How to Clean a Felt Hat

Cleaning your felt hat can be a delicate task. Whether you need a light cleaning to refresh and revamp your HATINDY hat or you wear it every day and would put it through the washing machine if you could, we’ve got the tips, tricks, and hacks for keeping your HATINDY hat looking brand new and squeaky clean. Here, we’ll share a few hat cleaning options and some stain-removing remedies. Keep on reading!

Hat Brush

Use a hat brush to help remove dust and dirt from the surface of your hat. For best results, gently brush the hat counterclockwise, starting at the front and working your way around.

Pro tip: Always brush in the same direction consistently.

Lint Roller

A good rule of thumb is to always keep a lint roller on hand to remove lint, hair, and dust. For those with a wardrobe primarily consisting of dark colors, you know what I mean—lint rollers are lifesavers! If you’re not well prepared, you can use a piece of tape to remove stubborn dust and debris that your hat might collect over time. Just wrap the tape around your hand, sticky side out, and gently sweep and dab across the surface of your hat.

Pro tip: Replace the tape frequently to ensure you remove as much as possible.

Hat Sponge

Ever wondered how cowboys keep their hats clean? The answer is hat sponges. They’re the best way to remove dirt from your brim. Use small circular motions with a dry sponge to brush off dried dirt, dust, and any other debris. It’s wise to use one sponge for dark felt hats and another for light ones. Dried dirt will flake off easily as you wipe it.

Pro tip: Never rub at stains; this only sets the stain in deeper and makes removal more difficult.

Corn Starch

If you notice a grease stain on your hat, sprinkle a little cornstarch over the stained area—about half a tablespoon to start. Gently rub it into the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before brushing it away.

Fabric Stain Remover

Most people have some sort of fabric stain remover lying around. This is best for stubborn dust or dirt. Moisten a cloth (not too saturated) and add some fabric stain remover. Our favorite gentle stain remover is Woolite. After treating the stain, rinse the cloth and wipe again to remove any residue from the hat.

For a refreshing and deep clean of your prized HATINDY hat, sprinkle some absorbent powder similar in color to your hat to prevent discoloration. Let the hat sit upside down on its crown for several hours to allow the powder to soak up dirt and oils. Shake off the powder and vacuum the rest away.

Pro tip: Use wheat germ for dark-colored hats, baking soda for white hats, and cornmeal for beige and tan hats.

Cleaning the Sweatband

One effective method is to use a dry powder rubbed onto the surface of the leather sweatband to lift grime and oil. This can also be applied to clean spots on the hat itself. Because it’s dry, it only affects the area you’re rubbing and falls off other areas. Alternatively, you can use a commercial leather cleaner to remove stains and odors by applying a small amount on a paper towel or cloth and rubbing it in, avoiding contact with the hat. Follow package directions and allow the band to air dry. Once dry, apply a leather conditioner to keep it supple.

By following these tips, your HATINDY hat will stay clean and maintain its beautiful appearance for years to come!