How to Care for Wool Hats

Wool hats are extremely popular because they come in a vast array of designs and because they are so effective when it comes to keeping your head warm. However, if you care for a wool hat incorrectly or not at all, you can take years off the life of your headwear. Caring for your wool hat is easy, but you do have to keep some of the particular characteristics of wool in mind when wearing, storing and cleaning it.

Things You'll Need

• Lint brush
• Clean, soft cloth
• Wool fabric stain remover
• Pillow case
• Flat, dry surface
• Hat box

Instructions

1. Remove dust and grime with a lint brush. After you wear your hat, use a lint brush to remove the dirt from the day from the wool. This will prevent it from getting stiff and grimy over time.

2. Remove stains with a barely damp cloth and wool stain remover. Never wash your hat. You will ruin the shape entirely. Only a professional hat restoration expert should attempt to block and fully wash a hat. Remove stains with a soft, damp cloth that has been treated with a light dose of wool fabric stain remover. Brush the cloth over the stain and rub it lightly, but do not scrub.

3. Let your hat air dry if necessary. If your hat gets rained or snowed on, place it on a flat surface in a warm, dry area. This will allow it to keep its shape while it dries. Do not pack it up until it is completely dry.

4. Store your hat with care. A wool hat should be stored in a plain, cotton pillowcase and then placed in a hat box to prevent accidental disfiguration. Hanging it up will shorten its lifespan at best, and totally disfigure it at worst.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid storing your wool hat in a plastic bag, as it easily cultivates mold and mildew in humid areas.