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How to Clean and Reshape African Straw Hats

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How to Clean and Reshape African Straw Hats

I know a thing or two about caring for the beautiful straw hats and accessories I sell on this website. As the maker of these  handcrafted pieces, I want to make sure you can keep your hats looking their best for years to come.


In this post, I'll share my top tips for cleaning, reshaping, and storing your African straw hats so you can get the most wear out of them.

Why African Straw Hats Need Special Cares

When it comes to caring for an African straw hat, one key thing to remember is that it doesn’t do well with too much water exposure.  


Elephant grass, the material often used for these hats, can mold if left in damp or humid conditions. So, whenever possible, keep it dry and store it in a moisture-free environment. And when you do need to dampen it—for reshaping or stain removal—dry it thoroughly in the sun or a well-ventilated area.


And while straw hats are made for sun protection, prolonged storage in direct sunlight can make them brittle. Like woven baskets, you need to take care of your hat so it remains fresh and stylish.

How to Clean Your African Straw Hat

Picture of a Rufina Designs African straw hat
How to Clean and Reshape African Straw Hats

One of the most common issues with straw hats is sweat stains and general dirt buildup over time. Luckily, these are easy to remedy with just a bit of gentle cleaning. Here's how I recommend tackling it:


Hand wash in a bowl of water


Fill a sink or bowl with water and add a small amount of mild, color-safe soap. Gently swish the hat around, being careful not to submerge it completely. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any visible stains or dirt. Avoid twisting or scrubbing too vigorously, as this can damage the delicate straw fibers.


Spot clean stains with a towel


If your hat just has a few small stains, you can spot-clean it instead of doing a full wash. Dip a clean cloth in cool water, gently dab the stain, and then blot dry with a towel. You can also use a clean, dry toothbrush works for brushing out the dirt from the nooks and crannies of the straw.


Once you've given it a gentle wash, rinse the hat thoroughly with clean water to remove all the soap. Be careful not to soak it for too long, as prolonged exposure to water can cause the straw to become misshapen or even moldy.


Air dry


After cleaning, allow your straw hat to fully air dry before wearing or storing it. You can do this by placing it on a flat surface in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Do not use a hair dryer or other heat source, as this can damage the material.


 Tip : Avoid soaking your straw hat in water. Straw and water don’t mix well, and too much exposure can weaken the structure of the hat.

How to Reshape African Straw Hat

A woman wearing our Rufina Designs sun hat

Sometimes our straw hats can get a bit flattened during shipping or after storage. Don’t worry—this is easy to fix! Here’s what I recommend if you want to restore them to their original shape.


  • Step 1: Lightly dampen the hat

If your hat is misshapen, lightly mist it with water (just enough to dampen the surface). Don’t soak it, as too much moisture can harm the hat.


  • Step 2: Reshape it

A simple wetting will make the straw more pliable. Then, use your hands to gently mold the hat back into the desired shape, pushing the brim back into place or smoothing out any creases. Smooth out any creases or dents, and ensure the brim is evenly curved. For deep wrinkles, you can also use your fingers to press the straw back to its natural curve.


  • Step 3: Dry properly

Once the hat is reshaped, leave it to air dry naturally, either in the sun or in a well-ventilated room before you wear it. This will help the straw hold its new form.


It's important to note that products made from elephant grass, like many of our hats, do not do well with prolonged water exposure or humid environments. This can cause mold and damage the integrity of the material. Always be sure to fully dry your hat after any wetting or reshaping.


Tip: Avoid using heat to dry the hat after reshaping, as it can weaken the straw. Heat sources like hairdryers or heaters can make the straw brittle and damage the hat’s structure.

How to Store Your African Straw Hat

When not in use, it's important to store your straw hat properly to maintain its shape and condition. Here are my tips:

  • Avoid humid environments

Since hats made from natural materials like elephant grass don’t do well in humid conditions, store your hat in a cool, dry place to prevent mold or mildew from forming.

  • Keep it in shape 

If you’re not wearing your hat regularly, consider storing it on a hat rack or a shelf where it won’t get flattened. You can also stuff the inside of the hat with a soft cloth or tissue paper to help maintain its shape.

  • Use a hat stand or box

I store my hat on a stand to maintain its shape. If you’re putting it in a box, make sure the box is large enough that the hat won’t get bent or squashed.

I really, really want to emphasize that you must not place heavy objects on top of your box. If you do not want it flattened or creased.


With these simple care tips, you can keep your African-made straw hat looking beautiful for seasons to come. 


Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions!

FAQs

How do I keep my straw hat from cracking?

Protect it from direct sunlight and intense heat, and store it properly. Light and occasional steaming can also help prevent dryness that leads to cracking.

How long does a straw hat last?

With proper care, a well-maintained straw hat can last you 3 years or more. Quality materials like elephant grass make these hats especially durable.

Is it safe to get my straw hat wet?

A little moisture for reshaping or spot-cleaning is fine, but prolonged wetness can weaken the fibers. Always air dry thoroughly if your hat gets wet.

How to clean sweat stains from hats

Sweat stains can sometimes appear on the interior band of the hat, especially during long sunny days. 


To clean these stains, lightly dampen a soft cloth with water (you can add a tiny bit of mild soap if needed) and gently wipe the area. 

Avoid soaking the hat because elephant grass, the fiber it’s made from, is sensitive to moisture. Too much water can damage the fibers and cause mold. Then air dry. Set the hat in a dry, well-ventilated area and allow it to air dry fully.


If the sweat stains are particularly stubborn, you might need to repeat the process a few times to see results.

How to hand wash straw hats

If your hat has gotten particularly dirty, you may want to give it a more thorough cleaning. 

However, it’s important to note that African straw hats, especially those made from elephant grass, don’t do well with prolonged water exposure. Too much moisture can lead to mold or cause the fibers to break down over time.


If you absolutely need to hand wash your hat, use lukewarm water and a mild detergent. 

Dip a soft cloth into the water, gently scrub the dirty areas, and avoid submerging the entire hat in water. Afterward, wipe down the hat with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue.

What to do if your hat gets bent during shipping

It’s not uncommon for hats to arrive a little bent or misshapen after shipping. Don’t worry, though—it’s easy to fix!


Simply lightly dampen the hat with water, gently reshape it by hand, and then leave it to dry. Once it’s dry, your hat should look just like new! If there are any stubborn creases, use the dampening method to mold it back into shape. Remember, be gentle—you want to avoid stressing the fibers too much.

It’s easy to clean and take care of African hats

Beautiful straw hat from Rufina Designs

Taking care of your African straw hat doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does require a little attention and the right approach. 


Always be mindful of moisture, and remember that these hats are delicate pieces of art made from natural materials. With a little water and shaping with your hands, your hat will stay beautiful and last for many seasons.


I hope these tips help you keep your African straw hat in top shape!


If you have any more questions or need a new hat (or accessory), feel free to explore the collection here at  Rufina Designs

Check out our beautiful straw hats