Cleaning a ribbon

[hargist]

I had previously posted a thread about the merits of a leather sweatband vs. cloth when it comes to a Panama. My concern was that I might sweat through the cloth band and discolor the straw or ribbon. I decided to keep the cloth band that came with the Panama, and my worst fears were realized.

It appears that perspiration from my brow has caused lines of discoloration on the ribbon. Is there a way to clean this? If so, how? Is there some kind of dry process that will remove the stains?

 

[Dinerman]

I'm afraid not, sweat stains on ribbons are pretty much impossible to remove. Other stains, you can get out, but sweat, not really.

 

[hargist]

Really? Nothing can be done?

I suppose I can always replace the ribbon and have a leather sweatband installed to prevent it from happening again. But I just love how comfortable the cloth band feels.

 

[Dinerman]

you could put a backing between the cloth sweatband and the hat to prevent further staining. It's on some of my older felt hats (though they have leather sweatbands, it still helps). Most are made of plastic, or the old primitive plastic-y material which I can't remember the name of which was used for the center of liners.

 

[jamespowers]

I dab mine with water to dilute the sweat when I notice the stain. That usaully takes care of it for me. [huh]

Regards,

J

 

[hargist]

That plastic backing idea is excellent! I'll see if my local hat store can help me with that.

In the meantime, I want to see if I can find some dry cleaning solution that might help. Any suggestions with that?

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

JP is spot on, pardon the pun. A little water dabbed on the stain with a soft cloth resolves the problem every time for me.

 

[Flieger]

As I've posted before (but not had reason to try myself yet). An old household recipy for removing sweat stains on fabric is using diluted vinegar.

Worth a try? [huh]

Flieger

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

A little FYI

hargist, as far as comparing a leather vs a cloth sweat, I have pondered this as well. I am a big fan of leather sweats, that having been said, I have had problems with sweat stains on hats with leather sweats. So if this is your reason for wanting a leather sweat, you may not get the results that you want. As mentioned before, getting the stain out, is not that big of a problem.