When you excessively sweats and like to wear hats, it’s likely you’ve experienced unsightly sweat stains on your hat. Unfortunately, many hats are made from fabrics that have a tendency to absorb liquid, including sweat. Excessive face sweat tends to cause hat sweat stains.
But you don’t have to throw a hat away just because of hat sweat stains. Much of the time, your hat isn’t permanently ruined, and there are steps you can take to clean it and get it looking brand new again.
How to Remove Hat Sweat Stains
To remove hat stains, start with this quick home remedy.
- Mix a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar.
- Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the sweat stains on the hat.
- Rinse the hat thoroughly with water to remove any residue from the vinegar solution.
If the sweat stains are particularly stubborn, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the stains. Mix a small amount of baking soda with water so it forms a paste, and then apply the paste to the sweat stains. Rub the paste gently into the stains and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with water.
If the hat is machine washable, you can also try washing it in the washing machine. Use a mild detergent and cold water, and be sure to let the hat air dry. Do not put the hat in the dryer, as the heat can set the sweat stains and make them harder to remove.
If the sweat stains are still present after trying these methods, you may need to use a commercial stain remover. Follow the instructions on the product and be sure to test it on a small hidden area of the hat before applying it to the sweat stains.
Remember to always handle your hat with care to avoid damaging it. If you are unsure about the best way to clean your hat, it may be best to consult the manufacturer's care instructions or take it to a professional cleaner.
How to Stop Forehead Sweat
If you want to avoid staining your hat with sweat in the future, you might want to try to address the problem at the root: forehead sweat. Because the head is more sensitive to changes in temperature, it has more sweat glands than other parts of the body to help it regulate its temperature. The result is that many of us have pretty sweaty heads.
There’s not much you can do about the number of sweat glands in your forehead, but there are a few steps you can take to reduce the amount of sweat and hopefully prevent sweat stains. These include:
- Keep your body cool - Try to avoid activities that cause you to overheat, such as exercising in hot weather or wearing heavy clothing. If you are in a hot environment, try to stay in the shade or use a fan to keep yourself cool.
- Stay hydrated - Drinking enough water can help keep your body cool and reduce sweating.
- Avoid triggers - Certain things like spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine can trigger excessive perspiration. If you find that certain things make you sweat more, try to avoid them.
- Use antiperspirant - Antiperspirant contains aluminum-based compounds that can help reduce sweating. Look for a face-specific antiperspirant or use a regular antiperspirant on your forehead, but be sure to test it on a small area first to make sure it doesn't cause irritation.
To help stay cool and dry all day and prevent 100% of underarm stains, try one of Social Citizen’s sweat-proof Social Tees.
