How to Clean a Hat Correctly and How to Remove Sweat Stains

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Do you have a favorite hat that looks dirty and smells bad? Learning how to clean a hat properly will help you keep your favorite headwear looking fresh and new. Many people throw away hats when they get dirty because they don't know the right cleaning methods. With the correct techniques, you can save money and extend the life of your hats.

Hats collect dirt, sweat, and oils from daily wear. Baseball caps get especially dirty from outdoor activities and exercise. Different hat materials need different cleaning approaches to avoid damage. Some hats can go in the washing machine, while others need gentle hand cleaning. The wrong cleaning method can ruin the shape, color, or fabric of your hat.

In this article, we will talk about how to clean a hat by hand as well as using a washing machine. We will also talk about how to clean sweat stains on a hat with a homemade solution and tips to keep it clean. We made this guide on Monday (21/7/2025).

Hand washing is the safest method for most hats, especially those made from delicate materials or structured caps that might lose their shape in a machine. This gentle approach allows you to control the cleaning process and protect your hat from damage.

What You'll Need

- Large bowl or sink

- Warm water

- Mild laundry detergent or dish soap

- Old toothbrush or soft brush

- Clean towels

- Hat form or bowl (for drying)

Instructions

1. Fill a large bowl or clean sink with warm water.

2. Add one tablespoon of mild detergent to the water.

3. Mix the water gently to create a soapy solution.

4. Remove any removable parts from the hat like pins or decorations.

5. Dip the hat into the soapy water completely.

6. Let the hat soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen dirt and oils.

7. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub dirty areas.

8. Pay special attention to the sweatband and brim edges.

9. Rinse the hat thoroughly with clean, cool water.

10. Make sure all soap is removed to prevent residue buildup.

11. Gently squeeze out excess water without twisting the hat.

12. Place the hat on a towel and pat it dry.

13. Reshape the hat while it's still damp.

14. Place the hat on a hat form or bowl to maintain its shape while drying.

15. Let the hat air dry completely away from direct sunlight.

Machine washing works well for sturdy hats like cotton baseball caps and canvas hats. This method saves time and provides thorough cleaning for heavily soiled hats. Always check the care label before using this method.

What You'll Need

- Hat cage or dishwasher (top rack method)

- Mild laundry detergent

- Cold water setting

- Gentle cycle setting

- Clean towels

Instructions

1. Check the hat's care label to confirm machine washing is safe.

2. Pre-treat any visible stains with a small amount of detergent.

3. Place the hat in a hat cage to protect its shape during washing.

4. If you don't have a hat cage, put the hat on the top rack of your dishwasher.

5. Add the hat cage or dishwasher to your washing machine.

6. Use cold water and the gentle cycle setting only.

7. Add mild detergent according to the package directions.

8. Start the washing cycle and let it complete.

9. Remove the hat immediately after the cycle ends.

10. Do not put the hat in the dryer as heat can damage it.

11. Gently reshape the hat while it's still damp.

12. Stuff the crown with clean towels to maintain the shape.

13. Place the hat on a flat surface or hat form.

14. Allow the hat to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area.

15. Remove the towels once the hat holds its shape.

Sweat stains are a common problems that make hats look old and dirty. These yellow or brown marks appear on the sweatband and can spread to other parts of the hat. Removing sweat stains requires special treatment before general cleaning.

What You'll Need

- White vinegar

- Baking soda

- Warm water

- Small bowl

- Old toothbrush

- Clean cloth

- Hydrogen peroxide (for stubborn stains)

Instructions

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a small bowl.

2. Dip a clean cloth into the vinegar solution.

3. Gently dab the stained areas without rubbing hard.

4. Let the vinegar solution sit on the stains for 30 minutes.

5. Rinse the treated areas with clean water.

6. For stubborn stains, make a paste with baking soda and water.

7. Apply the baking soda paste to the remaining stains.

8. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub the paste into the fabric.

9. Let the paste sit for another 30 minutes.

10. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all residue.

11. For very tough stains, apply hydrogen peroxide with a cotton swab.

12. Let the hydrogen peroxide work for 15 minutes.

13. Rinse the area completely with cold water.

14. Proceed with your regular hat cleaning method.

15. Check if stains are gone before drying the hat.

These practical tips will help you maintain your hats and prevent heavy cleaning sessions. Regular maintenance keeps hats looking good and extends their lifespan significantly.

- Store Hats Properly: Keep hats in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use hat boxes or stands to maintain their shape. Avoid stacking hats on top of each other as this can cause deformation and transfer odors between hats.

- Clean Regularly: Don't wait until your hat is extremely dirty before cleaning it. Wipe down your hat after each use with a damp cloth. Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of oils, dirt, and bacteria that cause bad odors and permanent stains.

- Use Hat Liners: Disposable hat liners absorb sweat and protect the inner band from stains. These thin strips stick inside your hat and can be replaced when dirty. Hat liners are especially useful for expensive hats or during hot weather activities.

- Rotate Your Hats: If you wear hats frequently, have multiple hats to rotate between wears. This gives each hat time to air out and prevents excessive wear on one hat. Rotation also allows you to clean hats properly without being left without headwear.

- Address Stains Quickly: Treat spills and stains immediately before they set into the fabric. Blot liquid spills with a clean cloth instead of rubbing. Quick action prevents permanent staining and makes cleaning much easier later.

- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach, harsh detergents, or strong chemicals on hats. These products can fade colors, weaken fabrics, and cause irreversible damage. Stick to mild soaps and natural cleaning solutions for safe hat care.

- Let Hats Dry Completely: Always ensure hats are completely dry before storing them. Moisture trapped in stored hats leads to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors. Place hats in well-ventilated areas and check that all parts are dry before putting them away.

With these methods and tips, you now know how to clean a hat properly and maintain it for years of use. Regular care and proper cleaning techniques will keep your favorite hats looking great and smelling fresh.