How to Clean Sweat Stains from Hats with Cardboard Brims (Without Causing Damage)
Whether it's a New Era fitted, snapback, dad hat, or trucker cap, if it has a cardboard brim, you need to clean it the right way to avoid damage. This handwashing method brings your hat back to life without ruining the shape, colour or stiffness of the brim.
Forget the Scrubbing Kits
I’m a hat care expert who doesn’t gatekeep, so let me be real with you: those scrubbing kits do more harm than good. They leave your hat looking fuzzy and prematurely faded. Instead, I’ll show you how to clean your hat properly, no dishwasher, no machine wash, and no risk to your cardboard brim.
When to Spot Clean vs. Hand Wash
If your hat is new or recently cleaned and only has fresh sweat stains, a quick spot clean will do the trick. Just spray The Captician Hat Cleaner.
But if your hat is fully sweated out, where the crown and sweatband are visibly stained or starting to smell, you’ll need a proper hand wash. This method deep cleans built-up sweat, oils, and grime from the crown without soaking the cardboard brim.
What You’ll Need:
- A deep, wide bowl or basin – big enough to fit the crown while allowing the brim to rest on the edge (as shown in the video)
- Handwashing detergent (wool-safe if needed)
- The Captician Hat brush
- White sponge
- Microfiber cloths
- Mannequin head, rolled towel, or small pot
- The Captician Hat Cleaner
Step-by-Step:
How to Hand-Wash a Sweat-Stained Hat
1. Remove Stickers
Carefully peel them off and store them on baking paper if you want to reapply.
2. Brush the Hat
Use a hat brush to remove dust and dry dirt from the entire hat, especially under the sweatband.
3. Prepare Your Wash Solution
Fill your bowl with lukewarm water and add a small amount of handwashing detergent. Important: Only submerge the crown of the hat. The brim should rest on the side of the bowl, staying dry (as shown in the video).
4. Clean the Crown
Gently agitate the fabric with a white sponge to lift sweat, oils, and grime. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, being careful not to wet the brim.
5. Spot Clean the Brim
Lightly spray The Hat Cleaner on both sides of the brim. Then, use a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water to blot and wipe the area clean. Dry it immediately with a separate clean cloth.
6. Tackle the Sweatband
Spray the Hat Cleaner around the sweatband, then blot and wipe with a microfiber cloth to remove built-up sweat and oils.
7. Optional: Steam for Thrifted Hats
Use a hand steamer or kettle to steam the crown and sweatband to kill mites.
8. Dry and Reshape
Place the hat on a mannequin head or a rolled towel to keep its shape. Use a hair dryer on a cool setting to dry the brim and maintain its structure.
9. Inspection
Assess when completely dry. Spot clean again if needed.
10. Protect It
Finish with The Captician Rain and Stain Repellent so you can wear it without worry.
