Straw hats don’t only get salt stains in winter. Long summer days, sunscreen, and sweat can leave the same white marks along the brim and sweatband. Because straw reacts quickly to moisture, the fix is all about using less water than you think—and letting air do the work.
Salt can also come from your own sweat. As sweat dries, salt crystals build up in the sweatband and creep into the brim, leaving the same pale marks. The gentle steps below work for both road‑salt and sweat‑salt rings, and the prevention tips focus on sweat control, too.
Know your weave
Whether it’s toquilla, shantung, paper braid, or raffia, straw can swell and shift. Treat the stain, not the whole brim.
What you need
Two white cloths; plain cool water; cool water with a drop of mild detergent; a soft Premium Hat Brush; and a light crown support for drying. Use Fabric Refresher Spray for odor/germs only after the hat is fully dry.
Clean the ring
Brush away loose crystals with gentle strokes that follow the weave. Touch only the ring with a cloth that’s barely damp with plain water, and press to lift the salt. If the line stays, touch it with a very diluted detergent dab, then immediately press with a plain‑water cloth to remove the soap. Air‑dry in shade with support inside. When dry, a few soft brush strokes even out the surface.
Keep straw steady
Use Hat Strips if your straw hat has a sweatband (trim to fit). They also help prevent sweat stains on straw hats. After beach days or long walks, rest the hat in a cool, shaded spot so the weave doesn’t shift. Handle odors only after drying.
Other hat materials: See the general method, our wool hats guide, and the felt hats guide.
FAQs
Can I hose it down? No—too much water can warp the weave.
Can I dry it in the sun? Shade is safer; direct sun can discolor and crack straw.
Paper braid hat? Go extra light with moisture and test first.
