In this service article from Altenburger Hat & Costume, we discuss the most common materials used in our products and explain how to properly care for them so that they bring you joy for a long time. This article is divided into the following sections:
- Care of wool felt
- Proper care of silk
- Care of real hair (hair mats)
- Leather care (e.g. hat brims)
- A basic summary of our products
Care of wool felt
Wool felt hats or costumes are relatively easy to care for, but with a few simple steps you can ensure your wool felt product stays in good condition for a long time. Regular brushing, stain removal as needed, and proper storage are essential for a long-lasting product.
Cleaning and care:
Brushing: Loose dirt can often be carefully removed with a soft brush or a suitable cleaning brush. Always brush in the same direction, against the grain of the felt.
Stain removal: For lighter stains, cornstarch or baking soda can be used. Sprinkle the powder onto the stain, let it sit briefly, and then remove it with a brush or a slightly damp cloth or sponge. For sweat stains, it can be helpful to put a hat in the freezer. The cold can harden the sweat, making it easier to scrape off. Clean the sweatband separately with lukewarm water and a squirt of citric acid or dish soap.
Wet or stubborn stains: For wet dirt, you can dab with a soft, absorbent cloth, but do not rub. For very stubborn stains, gently treating the stain with fine sandpaper can help. Be extremely careful, as this can damage the felt surface and should not be done too often.
Drying and shaping: If the wool felt gets wet, let it air dry at room temperature. Never place it on a radiator or dry it with a hairdryer, as this can damage the felt and cause it to shrink. While it is drying, you can also carefully reshape a hat back into its original form.
Waterproofing: Use a suitable waterproofing spray for textiles. Ensure the wool felt is clean before waterproofing. Spray the product evenly outdoors or in a well-ventilated room from a distance of 20-30 cm. It's better to repeat the process several times than to spray too much at once.
Storage: Store your wool felt hat or other wool felt product in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and deformation. Ideally, lay a hat flat on its brim on a shelf or in a cupboard. A hat box or hat stand is ideal for preserving the shape and preventing crushing. Do not place heavy objects on the hat. If storing in a cellar, be aware of mice, as they can gnaw on felt.
Proper care of silk
Silk is a luxurious and delicate natural material that requires special care to preserve its beauty and longevity, especially in shaped products such as hats.
Basic information about silk:
Sensitivity when wet: Silk loses significant tear resistance when wet. For this reason, silk hats should never be completely soaked or washed in a washing machine, as this can irreparably damage their shape.
pH neutrality: Silk is sensitive to alkaline substances. Therefore, use only pH-neutral, enzyme-free detergents specifically formulated for silk or wool.
UV sensitivity: Direct and prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade the colors of silk and damage the fibers. Therefore, always store silk hats away from direct sunlight.
Water stains: Silk tends to develop visible water stains. Therefore, avoid individual splashes of water. Always dab away moisture thoroughly and evenly.
Contact with perspiration: Perspiration can discolor silk and impair its structure. Try to avoid direct contact between perspiration and the silk fabric of the hat as much as possible. If necessary, the inner band (sweatband) can be cleaned separately if it is a removable element.
Cleaning a silk product
Dust and light soiling: Gently brush your silk hat with a very soft brush (e.g., a fine clothes brush or a hat brush with soft bristles). Always brush in the direction of the silk pile. A microfiber cloth can also be used for gentle wiping.
Airing: Often it is enough to air the hat in a well-ventilated place (not in direct sunlight) to remove odors.
Spot stain removal: Always use cleaning agents or water first on an inconspicuous area (e.g. inside the brim or on a hidden seam) to avoid color changes or damage.
Water-based stains: Gently dab the stain with a clean, white, slightly damp cloth (preferably with distilled water to avoid limescale). Do not rub; instead, dab the stain from the outside in to avoid spreading it.
For grease stains: Sprinkle some cornstarch, baby powder, or special cleaning clay onto the stain and let it sit for several hours (or overnight). The powder will absorb the grease. Then gently brush it off. Repeat if necessary.
Special silk cleaners: For more stubborn stains, you can use pH-neutral silk cleaners available on the market. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely and use them sparingly.
Sweat stains on the inner band: If the hat's inner band has sweat stains and is removable, you can carefully hand wash it with a mild silk detergent or pH-neutral shampoo and allow it to air dry. If it is sewn in place, professional cleaning should be considered.
Professional cleaning: For heavy or extensive soiling, or if you are unsure, professional dry cleaning is the safest option for your silk hat or costume. Be sure to inform the cleaner about the material.
Drying & Shaping
Silk should always be air-dried, never on a radiator or in direct sunlight, as it can easily become misshapen and fade. When drying hats, it's best to place them on a hat block or carefully stuff them with tissue paper . Minor creases or loss of shape can be smoothed out with steam (e.g., a handheld steamer, not too close).
storage
A hatbox is ideal, as it protects the silk from dust, light, and deformation. Store a hat or costume away from direct sunlight and moisture in a sheltered place or garment bag. Do not use airtight plastic for storage.
Care of real hair (hair mats)
Felt hats made from fine beaver or rabbit fur are known for their durability, water resistance, and luxurious feel. However, like wool felt, they require specific care to maintain their quality and shape for years to come. Here's how to properly care for your prized felt hat.
Regular brushing: The key to longevity
Matted hair attracts dust and fine particles. Consistent brushing removes these deposits and helps to smooth the pile (the fine hairs on the surface), thus preserving the natural shine of the felt.
Use a special, very soft hat brush (often made of horsehair), ideally matching the color of your hat. Always ensure the brush is clean.
Always brush your hat in the direction of the fur . Start at the top of the hat and gently work your way towards the brim to avoid damaging the fibers. Ideally, brush your hat after every wear to remove dust immediately.
Effectively remove stains and dirt
Prevention: Always handle your hat with clean hands to avoid transferring skin oils and dirt. We always recommend wearing gloves with a top hat; this protects the hat and shows style.
For stains:
- Light dirt: Loose particles can usually be removed with a hat brush.
- Light stains: Gently dab non-greasy stains with a clean, slightly damp (not wet!) cloth or sponge. Do not rub; work from the outside in to avoid spreading the stain.
- For grease stains: Sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder onto the stain. Leave it for several hours (or overnight) so the powder can absorb the grease. Then gently brush off the powder. Repeat if necessary.
- Stubborn stains: For very stubborn or dried-in stains, you can try treating the stain very carefully with fine sandpaper (very fine grit) or a special felt sponge. This is a last resort and should only be done with extreme caution, as it can permanently alter the felt surface.
- Sweat stains: Sweat stains on the inner band can often be cleaned with a damp cloth and a drop of mild (pH-neutral) soap. Allow the band to dry thoroughly afterwards. For deeper sweat stains on the felt itself, professional cleaning is often the best option.
Proper drying and shaping
Take care in wet conditions: Felt is naturally water-repellent, but can become soaked through in heavy rain. In this case, always allow your hat to dry thoroughly.
Always allow the hat to air dry at room temperature. Absolutely avoid placing it on a radiator, exposing it to direct sunlight, or using a hairdryer. Extreme heat can cause the felt to shrink, deform, and become brittle.
Place the damp hat on a suitable hat block or carefully stuff it with wrinkle-free tissue paper to help it retain its original shape. Stand it upright on its crown or lay it down so that the brim is not bent.
Correcting loss of shape:
Minor deformations can often be corrected with steam . Hold the hat over a pot of boiling water or use a handheld steamer. The steam will make the felt supple, allowing you to gently reshape it with your hands. Then let the hat dry in its new shape.
Impregnation:
Regular waterproofing improves the water-repellent properties of your felt hat and offers additional protection against dirt.
Use a special waterproofing spray for hats or textiles . Make sure the hat is clean and dry before waterproofing. Spray the product evenly outdoors or in a well-ventilated room from a distance of about 20-30 cm. It's better to apply several thin coats than one thick one. Allow the hat to dry completely after waterproofing.
5. Proper storage
Careful storage is crucial for the longevity and appearance of your hair felt hat.
The best way to store your felt hat is in a hatbox . This effectively protects it from dust, light (which can fade the color), and crushing. Place the hat in the box so that the brim isn't bent. A hat stand that supports the shape of the crown is also an excellent choice.
Store the hat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not place heavy objects on the hat to prevent deformation. Felt is a natural product and can be infested by moths. Use natural moth repellents (e.g., cedarwood, lavender) near the storage area, especially if you will not be wearing the hat for an extended period.
Leather care (e.g. hatbands)
- Wipe regularly: Wipe the leather strap with a slightly damp cloth as needed to remove dust and light dirt. Then let it air dry immediately.
- Moisture care: Treat the leather strap once or twice a year with a small amount of leather grease or leather balm . Gently massage the product in with your fingers and, if necessary, polish it with a soft cloth. This keeps the leather supple and protects it from drying out and cracking.
- Avoid moisture: Protect the leather strap from excessive moisture. If it gets wet, allow it to dry slowly at room temperature and then lightly condition it.
This simple care will help keep the leather band on your hat beautiful and durable.
A basic summary of our products
- Check for contamination after each use and act accordingly.
- Always test cleaning agents carefully on an inconspicuous area before use.
- Always use a soft brush for dust and dry stains.
- Avoid excessive moisture
- Always let it air dry and do not use heat.
- Regular but careful waterproofing
- Store in a hatbox or a good garment bag in a cool, dark place.
- Only store in the cellar if it is dry, free of mold and dust, and not infested with mice or similar pests.
- Use natural moth protection.
- When in doubt, it's best to have costumes professionally cleaned.
If your hat or costume is damaged, please contact us. We also carry out professional repairs so that your favorite item will shine again.
