For anyone who wears baseball caps, you will know that they all have a slightly different fit, shape, design, and material. Over time, they seem to mold to your head and become more and more comfortable. This means that once you find “the one,” and it’s deemed your favorite hat, you have to be very deliberate in how you care for it because it’s likely irreplaceable. Even if you luck out and find the same hat, it takes quite some time to break them in and to get them feeling just right again.
If your hat has white, salty sweat rings, dirt stains, or makeup residue, the last thing you want to do is toss it in your laundry basket for a regular wash load. This is sure to distort its shape, stretch out the fibers and elastic, and the heat can lead to fading. Instead, consider one of the following three methods that have been proven with great results and no damage to the cap.
Please note that the following methods are best for modern, plastic-billed hats. Vintage, cardboard brimmed hats should only be washed and rinsed with a damp cloth.
3 Ways to Clean a Baseball Cap
1. Hand Wash
This is the quickest method.
What You Need:
- Clean Rag or Toothbrush
- Laundry Detergent
- Sink Water
- Dry Towel
- Hairdryer
How to Wash
- Rinse the hat under cool water
- Put a drop or two of detergent on your cloth or toothbrush and gently scrub the hat all over. Pay special attention to the brim, inner forehead area, and any noticeable stains.
- Rinse the hat thoroughly under warm water.
- Gently dab the hat with the dry towel to absorb any excess water.
- Hang inside to dry. Be sure not to hang in sunlight as this will fade the hat.
- After the hat is about halfway dry, use a hairdryer set on a cool or low heat setting, and blow-dry the hat all over to help evaporate more of the moisture in the cap. This will prevent water marks from being visible after it’s completely dry.
- Hang again until totally dry.
2. Sink Soak
This method is still considered a hand wash but takes more time to complete due to soaking.
What You Need:
- Laundry Detergent
- Sink
- Dry Towel
- Hairdryer
How to Wash
- Fill the sink with warm water and add a few drops of laundry detergent.
- Agitate the water to distribute the soap.
- Put a few drops of detergent on your finger and lightly rub into any noticeable stains or discolorations on the hat. Be sure to only use a small amount.
- Place the hat in the sink of water and allow it to soak for up to 30 minutes.
- Drain the sink.
- Rinse the hat well under warm water.
- Remove from the sink, and gently dab the hat with the dry towel to absorb any excess water.
- Hang inside to dry.
- After the hat is about halfway dry, use a hairdryer set on a cool or low heat setting, and blow-dry the cap all over to help evaporate more of the moisture in the hat. This will prevent water marks from being visible after it’s completely dry.
- Hang again until totally dry.
3. Machine Wash
You may still be able to wash your hat in the washer without ruining it, but be sure you follow the steps below to not ruin its shape or color.
What You Need:
- Laundry Detergent
- Washing Machine
- Hat Washer Cage or Mesh Padded Laundry Bag
- Hairdryer
How to Wash
- Place your hat in the washable cleaning cage or laundry bag and put it in the washer drum alone or with a very small, lightweight load of clothing.
- Add your regular laundry soap
- Set your machine to a cool or warm quick cycle and press start.
- Immediately remove the hat from the washer and protective covering as soon as the cycle is complete.
- Hang inside to dry.
- After the hat is about halfway dry, use a hairdryer set on a cool or low heat setting, and blow-dry the hat all over to help evaporate more of the moisture in the hat.
- Return to hanging until completely dry.
As you can see, you have a few options to consider when your hat needs a good scrub! The key to washing your hat without misshaping or fading it is to avoid sun and harsh heat and not to allow it to twist and stretch in the washer.
Stick to sink washes when you can or keep your hat protected with washable hat savers like the cages or padded mesh bags.
Luckily, just because it’s your favorite hat, no one needs to know that you’ve been wearing the same one for years.
