The answer is, "it depends." We can help you resolve all your doubts about the care and maintenance of your straw hats. Here, I will provide you with a small guide for the care of your sun hats.
Can straw hats get wet?
Most straw hats can get a little wet if there is occasional contact. Since most quality straw hats are made from natural fibers, exposing them to excess water can damage the brim and crown shape and even produce mold.
If your straw hat happens to fall into a swimming pool during your spring vacation or if you get caught in the rain while gardening, it's important to let it dry naturally in the open air. Avoid exposing it directly to sunlight or using a hair dryer, as these methods can potentially cause further damage.
Waterproof your hat
To protect your straw hat from moisture and water, you can also consider treating it with a water repellent spray designed for use on natural materials. This can help repel water and prevent damage from moisture.
Can straw hats be reshaped?
Absolutely!
If your hat has gotten wet in an incedent or for some reason has lost its shape, we want to let you know that all isn't lost, luckly reshaping your hat with steam is very easy.
To make your straw hat more flexible and easier to reshape, you can use steam to loosen the fibers. This will allow you to manipulate the woven strands and restore the hat to its original shape.
Reshape straw hat brim:
To reshape the brim, evenly steam the edge of the hat from the outside to the inside of the brim, then place the hat on a flat surface and apply force with your hands around the hat to give shape and flatten the brim. You can then place weights, such as books, around the brim and let it dry for an hour.
Reshape straw hat crown:
The first thing to keep in mind is the type of crown your hat has. With the crown, carefully apply steam and use your hands to shape it. This is usually a more difficult process as it has more contours and sides to shape. Apply steam evenly to all parts and press gently with your hands to form. If you are having a hard time, reapply steam as many times as necessary because if you reshape when the crown of the hat is dry, you can damage it even more.
When your hat is ready, don't forget to apply water repellent to avoid this problem again.
How to clean a straw hat
Now that we are on the subject of caring for straw sun hats, here are some quick tips to keep your hat always clean and like new.
- Dust: Use a toothbrush to remove the extra dirt and dust from your hat.
- Sunscreen/makeup stains: Dampen a cloth with a mixture of water and dish soap, or hydrogen peroxide, and then carefully dab or rub the stained area.
- Always keep your hat away from humid places or sun rays as they can deteriorate it.
- If you put it in a bag, always try to put a small silica bag to avoid mold, and open it regularly to let air in.
Please let me know if you have any specific problem with your straw hat that after following these tips where unable to fix. You can find me via email or social media, and we will find a way to help you to fix your hat. We really want your hat to stay perfect for a long time. Thank you for trusting Sandoval hats.
