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Cane Rod Maker said:{edits are mine}
1. The sweat stains in the Grosgrain did not come out...So if there is something that will get a sweat stain out of Grosgrain, I'd sure like to know.
2. As far as sweat stains on the liner of the hat; does Woolite for Silk work? And in what proportions would you mix it?
3. Finally. Is there another fuel type that may work better than Coleman Fuel?
tonyb said:I recommended water and white vinegar for dissolving sweat (salt) stains on grosgrain hat band ribbon. But I doubt vinegar would harm anything if it were included in a soap-and-water solution for cleaning felt. And it might help.
First, we need to determine from which fabrics the various pieces are made. Let's assume you're hat is a modern (1980's-current) model.
1. Chances are the Ribbon is either cotton, or as others have mentioned, cotton/rayon. Tonyb has provided a helpful solution, which I have also tested and found satisfactory. Remove the ribbon, fill a bowl with water and white vinegar (I did 50/50), let it soak for as long as you like (I let mine soak for a few hours). Make sure to RINSE IT THOROUGHLY as even diluted acids can weaken cotton if left to dry. If your ribbon is Cotton/Rayon, you should avoid twisting or wringing the fabric, and instead, roll it in a towel for drying and then lay flat. Avoid any bleaches, and make sure if you iron, to do so on a medium or low setting on the BACK of the ribbon.
2. The Liner is probably acetate, but could be silk (although I believe silk liners would only come in a custom hat - and probably only by request). Perhaps Art or Matt, or someone else could correct me, but for our purposes, we'll address acetate. Although Acetate is similar to Rayon, it requires different handling. Typically, you want to dry clean acetate - but that would not be an economical approach unless you already happen to have dry cleaning agents at home. Instead, you can use a lukewarm water and a MILD soap with light scrubbing. For tougher stains, you might try the white vinegar and water approach. In any case DO NOT SOAK the liner if there are any colors; the colors will fade and may bleed. Again, absolutely do NOT twist or wring this fabric, as it can easily be ruined. Any ironing will be on a low setting, and do so on the reverse of the fabric. Be careful, as it's easy to singe this fabric.
3. Last you wondered about Coleman fuel. Coleman fuel is a mixture of Naphtha and Aliphatic petroleum distillates in large amounts, and Xylene and Toluene in small amounts. In any case, you may use Coleman fuel if it's easier or cheaper to obtain, but you can also use straight Naphtha (nafta) which may be aquired by quart or gallon at your local hardware store. One way or the other, do it outdoors, wear gloves and eye protection. It's nasty stuff!