Keeping your hats and accessories in great condition ensures they stay soft, structured and stylish for years to come. Different materials require different care, and understanding how to clean and store your items properly will help protect their shape, colour and overall quality.

At The Mad Hatter of Durham, our collections are designed with both style and durability in mind. Whether you’re wearing a classic knit beanie, a luxurious pom pom hat or a lightweight summer straw hat, following the correct care routine will make all the difference. You can explore our full range on the Homepage.

General Fabric Care Principles

Before diving into specific materials, there are a few essential rules that apply to most hats and accessories.

• Always avoid excessive heat
• Never wring or twist fabrics
• Use gentle detergents only
• Air dry wherever possible
• Store items in a cool, dry place

These simple habits will significantly extend the lifespan of your items.

Caring for Knit Hats & Beanies

Knit hats are one of the most popular winter essentials, but they require gentle handling to maintain their shape.

Washing

• Hand wash in lukewarm water
• Use mild detergent
• Soak for 5–10 minutes
• Gently press — do not scrub

Drying

• Lay flat on a towel
• Reshape while damp
• Air dry only (no tumble drying)

Avoid hanging knit hats, as this can stretch the fibres.

For everyday wear styles like the MH Beanies, regular gentle care will keep them soft and well-shaped.

Caring for Pom Pom Hats

Pom pom hats require a little extra attention, especially when fur or faux fur is involved.

Before Washing

• Remove detachable pom poms where possible
• Avoid soaking the pom pom itself

Products like the Extra Fur Pom Pom and Extra Faux Fur Pom Pom are designed for easy removal and care.

Cleaning

• Hand wash the hat only
• Keep pom poms dry or spot clean gently

Re-Fluffing

• Shake gently once dry
• Use a cool hairdryer to restore volume if needed

Caring for Faux Fur

Faux fur is durable but still needs careful handling to maintain its soft texture.

Cleaning

• Spot clean with a damp cloth
• Use mild soap if necessary

Drying

• Air dry only
• Never use direct heat

Maintenance

• Shake gently to restore shape
• Brush lightly if fibres flatten

Caring for Straw Hats

Straw hats are perfect for warmer weather but should never be exposed to water in the same way as knitwear.

Cleaning

• Wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth
• Avoid soaking

Storage

• Store flat or on a hat stand
• Keep away from moisture

Styles like the Plain Straw Hat benefit from careful storage to maintain their structure.

Caring for Scarves & Soft Accessories

Scarves and soft accessories are often in direct contact with skin, so regular cleaning is important.

Washing

• Hand wash or use a delicate cycle
• Use mild detergent

Drying

• Air dry flat
• Avoid heat

Products like the Super Soft Blanket Scarf should always be handled gently to preserve softness.

Storing Your Hats Properly

Storage plays a huge role in maintaining shape and quality.

Best Practices

• Store hats flat or on a shelf
• Avoid stacking heavy items on top
• Keep away from damp environments
• Use breathable storage (not sealed plastic)

Proper storage prevents misshaping and fabric damage over time.

How to Maintain Shape & Structure

To keep your hats looking their best:

• Always reshape while damp after washing
• Avoid folding structured hats
• Use tissue or soft filling inside hats if storing long-term

This is especially important for structured styles and statement pieces.

Common Fabric Care Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes to protect your hats and accessories:

• Using hot water
• Tumble drying
• Wringing fabrics
• Washing pom poms directly
• Storing hats while damp

These are the most common causes of damage and shape loss.

When to Clean vs Refresh

Not every hat needs frequent washing.

Refresh Instead of Wash When Possible

• Air your hat outdoors
• Lightly brush off dirt
• Spot clean small marks

This helps preserve the fabric and reduces wear over time.

Looking after your hats and accessories properly ensures they stay comfortable, stylish and long-lasting. With just a little extra care, your favourite pieces can maintain their shape, softness and appearance season after season.

Whether it’s a cosy winter beanie, a luxurious pom pom hat or a lightweight summer straw hat, following this fabric care guide will help you get the very best from your collection.

Explore more from The Mad Hatter of Durham on the Homepage, or check out some of our collection below.