Caring for your Hats
Whether vintage or modern, dust your hat regularly with a very soft-bristled brush. Stiff bristled brushes can damage the hat. Western stores frequently sell hatter's brushes for this dusting job or try a baby brush.
Excessive Dust -A damp towel with a slight nap can also be used to remove dust. Gently rub the dampened towel in a circular counterclockwise motion over the surface to quickly remove dust. A soft towel used to dry off with after a shower will work. Remember, do not try this with a stiff hat, moist shellac is a terrible thing.
For stubborn stains - Try using a soft, small-pored sponge such as a makeup sponge or a bit of foam rubber. Rubber sponges are slightly sticky and will coax surface soiling away from the felt. An art-gum eraser will work as well, as long as your remember to rub with a counterclockwise motion to the grain.
For deeper stains (on felt hats) -Sanding is required. Using the finest grade sandpaper on the market, move the sandpaper counterclockwise and very gently touch the dirty spot. Be careful not to dig in or use your finger to push up against the spot from underneath as may cause the sandpaper to dig in and create a weak spot. When sanding is required, make sure to remove only the tiniest layer of felt.
Oily stains - For these you need to head to the paint or drug store and find Fuller's Earth. It has the consistency of baking powder, will not stain hats, and will draw the oily residue out of the hat fibers. Brush the stained spot off first. Apply roughly one-eight inch worth of Fuller's Earth, and let it sit for two or three hours. Brush the power off afterwards with a soft brush or towel. Repeat this process if necessary. When finished, use a plastic or rubber sponge to clean away power that has penetrated into the felt.
If stains remain after all of this, find a professional renovator for your hat. Heavy sweat stains, for example, need professional attention as they penetrate deep into the body of the felt.
Excessive Dust -A damp towel with a slight nap can also be used to remove dust. Gently rub the dampened towel in a circular counterclockwise motion over the surface to quickly remove dust. A soft towel used to dry off with after a shower will work. Remember, do not try this with a stiff hat, moist shellac is a terrible thing.
For stubborn stains - Try using a soft, small-pored sponge such as a makeup sponge or a bit of foam rubber. Rubber sponges are slightly sticky and will coax surface soiling away from the felt. An art-gum eraser will work as well, as long as your remember to rub with a counterclockwise motion to the grain.
For deeper stains (on felt hats) -Sanding is required. Using the finest grade sandpaper on the market, move the sandpaper counterclockwise and very gently touch the dirty spot. Be careful not to dig in or use your finger to push up against the spot from underneath as may cause the sandpaper to dig in and create a weak spot. When sanding is required, make sure to remove only the tiniest layer of felt.
Oily stains - For these you need to head to the paint or drug store and find Fuller's Earth. It has the consistency of baking powder, will not stain hats, and will draw the oily residue out of the hat fibers. Brush the stained spot off first. Apply roughly one-eight inch worth of Fuller's Earth, and let it sit for two or three hours. Brush the power off afterwards with a soft brush or towel. Repeat this process if necessary. When finished, use a plastic or rubber sponge to clean away power that has penetrated into the felt.
If stains remain after all of this, find a professional renovator for your hat. Heavy sweat stains, for example, need professional attention as they penetrate deep into the body of the felt.
