FELT. care guide: how to clean and maintain your Merino wool sauna hat
For routine care, simply hang to air after each use. Merino wool is naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant, requiring minimal washing. After each use, air dry flat away from heat.
A high-quality, 100% Merino wool sauna hat is an investment in your wellness routine. It allows you to enjoy longer, more comfortable sauna sessions, unlocking the full spectrum of health benefits. But like any quality garment, it requires a little care to keep it performing at its best.
Merino wool is a remarkable natural fibre. It's naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant, which means it requires significantly less cleaning than cotton or synthetic materials. With the right technique, you can easily maintain your FELT. sauna hat, ensuring it lasts for years to come. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about proper sauna hat care.
the golden rule: avoid washing your sauna hat
The most important step in caring for your Merino wool sauna hat is to avoid washing it. This might sound counterintuitive, but thanks to the unique properties of wool fibers, your hat is exceptionally good at managing moisture and resisting the bacteria that cause odors. Unlike synthetic materials that need to be washed after every use, your wool sauna hat benefits from a more hands-off approach.
For routine care, simply air your hat out after each sauna session. Hang it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This simple step allows any absorbed moisture to evaporate and the wool fibres to naturally refresh themselves. For most users, this is all the maintenance your hat will need.
Full washing, even by hand, can cause the delicate felted wool to shrink, warp, and permanently lose its shape. To keep your hat in perfect condition, you should only rely on two simple methods: airing and spot cleaning.
routine care: airing after each use
For routine care, simply air your hat out after each sauna session. Hang it on a hook or place it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This simple step allows any absorbed moisture to evaporate and the wool fibers to naturally refresh themselves. For most users, this is all the maintenance your hat will need on a week-to-week basis.
occasional care: how to spot clean your hat
If your hat develops a small stain or mark, you can spot clean it. This method targets only the affected area without saturating the entire hat.
step 1: prepare the cleaning solution
Mix a very small amount of mild, wool-safe detergent (pH-neutral and enzyme-free) with cool water.
step 2: dab gently
Dip a clean, soft cloth into the solution and gently dab the stained area. Do not run or scrub, as this can damage the wool fibres and spread the stain. Aggressive friction is the enemy of wool and can cause it to lose its shape or develop thin spots where the fibres have been damaged.
step 3: rinse lightly
Dampen a different clean cloth with plain cool water and gently dab the area again to remove any detergent residue.
step 5: air dry
Press the area gently with a dry towel to absorb excess moisture, then lay the hat flat on a towel or mesh rack to air dry completely, away from direct heat or sunlight.
important: a note on washing
We strongly recommend against any form of full washing, including hand washing or machine washing. The agitation and saturation from washing will cause irreversible damage to the wool fibres, leading to shrinkage, uneven felting, and a complete loss of the hat's original shape.
FELT. is not responsible for any damage, shrinkage, or loss of shape resulting from washing. By adhering to a care routine of airing and spot cleaning only, you will protect your investment and ensure your hat maintains its form and function for years to come.
how to reshape a sauna hat
the steam method
Steam is the professional's choice for reshaping felt. It gently relaxes the wool fibres, allowing you to mould them back into their original form. You can use a clothes steamer or even a kettle for this process.
First, hold your clothes steamer or a boiling kettle about 15-20cm away from the hat. You want the steam to gently envelop the felt, not blast it with hot water droplets. Work on one section of the hat at a time, applying steam evenly to the area you want to reshape until the felt becomes soft and pliable. Wear heat-resistant gloves if necessary to protect your hands from the steam.
Once a section is pliable, use your hands to gently smooth out any creases or reshape the crown and brim. For a perfectly rounded crown, you can place the damp, warm hat over a similar sized bowl or a dedicated hat form while it cools and dries. Let the hat cool down and air dry completely. The fibres will lock into their new shape as they dry, so avoid handling it too much during this time.
This process is perfect for fixing a crushed brim or a misshapen crown. Remember to be gentle; the goal is to guide the wool, not force it.
what is the best way to store a sauna hat?
Proper storage is key to maintaining your hat's longevity. When you're not using it, keep your hat in a cool, well-ventilated, dry place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the colour of your wool hat over time and may degrade the natural fibres.
To protect it from moths, you can store it in a breathable bag (such as the one provided with your FELT. sauna hat) with natural moth repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Ensure the hat is entirely dry before storing it in a bag. Moths are attracted to wool because of the natural proteins in the fibres, so prevention is important if you live in an area where moths are common. Avoid storing it in plastic bags or sealed containers, as this can trap moisture and lead to mildew or an unpleasant musty smell.
If you have the space, storing your hat on a hat stand or mannequin head can help it maintain its shape between uses. However, simply placing it in a drawer or on a shelf works perfectly well for most people.
frequently asked questions about sauna hat care
how do i clean my Merino wool sauna hat?
For routine care, simply hang it to air dry after each use. If it becomes stained, spot clean the affected area only with a damp cloth and wool-safe detergent. Do not wash the hat.
can I put my sauna hat in the washing machine?
No. You should never machine wash or hand wash a felt sauna hat. The agitation and water saturation will cause it to shrink and lose its shape permanently.
what do I do if my hat gets wet?
If your hat gets damp from sweat, simply hang it to air dry. If it gets very wet for any reason, gently press out the excess water with a towel and lay it flat to air dry away from heat.
how long does it take for a sauna hat to dry?
A Merino wool sauna hat typically takes 24-48 hours to dry completely when laid flat in a well-ventilated area. Never use heat to speed up the drying process, as this can cause shrinkage and damage.
how do I fix a hat that has lost its shape?
Use steam from a clothes steamer or kettle to gently soften the felt, then reshape it by hand. The wool will hold its new form as it cools and dries.
will my sauna hat shrink if I wash it incorrectly?
Yes, washing incorrectly, machine washing, or using a dryer will cause significant shrinkage. Always use cool water to spot clean and air dry to prevent shrinkage.
how should I store my sauna hat between uses?
Store your hat in a cool, well-ventilated, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a breathable cotton bag with cedar blocks or lavender to prevent moths. Avoid plastic storage, which can trap moisture.