How To Clean Sweaty Stained Hats

How To Clean Sweaty Hats

It’s okay to be afraid of ruining a hat. A lot of folks put their headwear in washing machines or dryers and wind up with shrunken, wrinkled messes. This is how to stay away from that disaster.

Stay Away from the Washing Machine Most of the Time

Don’t wash your hat unless it says “machine washable.” Even gentle cycles might bend the crown or the brim. This is especially true for:

Old-fashioned hats
Hats with brims made of cardboard
Wool or structured hats

Don’t Ever Use the Dryer

Hats don’t like heat. It makes things smaller, stiffer, and damages the stitching and cloth. Use a form, like a mannequin head or a bowl, to keep the shape and let it air dry.

Don’t Use Bleach

Bleach can look like a miracle for getting rid of sweat stains, but it’s not. It can change the color of clothes and break down fibers. Unless your hat is pure white, use only mild soap or natural cleaners. Even then, be careful.

Use a Hat Cage to Clean Your Dishwasher

You can clean some hats in the top rack of the dishwasher if you use a hat cage. This plastic mold helps the shape stay the same. Don’t use bleach in your detergent, and switch off the hot dry cycle.

How to Get the Smell of Sweat Out of Hats

Some hats still smell like “locker room” even after they’ve been cleaned. This is how to safely get rid of the smell in your hat.

Spray of White Vinegar

Combine equal amounts of water and white vinegar.
Give the interior of the hat a little spray, especially the sweatband.
Let it dry in the air.

Vinegar kills microorganisms that make things smell bad without hurting fabric.

Paste Made with Baking Soda

To form a thick paste, mix baking soda with a little water.
Put it on the sweaty spots and let it there for 30 minutes.
Scrub and rinse gently.

Baking soda gets rid of smells and lightly removes stains.

Activated Charcoal or Dryer Sheets

To keep things fresh for a long time:

Put your hat in a sealed bag or box with a pouch of activated charcoal or a dryer sheet that hasn’t been used yet.
Let it sit overnight.

This procedure helps get rid of leftover smells without using chemicals or water.

Will Dawn Clean Sweat Stains Off of Hats?

Yes, Dawn dish soap is one of the safest and best ways to get sweat stains out of hats, especially those made of cotton and polyester. It cuts through grease and oil, which makes it perfect for getting rid of the sebum and sweat that are stuck in the fabric of your hat.

How to Get Rid of Sweat Stains with Dawn

Make it less strong: Add 1 teaspoon of Dawn to a cup of warm water.
Apply it: Use a toothbrush or soft cloth to put the solution on the regions that are discolored with sweat.
Gently scrub: After 10 minutes, scrub in circles.
Rinse and dry: Use cool water to rinse, then pat dry with a towel and let air dry.

Dawn is gentle enough to use every day and works even better when you mix it with baking soda to get rid of tough stains.

What Is the Best Way to Get Rid of Sweat Stains on Hats?

DIY methods typically work, but sometimes store-bought cleaners are stronger. These are the best treatments for getting rid of sweat stains that are also safe for hats:

1. OxiClean MaxForce Spray

Good for hats made of cotton and polyester.
Spray it right on the stain, wait 10 to 15 minutes, and then wash it by hand.
Does a great job of getting rid of yellow sweat stains and dirt.

2. Stain Remover from Puracy

A non-toxic, plant-based product that is safe for fragile materials.
Works well to get rid of food, perspiration, and oil stains without using harsh chemicals.

3. Grandma’s Secret Stain Remover

Works surprisingly well on old, persistent sweat stains.
Only a few drops are needed, and it’s safe for colorful caps.

4. The Laundress Stain Remover

A stain remover that works well on wool and other delicate materials.
Great for people who have expensive or old hats.

Always test a small area first because certain stain removers can make dark colors lighter if they sit too long.

How to Keep Your Hats Clean and Fresh

After you’ve worked hard to get rid of sweat stains and smells, here’s how to keep your hat in great shape:

Put on a sweatband or hat liner to soak up sweat and keep stains from forming.
If you wear hats often, switch them out every now and again to let them air out.
If you leave your hat in a hot car or in the sun for too long, it can warp and fade.
Put hats in a cool, dry area on a hat rack or form to retain their shape.

In the End, Save Your Favorite Hat

You don’t have to replace an excellent hat now that you have one you love. There is a safe and effective way to clean your cap that won’t damage it, whether you want to get rid of years of dirt or just freshen up a sweatband. You may give your favorite hats a new lease on life by taking the effort to clean them using Dawn dish soap and white vinegar or by researching the best stain removers.

Before you throw away that cap that’s covered with sweat, clean it first. You might be astonished by how new, bright, and comfortable it gets again. And don’t forget: the key to a clean, new hat that lasts for years is to take care of it regularly.

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