We’ve been getting lots of questions about how to clean and care for your Wirth caps and oilskin hats (like our Doc’s Heritage Hat). So, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you keep your hat looking as good as the day you got it—whether it’s one of our classic cap or an oilskin staple.
Cleaning Regular Caps
1. Pretreat with Vinegar
Start by giving your cap a quick pretreat with white vinegar. Why vinegar? It’s a natural way to dissolve salt stains and sweat buildup from everyday wear.
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Spray the hat with vinegar, focusing on sweatbands or discoloured areas.
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Using a soft toothbrush or a vegetable brush, gently scrub—be mindful not to use too much pressure, as that can loosen threads and fibres.
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Let the vinegar sit for about 5–10 minutes to lift any stubborn residue.
2. Time to Wash
Once pretreated, fill a small tub or sink with warm water. Add about a tablespoon of mild detergent or dish soap and mix it in.
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Submerge your hat and let it soak for 15–30 minutes.
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If your cap floats, weigh it down with a bowl to keep it fully anchored down.
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For extra cleaning power, gently brush again with your toothbrush and soap of choice after soaking.
3. Time to Dry
To dry, place the hat over a bowl to help it keep its shape, or stuff the crown with towels. Pat the hat with a towel to remove excess water, then let it air dry naturally—no direct sunlight or machine dryers.
Cleaning Oilskin Hats
Your Wirth oilskin hat is built to handle the elements—mud, rain, and adventure are all part of its story. Still, a little care goes a long way to keep its protective wax coating intact.
Skip the Harsh Stuff
Washing machines, detergents, hot water, and dry cleaners are a no-go. These can strip the natural oils and wax that make oilskin waterproof and durable.
For Light Dirt:
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Gently brush off dry dirt or debris with a soft cloth or sponge.
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Wipe down with cold water if needed—no soap required.
For Heavy Dirt:
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Hand wash your hat in cold water, using a soft cloth to lift grime.
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Rinse well, then hang it up to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated space. Avoid heaters, radiators, or direct sunlight—fresh air works best.
Reproofing Your Oilskin Hat
Over time, your oilskin may lose some of its wax coating. Reproofing restores its waterproofing power and extends its life—like conditioning leather boots or polishing your favourite shoes.
Here’s how to do it:
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Brush off any dirt or dust.
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Using a clean cotton cloth or soft brush, rub in a small amount of reproofing wax or oil. Focus on seams and high-wear areas.
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Warm the fabric gently with a hairdryer on low, or hang it in the sun to help the wax absorb evenly.
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Let it cool completely before wearing.
If you wear your hat often, reproof it every few months. If it’s more of a seasonal favourite, every six months will do just fine.
A Hat That Ages Well
Your Wirth hat is made to last a lifetime of adventures. Sometimes, it just asks for a little care along the way. Whether it’s salt stains from summer hikes or a splash of mud from fall trails, taking the time to clean and reproof your hat helps it tell your story for years to come.
Take care of yourself.
Check in on your homies.
- The Wirth Team x
