Ridding Your Caps Of Sweat Stains

We have repeatedly published instructions for washing your baseball caps. From washing machine avoidance to sink washing and even washing your caps in the dishwasher, we've covered it all. We've even talked about pretreating stubborn stains. That said, however, here we are going to cover removing cap sweat stains. That way, you can keep your favorite hat fresh and new looking, longer.

Here's the best news of all… We are not going to just give you one overall suggestion. We're going to offer a handful of tips you can try out. One may work better for you than others.

Dry Cleaning

Some hats don't take well to water: Think of fedoras, top hats, cowboy hats, felt hats, etc. Be sure that, when choosing a dry cleaner for your hats, they have a good amount of experience. In fact, you may choose to take your headwear to a Western wear store, a haberdashery, or a hatter if you need sweat stains removed from your dress hat.

Unless it's a hat of significant importance or something vintage, most people don't bother having baseball caps dry cleaned.

Washing Machine

Even though this made the list, it’s not something that is recommended by a lot of manufacturers. We've included it here simply as another suggestion to try out. Keep in mind that there's a lot of wear and friction that goes along with being washed in most washing machines. That's not good for your hat.

Spot Treatment

As already discussed here, pretreating is a good option if you have stubborn stains. If you just want to spot clean your hat, however, a mild cleaning solution can be used. Until the stain is gone, gently rub the solution into the stain with a clean cloth. Rinse with a different, clean corner of the cloth. In the same manner, you can clean the sweatband of your hat.

Hint: Sweat stains respond well to solutions made with white vinegar.

Cap Cage/Dishwasher

Though it is not absolutely necessary, we do recommend the use of a cage for washing your baseball cap in the dishwasher.

• Make sure the dishwasher is empty but for the hat or hats you’re washing.
• Regular dishwashing detergent can be used as long as it contains no bleach and won't fade your color.
• The cage can be placed on the top rack. If you don't have a cage, you can simply use a clothes pin to secure one or more hats to the top shelf.
• Make sure you use cold or warm water and you turn off the drying cycle. No hot water!
• When the hat is clean, and the cycle has finished, the hat can be set out to dry on a towel.

Handwashing

• With warm water, fill a bucket or your sink. Liquid laundry detergent or powdered can be added in very small amounts. To avoid fading, make sure the detergent is bleach free.
• Stains can be pretreated before washing. To spot clean, you may choose to use a soft toothbrush.
• Swish the hat around in the water a few times. Stirring occasionally, you can let that cap sit in the water for up to four hours.
• Use cool water for rinsing. Remove excess water from the hat and place it on a towel to air dry. Make sure it keeps its shape.

Important note: Hats with bills that are made of cardboard should never be fully submerged.

Hat Heaven carries baseball caps of all kinds. Whether you're a man or a woman, adult or a child, a baseball fan, football fan, or hockey fanatic, we’ve got the hat you're looking for.

Shop our impressive inventory today.