How should I care for sun protective hats?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Proper maintenance will preserve the UV blocking power of your hat and prolong its lifespan to protect you. UPF treatments will wear down with aggressive cleaning, and the blocking of radiation will be lost. Following the manufacturer's instructions will keep the materials in good working order for several seasons and multiple wear times. Ignoring or neglecting your proper maintenance will lead to an early replacement of a potentially unsafe hat.
Cleaning Protocol
- Hand wash in cool water below 86°F (30°C)
- Use mild detergents without bleach or enzymes
- Gently scrub soiled areas with soft brush
- Rinse thoroughly removing all soap residue
Drying Techniques
- Air dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Reshape brim while damp maintaining original curvature
- Avoid radiators or dryers causing material shrinkage
- Ensure complete dryness before storage preventing mildew
Storage Solutions
- Use breathable hat boxes maintaining structural shape
- Stuff crowns with acid free tissue preserving form
- Avoid plastic bags trapping moisture causing deterioration
- Store in cool dark locations away from humidity
With the right care, my Tilley hat made it through five years of traveling in the desert. I hand-cleaned it, which allowed it to keep its UPF 50+ rating. My friends who washed their Tilley hats in the machine found that they broke down much faster. I kept my hat in the canvas box it was sold in to help keep the brim shape while packed away. Proper cleaning and storing made my hat last a very long time.
Wipe spots quickly with spot clean approach. Wipe liquid and soil stains with mild soap solutions on the spot without rubbing. For sweat stains, even better, wipe them with a white vinegar solution, as the vinegar neutralizes the salts contained in the sweat. If stains are treated promptly, they will not become permanent, and the fabric will retain its original appearance and integrity.
Careful consideration must be given to your seasonal storage. Cleaning thoroughly before off-season storage, including removing sweat and sunscreen residues, is a good first step. Include the packing of silica gel packets in the storage boxes to help control humidity. Taking the steps mentioned above will help prevent unnecessary degradation of your equipment during the months of non-use.
Read the full article: Ultimate Hat Sun Protection Guide
