How to Clean a White Hat

How to Clean a White Hat? Are you wondering how to wash your favorite hat and have no idea where to start? You are not alone. If you avoid wearing your favorite white hat because it isn’t all that white anymore, then some cleaning is in order. Continue reading and learn how to clean a white hat properly so you can wear it with pride again.

It is no oversized secret white items get dirty quickly, losing their natural color as a result. Whites become contaminated due to dirt, grime, sweat, and even food stains. And since you certainly do not want to be seen using a dirty-looking white hat, it becomes pretty important to know the proper steps to clean it properly.

Washing a white hat may sound intimidating, but don’t worry; even when it may look like it is beyond salvage, there’s a high possibility that your white hat can still be restored to its original color. That said, the proper tools must be applied, and the right steps must be followed. To help you in the right direction, learn everything you need to know about cleaning a white hat.

2 Methods How to Clean a White Hat

Hand Washing

This method works best for white hats made of cotton, cotton blends, wool, and synthetic materials.

Tools:

  • Two tablespoons of laundry detergent
  • 1 cup peroxide
  • ½ cup baking soda
  • A soft-bristled brush like a dish brush or toothbrush

Instructions:

  1. Fill the sink with water and add the peroxide, laundry detergent, and baking soda. Then use a wooden spoon to mix all the ingredients into the water.
  2. Now it’s time to put your hat into the water and submerge it. Move your hat around to be sure it gets fully saturated. Then leave it be for about one hour while the detergent works to remove dirt and grime.
  3. Once an hour has passed, use the brush to scrub away any stubborn stains caused by sweat or grime. Just work gently on those stains and be very careful.
  4. Once you’re satisfied your hat is thoroughly clean, rinse away the detergent with warm water for cotton and cool water for wool.
  5. Use a clean white towel to dab excess moisture from your newly washed hat. Then place your hat on a dry clean towel and let it air dry.

Recommended Product

Hypoallergenic Laundry Detergent

This hypoallergenic detergent lifts stains, brightens whites, and guards colors using the power of coconut, a highly renewable resource with natural cleaning properties.

This formula is effective against stubborn stains but gentle enough for all fabrics, even your delicates.

It also softens fabrics without needing added fabric softener, saving you money and time—a powerful laundry detergent made from plant-derived cleaners.

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Features:

  • Liquid
  • Gluten-free
  • 100% vegan

Machine Washing

Machine washing is best for white panel hats and beanies made of cotton.

Tools:

  • Spray-on stain remover
  • Two tablespoons of laundry detergent with whitening power
  • Mesh laundry bag with drag-string or zip closure

Instructions:

  1. Take your spray-on spot remover and pre-treat your hat. Once you’ve pre-treated the stains, place your hat inside the mesh laundry bag and close it securely.
  2. Set your washing machine on cold water and the gentle/delicate cycle. It’s best to add your hat to a small load of white clothes.
  3. When the washing machine turns off, remove your hat and allow it to air dry.

Recommended Products

Concentrate Multi-Purpose Stain Remover

Whip-It breaks up the chemical bond of stains in seconds. The formula was designed to tackle even the most severe stains without using harsh chemicals.

This plant-based cleaner is formulated using pure, potent, plant-based ingredients like lemons, limes, oranges, eucalyptus, and essential oils.

Use Whip-It multi-purpose specialty cleaner to tackle the bathroom, kitchen, floors, glass surfaces, and more.

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Features:

  • Biodegradable
  • Liquid
  • Versatile
  • Plant-based

Set of 5 Mesh Laundry Bags

Durable and breathable polyester fiber material, healthy and clean. These Lingerie Bags for Laundry perform perfectly every time, protecting your delicates and keeping them like new. Use it in the Dryer too.

You & your clothes will love the premium, silky mesh protecting your finest garments; it is the best to protect delicates and extend the life of lingerie, hosiery, intimates, and more.

See-through mesh makes it easy for you to find your belongings and keep them from getting lost.

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Features:

  • Polyester
  • Zipper
  • Breathable

Common Questions About How to Clean a White Hat

How do you get stains out of a white hat?

How to Clean a White Hat may be easier than expected, even for those with hideous new or old stains. You can get rid of stains on a white hat using hydrogen peroxide: Use a cotton swab, cotton ball, paper towel, or white cloth to apply hydrogen peroxide to the stain. Work the hydrogen peroxide into the material with a soft, clean toothbrush. Let it soak into the hat for about 10 minutes, then rinse, air dry, and see if the stain is gone.

How do you get yellow stains out of a white hat?

You can utilize an enzyme-based cleaner and follow the following steps:

  1. Mix some enzyme-based cleaner into warm water. Use just enough to dissolve into the water entirely.
  2. Soak the hat in the enzyme-based cleaner and water for 20 minutes to allow the cleaner to do its work. Soak it up for a couple of hours if necessary if it is an older stain.
  3. Wash the hat in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with mild detergent to further remove the stains.

How to Clean a White Hat without ruining it?

  1. Fill a clean sink or bucket with cool or warm water and add a couple of drops of laundry detergent or about a tablespoon of your choice of stain remover powder.
  2. Soak the hat in the water for about 15 minutes.
  3. Rinse the hat thoroughly with cool or warm water and gently pat dry with a towel.
  4. Are white hats hard to keep clean?
  5. Whether it’s a beanie, a 5-panel hat, or a dad cap, cleaning your white hat is tough. White hats need extra care since dirt, spots, stains, and even slight damage can easily be seen.

What things should you consider before cleaning a hat?

  • Read the labels. Your hat most likely has some small labels sewn inside. These labels tell you what material your hat is made of and how to wash it. Find out what material your hat is made of and follow the washing instructions.
  • Is your hat vintage? Since older hats often have cardboard bills instead of today’s more durable plastic, avoid soaking the hat and spot cleaning only to preserve the material.
  • You may have heard that cleaning a hat in the dishwasher is okay. The high heat and harsh, bleach-based dish detergents can damage fibers, so it’s not recommended.
  • Avoid the washing machine. It’s possible to wash a hat using the delicates/gentle cycle, but you still risk losing its structured shape due to the washer’s agitation.

How to spot clean a white hat?

If your hat is not dirty and is made of synthetic material or wool, you can do a spot-cleaning is the way to go.

  1. Mix 1 cup peroxide and â…› cup baking soda into one gallon of warm water.
  2. Place a soft-bristled brush into the cleaning solution to saturate the bristles.
  3. Then use a small scoop to place a dab of the cleaning solution onto the hat’s dirty or stained spots. Gently scrub the marks with the brush until the stains are removed.
  4. Once you’re satisfied the stains or spots are removed, take your clean washcloth and get it damp in cool water.
  5. Use a washcloth to remove any remaining dirt and cleaning solution by dabbing your hat. Now all that’s left to do is air dry.

Should I dry a white hat in the Dryer?

Hats in clothes dryers can quickly shrink, stretch, or become misshapen, so don’t toss your damp hat in the Dryer. Allow your hat to dry naturally by placing it on a clean white towel in a well-ventilated area.

Any other ideas you might want to share regarding How to Clean a White Hat?

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I'm Claire Williams, the founder of GoCleanGuide.com and resident cleaning enthusiast. I’ve spent years researching the best ways to clean all types of items, from jewelry to air conditioners, and now I want to share my knowledge with you!
Photo of author
I'm Claire Williams, the founder of GoCleanGuide.com and resident cleaning enthusiast. I’ve spent years researching the best ways to clean all types of items, from jewelry to air conditioners, and now I want to share my knowledge with you!