Straw Hat - Cleaning and Maintenance

Handling of the straw hat

• Avoid at all costs handling your hat by pinching the crown, as this will weaken the straw in this area, but also likely lead to cracking of the pointed part.
• It's important to know that our hands and fingers contain many natural oils which, over time, could cause the straw to dry out, and therefore cause the crown to crack. Of course, you can touch your hat to put it on, however make sure to grasp it by the brim (much stronger and easier to clean).
• When you're not wearing your hat, simply place it on a flat surface upside down on the crown. Placing it on the brim can indeed cause deformations. During winter, you can even store it in a hat box filled with tissue paper to protect it from dust.

Straw hat care

• Wipe with a cloth soaked in warm water mixed with a mild synthetic detergent, Marseille soap works best.
  - dirt : remove the stain by lightly brushing with a cloth. If it doesn't come off, use a face or baby wipe, they are usually quite effective.
  - grease stain : add a few drops of ammonia. This should be done especially for the inner part (fabric grosgrain).
  - large stains : rub with a cloth soaked in a paste made of hydrogen peroxide and talc or Fuller's earth. Let the paste work for a few minutes before gently passing a soft brush to remove the paste.
• Then rinse with a cloth soaked in water.

Soft or flexible straws

• Soft straw hats can be stiffened by brushing the straw with a light layer of clear lacquer diluted with an equal amount of alcohol. Alternatively, there are now sprays to stiffen it.
• To lighten the color and renew the shine, rub the hat with a cloth soaked in dark alcohol, dilute the alcohol with a quarter of the amount of water, then lightly polish it with a piece of dark-colored velvet.
• You can also find our selection of hat care products on the Traclet store

Our infographic to guide you