How to Get Sweat Stains Out of Hats: 5 Easy Methods

You don’t have to toss your favorite lid in the trash, though. We’ve tested the best cleaning methods to help you banish those stubborn sweat stains and get your hat looking fresh again.

How to Get Sweat Stains Out of Hats

Before you start scrubbing, you need to know what you are working with. Check the tag. If it’s a vintage hat (pre-1983 usually), it likely has a cardboard brim. Do not soak cardboard brims. For newer hats with plastic brims, the following five methods work wonders.

Use Stain Remover and Laundry Detergent

Laundry products are engineered to tackle protein-based stains like sweat. This is the most reliable method for standard cotton or polyester baseball caps.

1. Pre-treat the area: Spray a stain remover directly onto the discolored areas. Focus on the inner headband where sweat accumulates.
2. Scrub gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to work the cleaner into the fabric fibers. Avoid scrubbing too hard, or you might pill the fabric.
3. Wait a bit: Let the chemical sit for about 15 minutes to break down the oils.
4. Prepare a bath: Fill a clean sink with cool water and add a tablespoon of mild laundry detergent. Avoid hot water, as it can set certain stains.
5. Soak the hat: Submerge the hat for 20 to 30 minutes.
6. Rinse and dry: Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove all soap residue. Pat with a towel and air dry over a bowl or melon.

Scrub with Shampoo to Cut Grease

Shampoo is designed to remove body oils from hair, which makes it surprisingly effective against the sweat and oils embedded in your hat.

1. Dilute the shampoo: Mix a dollop of mild shampoo (or even dish soap) with a small amount of water in a cup.
2. Apply to the stain: Dip an old toothbrush into the soapy mixture and apply it to the sweat line.
3. Agitate the fibers: Scrub in small circular motions for a few minutes to lift the grime.
4. Soak (optional): If the stain is deep, soak the hat in a sink of cool water for 15 minutes.
5. Rinse well: Run the hat under cool water until the suds are gone.
6. Dry it out: Place the hat on a towel or drying rack in a shaded area.

Run the Hat Through the Dishwasher

You can clean sturdy baseball caps in the dishwasher, but you must be careful. This method is high-risk for vintage hats but convenient for modern ones.

1. Secure the shape: Place the hat inside a plastic “hat cage” or frame. This prevents the machine from crushing the crown.
2. Place on top rack: Always put the hat on the top rack where the heat is less intense.
3. Add detergent: Use a gentle dishwashing detergent that does not contain bleach or citric acid. Do not use dishwasher pods, as they are too harsh.
4. Select the cycle: Run a normal cycle on warm or cool. Turn off the “heated dry” function, as intense heat can shrink the material.
5. Air dry: Remove the hat while it is still damp and let it finish drying on a counter to ensure the shape sets correctly.

Soak in Enzyme Cleaner

Enzyme cleaners use biological compounds to eat away at organic matter like sweat, skin cells, and blood. This is excellent for hats that smell funky.

1. Mix the solution: Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add the enzyme cleaner (like OxiClean) according to the package instructions.
2. Submerge the hat: Place the hat in the water. Weigh it down with a heavy, color-safe item if it tries to float.
3. Wait it out: Let it soak for at least 20 minutes. For severe yellowing, you can leave it for up to two hours.
4. Scrub and rinse: Give the stained areas a quick scrub with a brush, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
5. Dry: Reshape the hat and let it air dry away from direct sunlight.

Make a Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and mild abrasive. It works well for spot-cleaning specific stains without soaking the entire hat.

1. Create a paste: Mix four tablespoons of baking soda with a splash of water until it forms a spreadable paste.
2. Apply to the hat: Spread the paste generously over the sweat stains on the brim or inner band.
3. Let it sit: Allow the mixture to sit for about an hour. The baking soda will absorb the oils and lift the pigment.
4. Scrub and remove: Spray with a little vinegar for extra cleaning power (it will fizz), then scrub with a brush.
5. Rinse clean: Rinse with cool water and inspect. Repeat if necessary before drying.

General Tips for Getting Sweat Stains Out of Hats

Cleaning a hat requires a bit more finesse than washing a t-shirt. Keep these tips in mind to avoid ruining your gear.

• Act fast: Fresh stains are much easier to remove. Old sweat oxidizes and turns yellow over time, making it harder to fix.
• Spot test colors: Before applying any chemical or vinegar to a colored hat, dab a tiny amount on the underside of the brim to ensure the dye doesn’t bleed.
• Use hydrogen peroxide for whites: If you have a white hat with yellow stains, dab a little hydrogen peroxide on the spot. It acts as a mild bleach.
• Check the care label: Always read the care label. If it says “Dry Clean Only” (common for wool), do not submerge it in water.
• Skip the dryer: Never put a structured hat in a tumble dryer. The tumbling action breaks the brim, and the heat shrinks the headband.

How to Prevent Sweat Stains on Hats

Stopping the sweat from soaking into the fabric is easier than scrubbing it out later. Here is how to protect your collection.

• Use a hat liner: Disposable or washable hat liners adhere to the inside of the sweatband. They absorb moisture before it touches the visible parts of the hat.
• Apply a repellent spray: A Hat Saver spray creates a hydrophobic barrier that repels water and oils, keeping the exterior looking new.
• Rinse after workouts: If you wear a hat to the gym, rinse it with cold water immediately after your workout to flush out the salt before it dries.
• Rotate your rotation: Don’t wear the same hat every single day. Letting a hat air out completely between wears reduces bacteria buildup.
• Wipe your forehead: It sounds simple, but keeping your forehead clean and dry reduces the amount of oil transferring to the brim.

FAQs

How Do You Get Sweat Stains Out of a Straw Hat?

To remove sweat from a straw hat, wipe the area with a cloth dampened with a mixture of water and a few drops of dish soap or hydrogen peroxide. Do not soak straw hats, as the fibers will swell and warp permanently.

How Does Vinegar Remove Sweat Stains From Hats?

Vinegar is a mild acid that dissolves the mineral deposits (salt) found in sweat and kills odor-causing bacteria. You can spray a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water onto stains before washing.

How Do You Strip Hats With OxiClean?

To strip a hat, fill a bucket with hot water (if the hat fabric allows) and a scoop of OxiClean. Submerge the hat and let it soak for 3 to 5 hours until the water turns murky, then rinse thoroughly.

Can You Steam Out Sweat Stains?

Steam alone usually won’t remove a set-in stain, but it helps loosen the dirt before scrubbing. Steaming is also excellent for reshaping a hat that has been crushed during the washing process.

How Do I Know If My Hat Brim is Plastic or Cardboard?

Flick the brim with your finger. If it makes a solid, hollow “thwack” sound, it is plastic. If it sounds dull or feels pliable and bends easily without springing back, it is likely cardboard.

Does Rubbing Alcohol Clean Hats?

Yes, rubbing alcohol can help remove spot stains, especially ink or sap, but it can be harsh on certain dyes. Always dilute it with water and test a hidden spot on the hat first to ensure it doesn’t bleach the color.

Why Do Sweat Stains Turn Orange or Red?

Sweat stains turn orange or rust-colored because the chemicals in your antiperspirant or sunscreen react with the sweat and the fabric dye. This is often harder to remove than standard yellow sweat stains and may require an acidic cleaner like vinegar.