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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
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Cleaning Clothes
How to Clean a Felt Hat Download Article Co-authored by Ayad Mirjan
Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Approved
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Cleaning Your Hat Lightly
|
Removing Stains
|
Freshening Your Hat
|
Maintaining Your Hat
|
Q&A
|
Tips
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Ayad Mirjan. Ayad Mirjan is a Dry Cleaner and Laundry Specialist and the Founder of OrangeBag®, a toxin-free, sustainable, Los Angeles-based laundry and dry cleaning delivery service. Ayad has over four years of experience in the industry and he specializes in providing easy laundry and dry-cleaning solutions to professionals, families, and businesses. Ayad received his Bachelor's degree from The University of California, San Diego, and an MBA from Henley Business School. He is also a board member of the Entrepreneur's Organization Accelerator (EOA). wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 93,932 times.
Cleaning your felt hat is a delicate task. Give it a light cleaning by brushing it, using tape or a lint roller to remove dirt and dust, and wiping it clean with a dry cloth. To remove stains, use a makeup sponge or eraser, sprinkle stains with corn starch, or use a gentle stain remover. For a refreshing, deep clean, sprinkle the entire hat in an absorbent powder (e.g. baking soda), and let it sit before removing the powder.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 4:
Cleaning Your Hat Lightly
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1 Brush it with a hat brush. Use a hat brush to remove dust and dirt from the surface of your hat. Gently brush the hat counterclockwise, starting at the front and working your way all around. Be sure to brush in the same direction consistently.[1]XResearch source
Purchase a hat brush in a hat store, or online.
2 Remove lint, hair, or dust. Buy a small lint roller or use a piece of tape to remove dust and debris from your hat. Wrap the tape around your hand, sticky side out, and gently sweep and dab across the surface of your hat. Replace the tape frequently to ensure that you remove as much as possible.[2]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Wipe with a cloth. Use a dry, clean cloth to brush dried dirt, dust, or debris off your hat. Dried dirt may flake off easily as you wipe it. For stubborn dust, wet the cloth so that it is moist, but not saturated, and wipe your hat.[3]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 4:
Removing Stains
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1 Use an eraser or make up sponge. If you notice a stain on your felt hat, use a gum eraser or clean makeup sponge to remove it. Gently dab the stain (or smudge) to try to remove it. Alternatively, purchase a dry cleaning sponge from a hardware store (designed to absorb dust, dirt, and soot) to remove stains.[4]XResearch source
2 Sprinkle corn starch on stains. If you notice a grease stain on your hat, sprinkle some corn starch directly onto it (approximately 0.5 tbsp - 0.25 oz). Rub it into the stain gently. After 5-10 minutes, brush it away to see if it has absorbed the stain.[5]XResearch source
3 Brush with fabric stain remover. Use a cloth dampened with fabric stain remover to wipe stains. For a gentle stain remover, purchase Woolite fabric stain remover. After treating stains, rinse the cloth and re-wipe stains to remove stain remover from the hat.[6]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 3 Method 3 of 4:
Freshening Your Hat
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1 Sprinkle absorbent powder on your hat. To refresh and deep clean your hat, sprinkle it with an absorbent powder. Choose a powder that is close to the color of your hat to avoid discoloration. For instance, opt for:[7]XResearch source
Wheat germ for darker colored hats
Baking soda for a white hat
Corn meal for beige or tan hats
2 Let the hat sit. Leave your hat for several hours to allow the powder to soak up dirt and oils efficiently. Be sure to place the hat upside down on its crown rather than on its brim. The brim can lose its shape if left on a flat surface for a long time.[8]XResearch source
3 Remove the powder. Shake off as much of the absorbent powder as possible. Remove the rest of the powder by using a vacuum cleaner with a detachable hose, or a cordless mini vacuum cleaner. Place a breathable cloth (such as cheesecloth) over the hose or mini vacuum to reduce the suction power and avoid damage to the hat.[9]XResearch source
4 Dry out the sweatband. Turn the sweatband in your hat down to allow it to dry. This will ensure that the sweat and oils do not soak into the felt. Leave the hat to dry for several hours, or overnight.[10]XResearch source
5 Clean the sweatband. If drying out the sweatband does not effectively freshen up your hat, wash it. Avoid getting water anywhere other than the sweatband. Use a toothbrush, water and a mild soap (e.g. shampoo) to gently scrub the sweatband. Carefully rinse the sweat band and blot the hat dry. [11]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 4 Method 4 of 4:
Maintaining Your Hat
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1 Store your hat in a cool place. Keep your hat stored in a cool place to keep it in good shape. Heat can cause the sweatband to shrink, rendering the hat unwearable. The foyer, for example, may be an excellent spot if the heating is moderate in that area.[12]XResearch source
2 Use a felt hat protection spray. Purchase a water-repellent felt hat protection spray to safeguard your hat. These sprays protect against rain and stains. Using these sprays extends the shelf-life of your hat.
3 Avoid touching the top of your hat. When putting on and removing your hat, avoid touching the top (the crown). The oils on your fingers or hands could transfer to the felt and leave a stain. Instead, handle your hat gently by the brim.[13]XResearch source
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Community Q&A
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Question How do I get paint off my hat? Community Answer If it was an expensive hat, you should take it to a professional for cleaning. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 18
Question How do I get rid of the smell from my hat? Community Answer Wash it and hang it outside in the sunshine to dry and get refreshed. If you can't wash it, you could perhaps spray a scent or perfume to mask the smell but this can easily stain, so be careful to spray only where it won't show. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 5
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Buy a hat box to avoid damage to your hat during travel, or to store your hat at home.[14]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Use a large coffee tin as a makeshift hat stand. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Things You'll Need
A hat brush
A small lint roller or tape
A cloth
A gum eraser or makeup sponge
Corn starch
Fabric stain remover
Absorbent powder
A vacuum cleaner
A toothbrush
Mild soap
Water-repellent felt hat protection spray
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Co-authored by: Ayad Mirjan Dry Cleaner & Laundry Specialist This article was co-authored by Ayad Mirjan. Ayad Mirjan is a Dry Cleaner and Laundry Specialist and the Founder of OrangeBag®, a toxin-free, sustainable, Los Angeles-based laundry and dry cleaning delivery service. Ayad has over four years of experience in the industry and he specializes in providing easy laundry and dry-cleaning solutions to professionals, families, and businesses. Ayad received his Bachelor's degree from The University of California, San Diego, and an MBA from Henley Business School. He is also a board member of the Entrepreneur's Organization Accelerator (EOA). This article has been viewed 93,932 times. 3 votes - 60% Co-authors: 7Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 93,932 Categories: Cleaning Clothes In other languages Spanish German French Japanese
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Reader Success Stories
Pete
May 26, 2018
"Just acquired a very dirty fez, this gave me the hints and confidence to tackle cleaning it. It's come up a treat. Thank you."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Ayad Mirjan Dry Cleaner & Laundry Specialist 3 votes - 60% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 7Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 93,932
Pete
May 26, 2018
"Just acquired a very dirty fez, this gave me the hints and confidence to tackle cleaning it. It's come up a treat. Thank you."..." more
Anonymous
Dec 1, 2017
"Buying a hat brush, I did not know there was a spray for felt hats either!"
John Myrick
Jul 10, 2017
"Great instructions for sprucing up my hat!"
Anthony Stephenson
Dec 11, 2018
"Thank you, I found all the info I needed." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Co-authored by Ayad Mirjan 
How toClean a Wool Hat 
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Co-authored by: Ayad Mirjan Dry Cleaner & Laundry Specialist This article was co-authored by Ayad Mirjan. Ayad Mirjan is a Dry Cleaner and Laundry Specialist and the Founder of OrangeBag®, a toxin-free, sustainable, Los Angeles-based laundry and dry cleaning delivery service. Ayad has over four years of experience in the industry and he specializes in providing easy laundry and dry-cleaning solutions to professionals, families, and businesses. Ayad received his Bachelor's degree from The University of California, San Diego, and an MBA from Henley Business School. He is also a board member of the Entrepreneur's Organization Accelerator (EOA). This article has been viewed 93,932 times. 3 votes - 60% Co-authors: 7 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 93,932 Categories: Cleaning Clothes In other languages Spanish German French Japanese 
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1 Brush it with a hat brush. Use a hat brush to remove dust and dirt from the surface of your hat. Gently brush the hat counterclockwise, starting at the front and working your way all around. Be sure to brush in the same direction consistently.[1] 
2 Remove lint, hair, or dust. Buy a small lint roller or use a piece of tape to remove dust and debris from your hat. Wrap the tape around your hand, sticky side out, and gently sweep and dab across the surface of your hat. Replace the tape frequently to ensure that you remove as much as possible.[2] Advertisement 
3 Brush with fabric stain remover. Use a cloth dampened with fabric stain remover to wipe stains. For a gentle stain remover, purchase Woolite fabric stain remover. After treating stains, rinse the cloth and re-wipe stains to remove stain remover from the hat.[6] Advertisement 
2 Let the hat sit. Leave your hat for several hours to allow the powder to soak up dirt and oils efficiently. Be sure to place the hat upside down on its crown rather than on its brim. The brim can lose its shape if left on a flat surface for a long time.[8] 
5 Clean the sweatband. If drying out the sweatband does not effectively freshen up your hat, wash it. Avoid getting water anywhere other than the sweatband. Use a toothbrush, water and a mild soap (e.g. shampoo) to gently scrub the sweatband. Carefully rinse the sweat band and blot the hat dry. [11] Advertisement 
1 Store your hat in a cool place. Keep your hat stored in a cool place to keep it in good shape. Heat can cause the sweatband to shrink, rendering the hat unwearable. The foyer, for example, may be an excellent spot if the heating is moderate in that area.[12] 
2 Use a felt hat protection spray. Purchase a water-repellent felt hat protection spray to safeguard your hat. These sprays protect against rain and stains. Using these sprays extends the shelf-life of your hat. 
3 Avoid touching the top of your hat. When putting on and removing your hat, avoid touching the top (the crown). The oils on your fingers or hands could transfer to the felt and leave a stain. Instead, handle your hat gently by the brim.[13] Advertisement 
Community Answer If it was an expensive hat, you should take it to a professional for cleaning. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 18 
Community Answer Wash it and hang it outside in the sunshine to dry and get refreshed. If you can't wash it, you could perhaps spray a scent or perfume to mask the smell but this can easily stain, so be careful to spray only where it won't show. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 5 Helpful 5