How to wash a knitted hat – washing, drying and storage

A knitted hat gets worn every day in winter, and sooner or later it will need washing. Do it properly and it will keep its shape, softness and colour for years. Do it wrong and it may shrink, stretch or become covered in bobbles. Here is what we recommend at Kaldarma Hat Factory.

Before washing: read the label

The label is the most reliable source of information. It shows whether the hat can be machine-washed, at what temperature, and whether it can be tumble-dried. If there is no label, wash it by hand in cold water.

Hand washing (the gentlest method)

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm or cold water (up to about 30 °C).
2. Add a little wool or delicates detergent.
3. Submerge the hat and move it around gently for a few minutes. Do not rub it or twist it.
4. Rinse in clean water at the same temperature. Sudden changes in temperature can shrink wool.
5. Press the hat with your hands to squeeze out the water, without wringing it.

Machine washing

• Choose the “Wool” or “Hand wash” programme and a low temperature.
• Put the hat in a mesh laundry bag so it does not snag.
• Use a low spin speed.
• Do not wash it together with clothes that have zips or hooks.

Acrylic or wool

• Acrylic hats are more resilient and can usually be machine-washed on a delicate programme.
• Wool hats are more sensitive – warm water and friction can felt and shrink them. For these, hand washing is the safest option.

You can read more about the differences between materials in the article How to choose a winter hat.

Drying

• Roll the hat in a dry towel and press it to soak up the water.
• Reshape the hat and leave it to dry flat on a towel or rack.
• Do not hang it up – wet knitwear stretches under its own weight.
• Do not dry it on a radiator or in direct sunlight.

Pom-poms

If the pom-pom is faux fur, check the label to see whether it should be washed separately. Once dry, shake out the pom-pom and brush it gently so it regains its volume. More in the article Pom-pom beanies.

Bobbles (pilling)

Over time, small bobbles may appear on knitted hats. They are not a defect but a natural result of friction. Remove them carefully with a fabric shaver or a knitwear comb.

Storing over the summer

• Wash the hat before putting it away.
• Store it folded, not hung up.
• Use a fabric bag and a moth repellent (for example, cedar wood or lavender), especially for wool hats.

Looking for a new hat for the season? Browse the Silver Star collection, and if you have a shop, send a wholesale inquiry.