How to clean a Stetson hat?

The Stetson hat is a symbol of America, worn by cowboys, movie stars, and presidents. It is made of wool or fur felt, fabric, or leather, and comes in various shapes and colors. But how do you clean a Stetson hat without damaging or deforming it? Here are some tips for properly maintaining your hat, depending on its material and condition.

What methods to clean a felt hat?

Daily care: brushing and dusting

To clean your felt hat, the first thing to do is brush it regularly to remove dust and dirt that accumulates. Use a soft-bristled brush, and brush the hat from top to bottom, counterclockwise. Don't use a wet brush or cloth, which could cause the felt to "felt up."

Steam cleaning

If your felt hat is slightly stained or wrinkled, you can use steam to clean it and reshape it. For this, you can use a steam iron or a pot of boiling water. Hold the hat about 30 cm from the steam source, and slightly moisten it. Don't soak it in water, don't leave it too long in the steam as it risks shrinking or discoloring. Then shape the hat with your fingers by smoothing the brim and crown. Let it air dry on a towel, away from any heat source.

Wet cleaning

If your felt hat is very stained or dirty, you can clean it with soapy water mixed with a drop of ammonia. Moisten a sponge or soft cloth with this solution, and gently rub the hat, focusing on the dirtiest areas. Then rinse the hat with a damp cloth to remove the soap and ammonia. Dry it by patting with a dry washcloth, then using a hairdryer on warm temperature. Finally, brush it with a soft-bristled brush.

Dry cleaning

If your felt hat is stained with grease or oil, you can dry clean it with powder. Sprinkle a good layer of powder on the dry hat, and let it sit for several hours. The powder will absorb the grease and dirt. Then brush the hat with a soft-bristled brush to remove the powder. You can use talcum powder, baby powder, or cornstarch.

How to maintain a felt hat after rain?

If your felt hat has been wet by rain, you need to dry it properly to prevent it from deforming or shrinking. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Shake the hat to remove excess water.
2. Stuff it with tissue paper or white cloth to help it maintain its shape.
3. Place it upside down, on the top of its crown, on a dry towel.
4. Let it air dry, away from any heat source.
5. Don't wear it until it's completely dry.

How to clean a fabric hat?

If your Stetson hat is made of fabric, such as cotton, linen, or canvas, you can clean it more easily than a felt hat. You can hand wash it in lukewarm water with mild soap, gently rubbing the stains. Rinse it well, and squeeze it without twisting. Dry it flat on a towel, stuffed with tissue paper, or you can use soapy water with a drop of ammonia added. Rub the inside and outside of the hat with a damp sponge, then rinse with a damp cloth. Dry the hat with a dry washcloth and let it air dry, away from any heat source.

You can also use baking soda to eliminate stains and bad odors. Sprinkle the hat with baking soda, let it sit for a few hours, then brush it to remove the powder.

If your hat is made of cotton, you can machine wash it at a low temperature, placing it in a protective mesh bag. Choose a delicate cycle and gentle spin. Reshape the hat by hand and let it dry flat.

How to waterproof a fabric hat?

To waterproof a fabric hat, you can use a specific spray product that you'll find in hat shops or maintenance product stores. Follow these steps:

1. Spray the product evenly on the hat, then rub it with a soft, clean cloth.
2. Let the hat air dry before wearing it.

You can also use natural products like linseed oil or beeswax by following these steps:

1. Apply the oil or wax to the hat with a brush or cloth, then let it sit for a few minutes.
2. Remove excess product with a dry cloth, then let the hat dry for 24 hours.
3. You can repeat the operation a second time for better waterproofing.

How to disinfect the inside of felt?

70° alcohol, water, lemon essential oil

To disinfect the inside of the felt, you can use 70° alcohol, water, and lemon essential oil. Mix one part alcohol, two parts water, and a few drops of essential oil in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the inside of the felt, then let it air dry.

Hydroalcoholic gel

You can also use hydroalcoholic gel, which you apply to a new sponge. Rub the inside of the felt with the sponge, then let it work. Then wipe with a clean cloth dampened with clear water, and dry.

How to remove bad odor from inside the hat?

Baking soda and talcum powder

To remove bad odor from inside the hat, you can use baking soda and talcum powder, which are natural and effective products. Here's how to proceed:

1. Sprinkle the inside of the hat with baking soda and talcum powder in equal amounts. You can use a sieve to distribute the powder evenly.
2. Let it sit overnight, or at least for several hours, so the products can absorb the odors.
3. Brush the inside of the hat with a soft brush, or vacuum it with an appropriate attachment, to remove the powder.
4. Repeat the operation if necessary until the hat is deodorized.

How to clean your hat's leather?

To clean your hat's leather, you can use a brush, cream, or spray suitable for leather, which will remove dirt and nourish it. Here's how to proceed:

1. Brush the leather with a slightly stiff-bristled brush to remove dust and dirt that may have become embedded over time.
2. Treat the leather with a cream or spray suitable for leather, following the manufacturer's instructions. You can find these products in hat shops or maintenance product stores.
3. Let the leather dry in the open air, away from any heat source or direct light, which could cause it to shrink or discolor.
4. Repeat the operation at least once a year to maintain the beauty and suppleness of the leather.