How to Remove Sweat Stains From Hats Without Ruining Them

Spring and summer mean more sun—and more sweat. If your favorite hat or baseball cap is showing yellow sweat stains or starting to smell, don’t toss it just yet. With the right cleaning tips, you can remove sweat stains from hats and eliminate odor without damaging their shape or color. Here’s how to wash a hat the right way and keep it looking (and smelling) fresh.

Related: How to Get Sweat Stains Out of Clothes 

What to Know About Washing Hats

If you’re wondering how to wash a hat safely, your first instinct might be to throw it in the washing machine—but that’s a common mistake. High-speed spin cycles can damage structured crowns or wide brims, causing your hat to lose its shape.

Instead, hand washing is the safest option, especially for baseball caps, trucker hats, and fitted styles. Not sure where to start? Our laundry pros at Dependable Cleaners can take care of it for you!

Before you clean any hat, always:

1. Check the care tag for special instructions.
2. Test for colorfastness by dampening a white rag and rubbing an inconspicuous area of the hat (like the inside of the band). If the color transfers, avoid DIY cleaning and bring it to a professional.

DIY Sweat Stain Removal and Spot Treatment for Hats

How to Wash a Hat by Hand (Safely)

Here’s how to hand wash a baseball cap or everyday hat without ruining it:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix cool water and one tablespoon of gentle laundry detergent. 
2. Swish the mixture around to create bubbles within the soapy water. 
3. Use a clean and gentle brush, rag, or sponge to spot clean problem areas on the hat.
4. If stains persist, you can submerge the hat in the bowl and allow it to soak in the soapy water for several hours. Stir the solution periodically to break up stubborn stains. Afterwards, repeat step 3.
5. Rinse the hat in cool, clean water until the soap is completely out and no more bubbles form. 
6. Pat the hat dry with a towel and then hang the hat to allow it to air dry. 

Pro-Tip: To better retain the hat’s shape while drying, you can ball-up a small towel and place it inside the cap. Avoid drying hats in direct sunlight to prevent color fading.                              

How to Remove Sweat Stains from a Hat

Still seeing yellow marks after washing? Try this DIY method for sweat stain removal:

1. In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda with ¼ cup of cool water.
2. Using a toothbrush or rag, apply the baking soda and water solution to the stained area 
3. Allow the solution to sit for an hour or more.
4. Rinse the hat clean with cool water.
5. Pat the hat dry with a towel and then allow it to air dry. 

Persistent stains? Don’t throw in the towel—bring your hat to one of our 20+ Dependable Cleaners locations. . We specialize in removing tough sweat stains from hats without damaging the material.

Related: When Should You Try to Treat a Stain on Your Own? 

How to Remove Odor From Hats

Sweat isn’t just about stains—odors can stick around, too. Here’s a quick fix for removing smells from hats:

1. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda inside the hat.
2. Let it sit for 30 minutes to absorb odor.
3. Shake or wipe out the powder.

This trick works for baseball caps, snapbacks, and most casual hats.

Read More: Why Do My Clothes Still Smell After Washing Them? 

Professional Hat Cleaning: When to Skip DIY

While it’s possible to remove sweat and other stains from hats on your own, it’s important to remember that DIY methods may have their limitations, and some stubborn stains require next-level help. Not only do dry cleaners have access to specialized equipment and cleaning solutions, but we also have the expertise to tackle even the most complex cleaning problems without causing damage to your hat’s colors, fit, or shape. Every garment in Dependable Cleaner’s care undergoes our 7-point quality care inspection and is protected by our extensive quality guarantee. 

Professional cleaning can extend the lifespan of your hats and ensure they look their best for every gameday and event. When it comes to keeping your hats looking great, we’re always Dependable. 

Stop by a location today, or consider our convenient laundry pickup and delivery service!