FELT. care guide: how to wash and maintain your Merino wool sauna hat
Hand wash your Merino wool sauna hat in cool water (below 30°C) with wool-safe detergent only when visibly soiled—typically every few months. Air dry flat away from heat. For routine care, simply hang to air after each use. Merino wool is naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant, requiring minimal washing.
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. The thought of washing wool can be intimidating, but the truth is, it's far easier than you might think.
Merino wool is a remarkable natural fibre. It's naturally antibacterial and odour-resistant, which means it requires significantly less washing 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 sauna hat care, from routine airing to deep cleaning and even reshaping.
how often should you wash your sauna hat?
This might sound counterintuitive, but the most important step in caring for your Merino wool sauna hat is to wash it infrequently. 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 fibers to naturally refresh themselves. For most users, this is all the maintenance your hat will need on a week-to-week basis.
You should only wash your hat when it's visibly soiled or if you notice it has retained an odor, which might happen after several months of regular use. This infrequent washing schedule not only saves you time but also preserves the natural lanolin in the wool fibers that gives them their water-resistant and self-cleaning properties.
can you machine wash a felt sauna hat?
No, machine washing is never recommended for felt sauna hats. The agitation and spinning cycle can cause irreversible damage to the wool fibers, leading to shrinkage, uneven felting, and loss of shape. Even on a delicate cycle, the mechanical action is too harsh for the delicate structure of felted wool.
Hand washing is the only safe method for cleaning your sauna hat. While it requires a bit more time and attention, the gentle process protects your investment and ensures your hat maintains its perfect shape and insulating properties for years to come.
how to hand wash your sauna hat
When it's time for a proper clean, hand washing is the safest and most effective method. It's a gentle process that protects the delicate wool fibers from damage. To hand wash your sauna hat, you'll need a clean basin or sink, lukewarm or cool water (below 30°C), a mild wool-specific detergent (look for a pH-neutral, enzyme-free formula), and two clean dry towels.
step 1: soak
Fill your basin with cool water and add a small amount of your wool detergent, mixing it in gently. Submerge your sauna hat in the water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. This allows the water and detergent to penetrate the fibers and loosen any dirt without any harsh scrubbing. Avoid leaving it to soak for longer than 30 minutes, as extended exposure to water can begin to break down the felt structure.
step 2: gently cleanse
After soaking, gently swirl the hat in the water. If there are any specific spots, you can work them very gently with your fingertips. Do not rub, twist, or wring the hat. 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 thoroughly
Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cool water. Submerge the hat again, gently pressing it against the side of the basin to work the soap out. Repeat this process until the water runs clear and is free of suds. It's crucial to remove all detergent residue, as it can degrade the wool fibres over time and may cause skin irritation during your next sauna session.
step 4: remove excess water
Lift the hat from the water, supporting its weight so it doesn't stretch. Gently squeeze out as much water as you can, but again, do not wring or twist it. With one part of the clean, dry towel on the inside of the hat, and another of the outside, press firmly together to absorb most of the remaining moisture. Make sure to follow the shape of the hat as you press. You can repeat this with a second dry towel if the hat still feels very wet.
step 5: air dry
Place the hat it flat on a fresh, dry towel or a mesh drying rack. Place it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources like radiators. Heat can cause the wool to shrink and become brittle. Depending on the humidity, it may take 24-48 hours for your hat to dry completely. Patience is key! Rushing the drying process with heat will damage your hat.
quick summary
| Action | Do | Don't |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Hand wash in cool water with wool-safe soap. | Use a washing machine or hot water. |
| Detergent | Use a mild, pH-neutral, enzyme-free formula. | Use standard detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners. |
| Handling | Gently squeeze and press the wool. | Rub, twist, or wring the fabric. |
| Drying | Air dry on a towel or drying rack with good ventilation, away from direct heat. | Use a machine dryer or place near a radiator. |
how do you reshape a sauna hat that lost its form?
Over time, or after washing, your felt hat might lose some of its perfect shape. Fortunately, wool is remarkably malleable when damp or exposed to steam, making it easy to reshape. The key is using gentle heat in the form of steam rather than direct heat, which can damage the fibres.
the steam method for reshaping wool felt
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 fibers 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. When your hat maintains its shape properly, you can focus on what matters most—enjoying your optimal sauna session length without worrying about overheating.
what is the best way to store a sauna hat?
Proper storage is the final piece of the puzzle. 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 cotton bag (such as the one provided with your FELT. sauna hat) with natural moth repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Moths are attracted to wool because of the natural proteins in the fibers, 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.
common mistakes to avoid when caring for Merino wool
Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing the proper care techniques. The most common mistake is using hot water, which causes the wool fibers to constrict rapidly and felt even tighter, leading to severe shrinkage. Always use cool or lukewarm water below 30°C.
Another frequent error is using regular laundry detergent or fabric softener. Standard detergents often contain enzymes designed to break down protein-based stains, but wool itself is a protein fiber, so these enzymes can actually damage the structure of your hat. Fabric softeners coat the fibers and reduce the natural breathability and moisture-wicking properties that make Merino wool so effective in the sauna.
Finally, avoid the temptation to speed up drying with a hairdryer, radiator, or tumble dryer. The concentrated heat will cause uneven shrinkage and may leave you with a permanently misshapen hat. Patience with air drying is always worth it.
why quality care matters for sauna performance
A well-maintained hat is key to a consistent and comfortable sauna practice, which, as we know, is the secret to unlocking the profound benefits of a sauna hat. When your hat is clean, properly shaped, and free from damage, it performs optimally—insulating your head from extreme heat, wicking away moisture, and allowing you to stay in the sauna longer to maximise cardiovascular and mental health benefits.
Caring for your 100% Merino wool sauna hat is simple, and it protects your investment. By following these easy steps, you ensure your hat remains a clean, comfortable, and effective tool in your wellness arsenal for years to come.
frequently asked questions about sauna hat care
how often should I wash my Merino wool sauna hat?
You should wash your sauna hat only when it's visibly soiled or retains an odor, typically every few months with regular use. For routine maintenance, simply air it out after each session. Merino wool's natural antibacterial properties mean it requires far less frequent washing than synthetic materials.
can I put my sauna hat in the washing machine?
No, you should never machine wash a felt sauna hat. The agitation will cause the wool to shrink and felt unevenly, potentially ruining the hat. Always hand wash in cool water with a wool-safe detergent.
what temperature water should I use to wash my sauna hat?
Use cool or lukewarm water below 30°C. Hot water causes wool fibres to shrink rapidly and can permanently damage your hat's shape and size.
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.
can I use regular laundry detergent on my sauna hat?
No, use only wool-specific detergents that are pH-neutral and enzyme-free. Regular detergents contain enzymes that break down proteins, which can damage wool fibres since wool itself is a protein-based material.
how do I fix a sauna 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. For best results, place the steamed hat over a bowl or hat form while it dries.
will my sauna hat shrink if I wash it incorrectly?
Yes, washing with hot water, machine washing, or using a dryer will cause significant shrinkage. Always use cool water and air dry flat 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.