Sweat stains around the rim of your favorite cap can ruin the appearance and warp the shape. These stains are a pervasive problem and unfortunately, they are more prevalent during the summer when you need the most sun protection. If you want to know how to get sweat stains out of hats, we recommend three easy ways to keep them clean, fresh, and looking new.

1. Hand Washing

While throwing your cap in the washing machine may sound like a simple solution, the fins and high-velocity spin cycle are likely to damage your hat beyond repair.

Hand washing is the best option to preserve the shape and color of your caps, especially for hats with a structured crown, like hiker trucker hats. Hand washing is gentle and a great solution if you're curious how to get sweat stains out of hats.

Before hand washing, always spot-test your cap for colorfastness by dampening a white rag and rubbing an inconspicuous area of the hat. If the rag becomes stained with dye, do not wash or submerge the hat in water. If it comes away clean, the hat is colorfast and can be washed.

To hand wash your hat, spray the most heavily stained areas, including the interior band, with stain remover before washing.

1. Fill a medium-sized bowl with warm water and add one tablespoon of laundry detergent. Agitate to create bubbles.
2. Submerge the hat and allow it to soak for around four hours. Stir the water every hour or so to break up the stains.
3. Remove the hat and rinse under clean water until the water runs clear and there are no more bubbles. Pat with a towel to remove excess water.
4. To dry the hat, roll a dry towel into a ball and place inside the hat to help it retain its shape. Place the hat near an open window or fan for optimal air circulation. Be careful not to place the hat in direct sunlight, which can fade the color.

2. Dishwasher

If you don't have time for hand washing, and wondering how to get sweat stains out of a hat quickly, the dishwasher method is a popular go-to. Make sure to read the care instructions on your cap and find out your hat’s material.

If the cap is cotton or synthetic like our olive green hat, then the dishwasher method is fine. However, if your hat contains wool, it may shrink. Do not use a dishwasher if there is any cardboard in your hat.

Using a cap cage to wash your ball caps in the dishwasher can help them to retain their shape. These inexpensive items are a worthwhile investment if you wear caps regularly.

1. Place your cap in the cage and put it on the top dishwasher shelf of an empty dishwasher, away from the heating element.
2. Add a small amount of all-natural dishwasher detergent that does not contain bleaching agents.
3. Run the dishwasher on the coldest and most gentle cycle possible, and make sure that the drying function is switched off.
4. After the cycle is finished, gently reshape the hat and allow it to air dry.

3. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Curious how to get sweat stains out of hats naturally? Baking soda and vinegar is ideal for people with sensitive skin. This spot-cleaning method may require you to also hand wash your hat if you want to clean the entire cap.

1. Make a paste using four tablespoons of baking soda and ¼ cup of water and apply it to the stain using a soft-bristled toothbrush, rubbing in small circular motions.
2. Allow the hat to sit for up to an hour. Spray with distilled white vinegar and give the stain another short scrub.
3. Rinse clean in cold water. Pat dry with a towel and allow the hat to air dry completely.

Last Word

Ideally, you shouldn’t wait too long between washes for your hats. The white stains are due to a build-up of sweat and oil and can cause the color to fade permanently. Depending on how often you wear your cap and how sweaty you get, wash your cap once a week to avoid heavy staining.

If you love high-quality apparel and want to find out more about the fantastic range of men and women's hats we have available, call Banner & Oak at 1-844-686-3587 to speak with our customer support staff.