A Quality Sauna Hat Is an Investment — Treat It Like One

A well-made wool sauna hat can last for years. But like any natural fibre product, it needs the right care to hold its shape, stay fresh, and perform session after session. Here's exactly how to look after your ThermaWool sauna hat.

After Every Session

• Air it out. Don't leave your hat crumpled in a bag or locker. Hang it in a well-ventilated space to dry naturally after each use.
• Reshape while damp. If the hat has lost its shape slightly during the session, gently reshape it by hand while it's still warm and damp. Wool is most malleable at this point.
• Avoid direct heat. Never dry your sauna hat on a radiator or in direct sunlight. Excessive heat causes wool to shrink and felt irreversibly.

Cleaning Your Sauna Hat

Never fully soak or submerge your ThermaWool hat — saturating the wool can distort its shape and damage the structure. Instead, spot clean as needed:

1. Dampen a clean cloth with cool water and a small amount of wool-safe detergent
2. Gently wipe down the affected area — do not scrub
3. Use a second damp cloth with clean water to remove any soap residue
   

Never machine wash or tumble dry your sauna hat. The agitation and heat will cause irreversible felting, shrinkage, and loss of structure.

Storage Between Uses

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Keep the hat in its natural shape — don't stack heavy items on top of it
• If storing long-term, a breathable cotton bag is ideal. Avoid sealed plastic bags, which can trap moisture and encourage mildew

What to Avoid

• Soaking or submerging — always use a damp cloth, never a basin or sink full of water
• Machine washing — will cause felting and permanent shape loss
• Tumble drying — even on a low setting, heat and agitation will ruin the structure
• Bleach or harsh detergents — these break down wool fibres and cause discolouration
• Leaving it wet for extended periods — damp wool left in a confined space will develop odour and potentially mould

Dealing With Odour

Wool is naturally antimicrobial, so odour is rarely a significant issue with regular airing. If your hat does develop a smell, wipe it down with a cloth lightly dampened with a diluted white vinegar solution (1 part vinegar to 6 parts water) and allow it to air dry — the vinegar smell dissipates completely as it dries.

When to Replace Your Hat

A well-cared-for ThermaWool hat should last several years. Signs it's time to replace it:

• The wool has felted significantly and no longer holds its shape
• The structure has collapsed and can't be reshaped
• Persistent odour that doesn't resolve with airing or spot cleaning

With proper care, none of these should happen prematurely. Treat your hat well and it will perform every session.