

1. Dampen the cloth slightly with clean water.
2. Gently blot the stained area of the hat.
3. Don’t rub the affected area.
4. Allow the hat to air dry once you’ve treated the stain.

5. Cornstarch or Talcum Powder Method

Greesy stains are the most difficult to clean. To remove oily stains, use cornstarch or talcum powder to detach oil from the hat’s fabric. Here’s how you can do this:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of cornstarch or talcum powder on the oily stain.
2. Let it sit for several hours or overnight to absorb the oil.
3. Gently brush off the powder with a soft hat brush.

6. Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol Method

This approach is suitable for more stubborn stains. You have to carry this method carefully.

1. Dilute vinegar or rubbing alcohol with an equal part of water.
2. Lightly dampen a clean cloth with the solution.
3. Gently blot the stained area. Don’t to over-saturate the felt.
4. Allow the hat to air dry completely after treatment.

7. Dry Cleaning Sponge or Eraser Method

To remove scuff marks and tough stains, you need to go for this method. Follow these simple steps:

1. Gently rub the affected area of the hat with the dry cleaning sponge or eraser.
2. Apply light pressure to avoid damaging the felt.
3. Wipe off any residue with a soft brush or cloth.

Top Off Your Style With Henschel Felt Hats!

When you enter a great hall of great people, you are required to carry confidence. This is the confidence that Henschel’s felt hat gives you. With a diverse range of designs and colors to choose from, you can find the perfect Henschel hat to express your style. Don’t settle for ordinary headwear. Invest in an exceptional hat made from premium quality.