Stanky Hats

How do I get my hats to stink less of not at all? Other than quite wearing them? Washing Machine doesn't work, even if washing in hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Dishwasher is a bust. Can anyone help. I have a damn stack of hats I want to wear but can't stand to put on my head.

I am not a normally smelly person. I know it is just the hat band and the bacteria trapped within.

I throw them away, and get new hats.

Buy new hats. Spray said new hats down with a water proofing spray inside and out. Sweat and stick won't stick to the bands that way and you won't get sweat rings either.

I don't want to be a jerk, but I've never had hats still stink or even be a little dirty after sending them through the washing machine. Not sure what your issue is King, but that seems odd.

do you wash your hats with soap?

I walk, I live in Georgia, I sweat.

I use soap, of course.

Rookie: doesn't the WP spray keep the hat from doing its job? Soaking sweat.

I have heard of using a toothbrush with a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. I was just hoping for a miracle cure.

I would just get new ones, mine take like 2 or 3 years to start to stank!!

Stank Stank!!

Can you really send a hat through the washing machine without it coming out wonky? I like structured hats and I did it once when I was a little kid. It came out smaller and the front of the hat was flatter and warped. I've been too scared to throw any of my hats in there since then. My dome is big. I can't have my flexfits shrinking!

You need one of these. Top rack of the dishwasher.

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[quote name='kingotheworldma' timestamp='1444665486' post='12445572']
I walk, I live in Georgia, I sweat.

I use soap, of course.

Rookie: doesn't the WP spray keep the hat from doing its job? Soaking sweat.

I have heard of using a toothbrush with a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. I was just hoping for a miracle cure.
[/quote]

Nope, I live in Georgia as well. The hat's function is to keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes. And as I'm sure you can attest, whether the hat soaks up sweat or not, you need a towel. I've been doing it for years and my hate last a lot longer than they used to.

i have the idea to wear this under my hat to absorb the sweat and hopefully keep my hat a little cleaner so i can wash it less

http://www.amazon.co.uk/CLASSIC-BLACK-RUFFNEK%C2%AE-MULTIFUNCTIONAL-NECKWARMER/dp/B007BNP3UG

does anyone do this and does it work?

Try tucking a bounce or downy dryer sheet under the sweatband and let it go up into the crown. It will keep them smelling good, and also will help to keep the bugs away. You won't notice it in there, either.

[quote name='Nine Miler' timestamp='1444761037' post='12451036']
Try tucking a bounce or downy dryer sheet under the sweatband and let it go up into the crown. It will keep them smelling good, and also will help to keep the bugs away. You won't notice it in there, either.
[/quote]

Whoa. Genius. I want to like this more than just once.

[quote name='Evning' timestamp='1444741610' post='12449516']
i have the idea to wear this under my hat to absorb the sweat and hopefully keep my hat a little cleaner so i can wash it less

http://www.amazon.co.uk/CLASSIC-BLACK-RUFFNEK%C2%AE-MULTIFUNCTIONAL-NECKWARMER/dp/B007BNP3UG

does anyone do this and does it work?
[/quote]the link is to a neck warmer. Are you trying to sweat more or less?
Edit I see one review says they wear it under a bike helmet. But still it's for warmth, not sweat absorbing.

[quote name='Shilgy' timestamp='1444780545' post='12452544']
[quote name='Evning' timestamp='1444741610' post='12449516']
i have the idea to wear this under my hat to absorb the sweat and hopefully keep my hat a little cleaner so i can wash it less

http://www.amazon.co.uk/CLASSIC-BLACK-RUFFNEK%C2%AE-MULTIFUNCTIONAL-NECKWARMER/dp/B007BNP3UG

does anyone do this and does it work?
[/quote]the link is to a neck warmer. Are you trying to sweat more or less?
Edit I see one review says they wear it under a bike helmet. But still it's for warmth, not sweat absorbing.
[/quote]

Yea that one is a neckwarmer, but there are those for use in tropical countries that are not for warming, more just to keep away bugs or to wick away sweat, they look the same but are made of lighter materials.

I worry the sweat would seap through and end up on the hat anyhow.

Try this too...

http://deadspin.com/how-to-clean-your-filthy-baseball-cap-1453998609

Before I throw them away and start over I am trying an oxy spray and Wisk door and stain formula soak in a bucket them a wash in the dishwasher.
I like the idea of a fabric softener in the headband and may try that one.

Thank for the ideas.

I buy polyester, structured hats, spray some boost or other stain remover, and throw them in the washing machine and dryer with a little soap -- no issues.

I wonder if adding a little vinegar to the washing machine will help? It helps when you accidentally forget to take them out of the washing machine for the weekend and get "that" smell. Wife is still mad at me and it happened last year.

On another note. If you accidentally forget to remove the clothes from the washing machine two times. You will get yelled at for 13.5 minutes but she will never ask you to the dryer again.

Wow, if washing them in a dishwasher or washing machine isn't working, how 'bout a dry cleaners?

1. Soak in a utiliy sink with Oxy clean and tide for 12 hours.

2. Use a brush and scrub the hats with extra soap at the beginning and end of the soak.

3. Drain sink and add clean water. Try to rinse as much soap out as possible.

4. Put hats in washer with extra rinse cycle. Use warm water, not hot as hot will make your hats look weird.

Soaked bands in Oxi clean. submerged the lot in Wish stain and odor for three hours with occasional agitation. Rinsed one time in the middle of the soak. Water was grey (5/6 hats are black). Threw them in the dishwasher and air dry.
They small good, I will take one out today to test under some sweat conditions.

TMelectric. You only get 13.5 minutes. What am I doing wrong? I still have to dry them.
I have tried baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, but not yet ventured into vinegar. I would think the properties of vinegar for odor fighting would be similar to the latter.

Thanks again guys

Couple hours at the range. It still smells good

[quote name='kingotheworldma' timestamp='1444912274' post='12459174']
Soaked bands in Oxi clean. submerged the lot in Wish stain and odor for three hours with occasional agitation. Rinsed one time in the middle of the soak. Water was grey (5/6 hats are black). Threw them in the dishwasher and air dry.
They small good, I will take one out today to test under some sweat conditions.

TMelectric. You only get 13.5 minutes. What am I doing wrong? I still have to dry them.
I have tried baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, but not yet ventured into vinegar. I would think the properties of vinegar for odor fighting would be similar to the latter.

Thanks again guys
[/quote]

I think this is a success, for now anyway. We'll see when the summer returns and walking golf in the Georgia heat.

But for a round plus two range sessions in the same hat....No Stank.

White Vinegar is definitely the way to go here. If you are washing them in a washing machine, just presoak with a cup of white vinegar, and then wash normally. This also works well for musty towels, other workout clothes, etc.