Leather Hat - Cleaning and Maintenance

"Hello,

"I was given a kangaroo leather hat, as I'm a St James of Compostela enthusiast, and it got very wet leaving marks, so I washed the hat and don't know how to maintain it. Can you help me?"

We are following up on your message regarding the maintenance of a kangaroo leather hat.

Tips for cleaning leather hats

- Leather hats should be periodically treated with leather cream. Once conditioned, your hat is ready to be worn in all seasons.

- Avoid any contact with your wet hat and let it dry away from any heat source.

- Also avoid placing it in direct sunlight for long periods, as such exposure can shrink the hat by one size.

- It is recommended to use a maintenance spray rather than water to clean the leather.

- We also recommend cleaning the interior grosgrain with cold water and ammonia to prevent sweat from later seeping through to the leather.

How to remove a grease stain from a leather hat?

When you stain your leather hat with grease, it's important to clean it quickly so it doesn't have time to penetrate deep into the material's fibers. If the stain is recent, you can sprinkle talcum powder or Fuller's earth on your hat to absorb the grease. After a few hours, gently brush the leather with a soft brush to remove the powder. This provides a hat maintenance that is simple and effective for an impeccable headpiece you can proudly wear again.

In the case of an old grease stain that you couldn't treat in time, simply heat the leather of your hat with a hair dryer and follow the same process described above. The heat helps dislodge the grease which can then be absorbed by your powder. A simple handling that allows you to bring back a leather hat you no longer dared to wear.

How to oil a leather hat?

While it's possible to oil your hat to nourish the material and restore its original shine, improper handling or using too much oil can harm your headwear's appearance. For simple and quick maintenance, it's recommended to use a dedicated spray. These formulas, suitable for leather, suede, and nubuck, also leave a waterproof layer on your leather hat for optimal protection.

Using a nourishing milk or leather cream is also possible, but must be well-measured to avoid over-greasing your hat. If you don't opt for a maintenance spray, then prefer this type of product for a milk-colored or beige Stetson for example, and oil for dark brown hats. This maintenance should be repeated at least once a year to preserve your headwear long-term.

Chapellerie Traclet: An Expert Ally for Hat Maintenance

The passionate team at Chapellerie Traclet puts its over twenty years of expertise at the service of your hats. Whether it's offering you quality trendy models or guiding you through proper and effective maintenance, you benefit from a reference site in the hat-making field. In just a few clicks, you can access detailed blog articles, a catalog of varied hats, and essential accessories for properly preserving your headwear. Don't hesitate and let Chapellerie Traclet guide you to impeccable fashion accessories throughout the year!