How to wash a baseball cap in 5 steps
If you’ve ever wondered how to wash a hat, you’re not alone. While you may have heard you can wash a hat in the dishwasher or washing machine, it’s best to stick with hand washing to avoid bending the hat out of shape. Some parts of your hat, specifically the bill, are structured items, making hand washing helpful for preserving its specific shape. As dirt, oils and sweat stains start to build up, you can give your hat a much-needed refresher with a thorough cleaning. This guide offers helpful tips on how to wash a baseball cap so you can keep your entire family’s favorite hats clean and fresh.
Key tips for washing a baseball cap
If you’re cleaning a vintage hat, cleaning a hat made from unique materials or simply curious about various ways to wash a baseball cap, there are a few key tips to keep in mind before you begin. Keep reading to discover tips for cleaning your baseball cap that will help keep it looking its best.
Color test the fabric of your hat
Test to make sure your hat will stand up to the cleaning process by rubbing a small amount of cleaning solution like Swash® Laundry Detergent1 or a powdered stain remover mixed with water on a hidden part of the hat, like the underside of the bill. If any color comes away, use only water to clean the hat.
How do you clean vintage baseball hats?
Since older hats often have cardboard bills instead of today’s more durable plastic, avoid soaking the hat and spot clean only to preserve the material. Generally, hats made prior to 1983 will have a cardboard bill—if the hat makes a hollow sound when you flick or tap the bill, you can probably assume that it’s cardboard.
Can you wash a baseball cap in the dishwasher?
It’s not recommended to wash a baseball cap in the dishwasher. While you may have heard that it’s okay to clean a hat in the dishwasher, the high heat and harsh, bleach-based dish detergents can damage fibers and remove color from the hat. Wash your baseball caps by hand to help avoid potential damage.
Can you wash a baseball cap in the washing machine?
It’s possible to wash a hat in the washing machine using the Delicates/Gentle cycle, but you still run the risk of the hat losing its structured shape due to friction and pressure caused by the washer’s agitation. To help keep hats looking great for as long as possible, avoid washing them in the washing machine and hand clean them as needed.
How to wash a baseball hat by hand
As long as it’s not a vintage hat, needing special care, spot clean the hat with mild, diluted detergent before submerging it completely in water. Let it soak for up to 15 minutes. Then, rinse the hat thoroughly in warm or cold water before gently patting it dry with a towel, reshaping it and leaving it to air dry.
1. Fill a sink with water
Fill a clean sink or bucket with cool or warm water and add a couple drops of laundry detergent or about a tablespoon of powdered stain remover.
2. Spot treat tough stains on the hat
Spot clean extra-dirty areas by using more detergent diluted in water and gently scrub the stains with a toothbrush or other small brush.
3. Soak the hat
Soak the hat in the water for about 15 minutes.
4. Rinse the hat
Rinse the hat thoroughly with cool or warm water and gently pat dry with a towel.
5. Reshape the hat and drip dry
Reshape the hat by placing the cap (the part that sits directly on your head) on top of an upside down coffee can, small bowl or other container that mimics the shape of your head. Leave the hat out to dry.
Cleaning tip: Take extra care when cleaning wool baseball caps since the fabric is more delicate and prone to losing its shape. Use a mild detergent specifically designed for wool, dilute it in water and scrub gently. Reshape the hat either by wearing it until dry or placing it on something that mimics the shape of your head.
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Whether you're getting your child’s uniform ready for the big game or restoring a childhood baseball cap, a Whirlpool® Top Load or Front Load Washer can help you streamline the laundry process and keep your day moving. Select Whirlpool® Top Load Washers come with a Pretreat Station, so you can soak, scrub and wash all in one spot with a built-in faucet and pretreat brush.
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