To ensure the longevity of your sun hat, caring for and routinely cleaning it is pretty crucial. Here are some tips to help you keep your sun hat looking, functioning, and feeling its best:
Regular maintenance and storage: Whenever you’re done with your hat for the day, it’s always good to shake or brush off any dirt that may have built up while using it. Make sure to store it in a cool, dry place where it isn’t folded or bunched up. It’s best to keep it out of direct sunlight so the fabric doesn’t fade or the UPF isn’t lessened. We also recommend undoing any of the adjustment toggles or chords so they retain their original shape.
Cleaning: If you only have one or a few small stains on your sun hat, we recommend spot cleaning it before fully washing it. Simply take a soft cloth with some mild soap and water and blot the stain. If your hike or gardening day was muddier than anticipated, you can fully wash your sun hat. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions on how to wash it and avoid using any harsh chemicals, bleaches or abrasive cleaners as they could affect the UPF value.
Drying: We recommend air drying your hat after it gets wet or cleaned as the high heat from a commercial dryer could damage the fabric, cause it to shrink or ruin the hat’s shape. When air drying, avoid placing the hat in any direct sunlight as it could cause the fabric to fade and negatively affect the UPF.
Most importantly, always check the manufacturer’s instructions for how to clean and store your sun hat. Hats made with materials like straw and other weaves typically need a different maintenance routine than those made with cotton, nylon or polyester. Overall, the listed steps above should be a great starting guideline for making your investment in a sun hat even more worth it.