Baseball caps are one of the most iconic and versatile accessories, loved for their style and function. Whether you wear it for sun protection, to complete a casual look, or to show support for your favorite sports team, your cap will get dirty over time.
Dirt, sweat stains, oils, and dust can build up, but don’t throw it away just yet! There’s an easy way to clean your cap without damaging its shape or fabric. In this guide, we’ll show you the best ways to wash your baseball cap and keep it looking fresh for years.
General Tips Before You Start
Before you start cleaning your hat, here are some important tips to make sure you do it properly without damaging it:
- Avoid the Washing Machine: While washing machines might seem easy, they can distort the shape of your cap. The friction from the cycle can bend and warp the brim, especially if it’s made of cardboard (found in older hats). Instead, hand wash your cap to keep its shape.
- No Dishwasher: Although it may sound tempting, washing your hat in the dishwasher is not a good idea. High heat and strong dishwasher detergents (often with bleach) can cause the fabric to fade and the structure to become misshapen.
- Know Your Hat’s Material: Check if your cap has a cardboard or plastic brim. If it’s cardboard, don’t submerge it in water, as it can get damaged and lose its shape. To check, flick the brim—if it makes a hollow sound, it’s likely cardboard.
- Be Gentle: Whether you’re spot cleaning or soaking your cap, always handle it gently to avoid damaging the fabric or stitching, especially around logos or embroidered designs.
- Don’t Use Bleach: Avoid using bleach, as it can discolor your hat and cause long-term damage. Stick to mild detergents or fabric-friendly stain removers.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Wash a Baseball Cap
Follow these steps to wash a baseball cap properly.
Step 1: Fill a Sink or Basin with Cool Water
Start by filling a clean sink or basin with cool water. Avoid hot water, which could damage the fabric or shrink the cap. Add a small amount of mild laundry detergent or an oxygen-based stain remover like OxiClean. Stir the solution gently to create suds.
Step 2: Spot Clean Any Tough Stains
Before thoroughly soaking the hat, check for any stubborn stains, like sweat marks or dirt. Apply a small amount of detergent directly to these areas and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub gently. Be careful around logos and stitching, as scrubbing too hard could damage them.
Step 3: Soak the Cap
Once you’ve treated any stains, fully submerge the cap in the soapy water. Let it soak for 20-30 minutes or longer if the stains are tough. This will give the detergent time to break down the dirt and oils in the fabric.
Step 4: Scrub Lightly if Needed
After soaking, check the cap for any remaining stains. If needed, use your toothbrush to scrub any dirty areas gently. Be careful not to damage the fabric, especially around intricate stitching or logos.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Once you’re happy with the cleaning, rinse the cap thoroughly with cool water to remove all the soap. Don’t twist or wring the hat, as this could distort its shape, especially around the brim.
Step 6: Pat Dry and Reshape
After rinsing, gently pat the cap with a clean towel to remove excess moisture. Then, reshape the cap by gently pressing the brim back into its original shape. To help keep its shape, place the cap on an object like an upside-down coffee can or a small bowl that matches the curve of your head.
Step 7: Air Dry
Let the cap air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the fabric to fade. You can place a fan near the hat or use a hair dryer on the lowest setting to speed up drying. Ensure the cap is completely dry before wearing it again to prevent moisture buildup.
Extra Tips for Special Hats
Here are some tips for special hats.
Cleaning Wool Caps
Wool hats need extra care because the fabric is delicate. When cleaning wool baseball caps, use a detergent made for wool and scrub gently to avoid damaging the fabric. After washing, reshape the hat and let it dry by either wearing it or placing it on a mold that matches the shape of your head.
Cleaning Older Hats with Cardboard Brims
Vintage hats, especially those made before the 1980s, may have cardboard brims instead of plastic ones like modern caps. For these hats, avoid soaking the entire hat in water. Instead, spot-clean the fabric with a mild detergent or a fabric-safe cleaner. If you think the brim is cardboard, handle it carefully and limit its exposure to water.
How Often Should You Wash Your Baseball Cap?
If you wear your baseball cap regularly, try to clean it three to five times per season. However, if you wear it every day, especially in hot weather, it may need more frequent washes to stay fresh. Be sure to wash your hat whenever you notice sweat stains, dirt buildup, or foul odors.
Conclusion
Washing your baseball cap is an easy way to keep it looking fresh and make it last longer. Whether you’re dealing with dirt or tough sweat stains, hand washing is the best way to protect the shape and fabric of your favorite cap. Following the tips and steps above, you can keep your hats in excellent condition, ready for the next game or outing.
