Although not as popular as they once were, straw paper hats can still be purchased from retailers throughout the country. You may see straw paper hats worn at a political rally or at a county fair. You yourself may actually own a straw paper hat. If you do, it is important to clean the hat periodically to extend the life of the hat and allow you to wear it for years to come.

Brush the hat with a stiff bristle brush. This will remove a majority of the dirt and prevent damage if you are caught in the rain while wearing the hat.

Combine a mild dish soap with water and dip a clean rag into the mixture. Rub the hat following the straw to clean off any dirt or mildew that may be forming.

Combine three parts rubbing alcohol with one part water. Dip a piece of dark-colored velvet into the alcohol/water mixture and run the velvet down the straw. This will help brighten the color or add a glossy look to dark straw.

Allow the hat to air dry before wearing. If you wear the hat while it is still damp, mold may form inside it.