Every outdoorsperson knows that a good hat does more than shield your eyes from the sun. It’s a piece of your gear that keeps your head covered through long hunts, rigorous hikes, and intensive training sessions. But like any piece of gear, your hat needs special care to remain in peak condition.
Whether you’ve got a weathered trucker hat that tells the story of countless outdoor adventures or a performance cap that keeps up with your fitness training, you need to know how to care for it to preserve its functionality, comfort, and longevity.
On that note, here are our top tips for cleaning and maintaining your hat so it stays by your side for many more outings to come.
1. Understand Hat Materials and Their Cleaning Needs
No two hats are the same, and knowing what your hat is made of will help a lot. Common hat materials are cotton, wool, polyester, or special blends. Some materials are sturdy enough to withstand machine washing, while others require a softer touch.
For instance, wool hats are delicate and prone to shrinking if exposed to heat, while polyester caps can tolerate slightly more vigorous cleaning methods. Before you start cleaning, check the care tag inside your hat. If the tag is missing, err on the side of caution and use gentle, universal cleaning methods like handwashing.
Learning about your hat material can help prevent accidental shrinkage, discoloration, or damage. After all, a tough outdoorsperson doesn’t leave anything up to chance, right? Why should it be different for hat care?
2. Use Gentle Handwashing Techniques for Delicate Hats
Handwashing is almost always the safest cleaning method, especially for hats with sentimental or functional value. Here are some simple steps you can use to handwash your hat without risking damage:
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent, like baby shampoo or a specialty hat cleaner. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can weaken the fabric and fade colors.
- Dip a soft cloth or sponge in the soapy water and gently scrub your hat, focusing on areas with noticeable dirt or stains, like the brim or crown.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water, leaving no soap residue behind. Leftover detergent can degrade the material over time.
Go gently throughout this process. If you’re too rough when cleaning your hat, you could inadvertently create damage.
3. Know Spot-Cleaning Methods for Fresh Stains
Dirt can come from just about anywhere, which you surely know all too well as an outdoorsperson. Fortunately, spot cleaning is a quick, efficient way to tackle small surface stains, ideally before they set in.
Blot a fresh stain with water to prevent it from spreading. Then, use a soft brush or cloth soaked in a gentle detergent solution to target the stain. Dab (don’t rub) the material to avoid damaging the fibers.
For more difficult stains, cornstarch can work wonders. Sprinkle it over the stain, gently rub it in, and leave it for a few hours before brushing it off. This method draws out moisture and oil, keeping your hat pristine without wearing it down.
4. Follow Proper Drying Techniques
Improper drying methods can warp your hat’s shape, leaving it floppy or misshapen. After washing it, reshape your hat while it’s still damp. For structured caps or brims, you can place a small bowl or ball inside the crown to help retain its shape.
Also, avoid wringing out excess water; instead, press gently with a clean towel to soak up moisture. Always air-dry your hat in a well-ventilated spot away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading and weaken the fabric. Steer clear of dryers, as heat is a surefire way to ruin the structure and material integrity of your hat.
5. Use Effective Storage Solutions
When not in use, proper storage can extend the life of your hat so it’s always ready for your next adventure. Keep hats in a cool, dry place to protect them from moisture and mildew. A shelf or hat rack is ideal, as these prevent your hat from getting crushed under heavier gear or clothes.
If you have a collection of hats, consider stacking them loosely or placing each on a hook to avoid unnecessary pressure. Just make sure they’re all visible so none of them get forgotten about.
6. Learn How To Deal With Sweat Stains and Odors
For hats used during intense training sessions or long hunts, sweat stains and odors can quickly become an issue. To tackle this, mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water, then gently dab the sweat-stained areas. The vinegar naturally neutralizes odors and breaks down salt left behind by sweat without being too harsh on the fabric.
For deeper odors, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside your hat overnight. In the morning, dump out the excess, and your hat will smell fresher than ever.
7. Restore the Shape and Structure of Old Hats
If you’ve got a trusty hat that’s seen better days, it’s possible to restore its shape. Place the hat over a round object similar to its original shape. You can even use other hats with a similar shape if they’re strong enough.
If you want to speed up the process, steam can also be a game changer. Gently hold the misshapen areas of the hat over a pot of boiling water, allowing the steam to soften the fibers. Reshape the hat as desired while it’s still warm, then let it air-dry for a bit. For brims or visors, you can iron them on a low setting by placing a thin cloth between the iron and the hat to restore their structured appearance.
What To Do If It’s Too Late To Save Your Hat
Sometimes, no matter how much you try to clean and maintain your hat, there’s nothing you can do to bring it back to its former glory. When this happens, it might be time to look for a proper replacement. If you want to your new hat to stand the test of time, even if you put it through tough conditions, workout hats from Oryx Outdoors are the perfect choice for you.
