How to Clean a Cowboy Hat: Felt, Straw and Leather

A cowboy hat can last for years if you clean it the right way and store it well. The method depends on the material: felt, straw and leather each need a different touch. Here is what works, what to avoid and how to keep your hat in shape.

Rules for every hat

• Handle the hat by the brim, never by pinching the crown.
• Never put it in the washing machine or dishwasher.
• Keep it away from heat: hot cars, radiators and hair dryers can shrink or warp it.
• Always test a cleaning method on a hidden spot first, such as inside the brim.

How to clean a felt cowboy hat

Everyday dust

Use a soft brush, ideally a dedicated hat brush. Brush counterclockwise, following the direction of the felt, all the way around the crown and the brim. A lint roller also works for quick touch ups.

Small spots

Let mud dry first, then brush it off. For light marks, a dry kitchen sponge or a clean pencil eraser rubbed gently often lifts the stain. Avoid soaking felt with water or using strong cleaners.

Rain

If your felt hat gets wet, shake off the water, reshape the brim with your hands and let it air dry upside down on its crown, at room temperature. Do not use a heater. Once dry, brush it to raise the felt again.

How to clean a straw cowboy hat

Straw is easy to clean but can crack, so be gentle. Wipe the surface with a soft cloth slightly dampened with water. For stubborn marks, add a drop of mild soap to the water, wipe, then go over it again with a clean damp cloth. Never soak the hat. Let it dry naturally in the shade, upside down, so the brim keeps its shape.

Hot sun and dry air can make straw brittle over time. Storing it away from direct sunlight keeps the weave flexible longer. Find a new one in our straw cowboy hats collection.

How to clean a leather cowboy hat

Wipe dust with a dry, soft cloth. For dirt, use a cloth barely dampened with water, then let the hat air dry. Real leather benefits from a thin layer of leather conditioner once or twice a year, which keeps it supple and helps against rain. On leather-look materials, skip the conditioner and simply wipe clean. See our leather cowboy hats.

How to remove sweat stains from a cowboy hat

Sweat marks usually appear on the inner band and just above it on the outside. Clean the sweatband with a cloth dampened with water and a little mild soap, then wipe with clean water and leave the hat to dry upside down. For felt, a light dusting of cornstarch on an oily spot, left a few hours and brushed off, can absorb grease. A thin sweatband liner prevents most stains if you wear your hat often in summer.

How to store a cowboy hat

• Rest it upside down on its crown, or hang it on a hat rack by the crown. Never lay it flat on the brim.
• Use a hat box for travel or long storage.
• Keep it in a cool, dry place, out of direct sun.
• Do not stack heavy things on top.

Quick answers

Can you wash a cowboy hat in water?

Not by soaking it. Use a damp cloth for straw and leather, and a brush for felt. Water should only be used in small amounts.

How often should you clean a cowboy hat?

Brush it after each wear if it was outside, and clean the sweatband every few weeks during summer.