Proper hat maintenance is key to extending the life of your favorite headwear so that you can continue wearing your favorite hats.
This guide focuses on the best way to clean hats – specifically baseball caps, fitted caps, and workout hats.
How To Wash a Hat By Hand
Washing hats by hand is the gentlest and preferred method for cleaning your hat. Here's how to do it:
- Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
- Submerge the hat and gently scrub it with a soft-bristled brush or clean cloth. Test this on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t damage the hat.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water to remove all soap residue.
If you have a vintage baseball cap with a cardboard brim, hand-washing is the only method we recommend. Avoid fully submerging it to protect the integrity of the cardboard.
How To Wash a Hat in the Dishwasher
While hand washing is recommended, you can also use a dishwasher for convenience:
- Place the hat on the top rack of the dishwasher. You can wash multiple hats at once, but save any dishes for the next load. If you have a hat washing cage, you can use it in the dishwasher.
- Use a mild, unscented dish detergent and select a gentle cycle with cool water.
- Remove the hat immediately after the cycle ends and reshape it while damp with one of the DIY hat rack methods below.
How To Wash a Hat in the Washing Machine
Machine washing should only be considered as a last resort, as it is the most abrasive method for hat cleaning. But if you need to save time or prefer the convenience of using the washer, follow these tips to minimize any potential damage.
Consider using a hat washing cage, available in both plastic and silicone versions, to provide extra protection during the wash cycle. You simply open them, place your hats inside, and snap them closed before putting them in the washer.
- Place the cap in a protective hat washer cage, mesh delicates bag, or pillowcase.
- Use cold water and a gentle cycle with mild detergent.
- Remove the hat promptly and reshape while damp.
If your washing machine has an agitator – the center post that rotates back and forth to agitate clothes – we encourage hand-washing instead. Washing machines with impellers – the flat cone at the bottom that rotates clothes – are a better, gentler option if you’re set on machine-washing. If you have a front-loading machine, you don’t need to worry about agitators.
How To Wash a Hat in a Hat Cleaner Machine
Cap cleaner machines are specialized devices designed to clean and reshape hats. They typically use a combination of water, cleaning solution, and gentle agitation to clean the hat without damaging its structure. These machines are particularly useful for collectors or those with a lot of hats, as they provide a consistent and safe cleaning method that closely mimics professional hat cleaning services.
Best Hat Drying and Dewrinkling Methods
Hat Steam Machine
Some hat cleaning machines include a steaming function, while others are specifically designed for steaming and reshaping hats. Hat steaming machines use controlled steam to gently relax the fabric so you can reshape the hat and remove wrinkles or creases that may have formed over time. This method is particularly effective for restoring the original shape of vintage or heavily worn hats.
DIY Hat Rack
Stuff with towels – Ball a towel up into a round shape and place it inside your hat. This also helps absorb moisture to dry the hat quicker.
Stuff with plastic bags – Fill the hat with plastic bags turned inside-out to avoid ink transfer.
Place on a round container – Use a bowl or other round object that fits snugly inside the hat to maintain its shape.
Use a balloon – Cover an inflated balloon with a towel and place your hat on top of it. Make sure the balloon fits inside of it well to round out the shape.
FAQ: Can You Put a Hat in the Dryer?
We do not recommend putting hats in the dryer because the heat and tumbling can damage the hat's shape and material. Instead, air dry your hat on a hat form or using any of the methods above.
Baseball Cap Travel Case
A hard travel case protects your hat during transport and helps maintain its shape. These cases are useful for frequent travelers or those who want to keep their hats in pristine condition when not in use.
Removing Stubborn Stains
How To Get Sweat Stains Out of a Hat
- Soak in a vinegar solution prior to cleaning – Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water and soak the hat for 30 minutes before cleaning.
- Spot clean with a baking soda paste – Make a paste with baking soda and water, apply to stains, and gently scrub with a soft brush. Test on a small patch first.
How To Clean a White Hat
If you’ve already tried regular cleaning and using vinegar and baking soda, try using oxygen-based bleach diluted according to package instructions. Wear gloves and apply the mixture to your white hat with a soft brush, then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
Note: Using a bleach solution always risks discoloration, especially on any colored details on the hat. Only try this method as a last resort.
Tips for Regular Maintenance
Lint Rolling
Use a lint roller regularly to pick up dust and minimize the need for deep cleaning hats. This simple habit can significantly extend the time between washes and help your hat look fresh longer.
Dryer Sheets
Place a dryer sheet inside the hat and allow it to sit overnight to combat odors, preferably outside in a shaded area. This trick is particularly effective for hats worn during sports or other high-activity situations where sweat buildup is common.
Hat Brushes
Brush off dust after each wear to prevent buildup. Hat-specific brushes are typically made with natural materials like horse hair or boar hair which make the bristles gentle, yet effective for removing surface dirt or fuzz. Regular brushing not only keeps your hat clean but helps maintain the texture and appearance of the fabric.
Baby Wipes
For quick cleaning, use baby wipes, followed by a lint roller or hat brush to remove any residue. This method is ideal for spot cleaning or refreshing your hat when you don't have time for a full wash.
Dish Pods or Liquid Dish Soap
For spot cleaning, use a gentle toothbrush with a small amount of dish soap or a dissolved dish pod. This technique allows you to target specific stains without subjecting the entire hat to a full wash cycle.
Consistent care and proper cleaning techniques will help preserve your hat's appearance and extend its lifespan. By following these guidelines, you can keep your favorite hat looking fresh and stylish for years to come.
