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How to Wash a Baseball Cap

A well-worn baseball cap can be like an old friend – but eventually, it needs a good cleaning. Between sweat, dirt, and everyday wear, caps build up grime and odors . Unlike your T-shirts or jeans, though, you can’t just toss a cap in with the regular laundry without some precautions. In fact, Americans do about 300 loads of laundry per year on average , yet many are unsure how to wash a baseball cap properly without ruining it. Don’t worry – we’ll break down the best way to wash a baseball cap for every material (cotton, mesh, wool, synthetic blends) and cover hand washing, machine washing, spot cleaning, and what not to do (like using the dishwasher). By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get your cap clean while keeping its shape and color intact.

Check the Cap’s Material and Brim First

Look at the fabric and brim: Always start by checking the care tag (if there is one) for any specific instructions. Some caps have special care notes or even say “dry clean only,” and in those cases it’s best to follow the label or take the hat to a professional . In general, cotton, cotton blends, and polyester caps are sturdier and can handle gentle washing, whereas wool caps are more delicate and prone to shrinking if exposed to heat . Also check the brim: newer caps usually have a plastic brim insert, but Real Simple notes that vintage caps made before 1983 often contain cardboard inside the visor . They even suggest a flick test – if the brim makes a hollow sound when tapped, it’s cardboard . Such hats should never be fully soaked; stick to spot cleaning to avoid warping the brim. Finally, if your cap has any leather or suede components (like a strap or bill), do not submerge those parts in water – it will ruin them. Instead, gently spot clean leather areas with a damp cloth, or take it to a cleaner if needed . Knowing your cap’s material and brim type will help you choose the safest cleaning method.

How to Hand Wash a Baseball Cap

Hand washing is often the safest approach and the best way to wash a baseball cap because it gives you maximum control and gentleness. By washing a cap by hand, you’re less likely to bend the brim or cause colors to bleed. It might take a little extra time, but your cap will thank you! Here’s how to hand wash a baseball cap step by step:

Step 1: Fill a basin with cool water and mild detergent. Fill a clean sink, bucket, or basin with cool (not hot) water. Add a small amount of mild laundry detergent (about a tablespoon) and stir to dissolve it . (If you’re washing a wool baseball cap, choose a detergent made for wool or delicates, and always use cold water to prevent shrinking.)
Step 2: Spot-clean any trouble areas first. Before fully submerging the hat, tackle any visible stains. Dip the cap in the soapy water to get it wet, then take it out and gently scrub any stained areas with a soft toothbrush or cloth. You can apply a drop of detergent (or a bit of dish soap) directly to sweaty spots like the headband, then lightly scrub in circular motions . Focus on the sweatband and any visibly soiled panels. This pre-treating helps loosen grime and sweat.
Step 3: Let the cap soak. Place the hat into the basin of sudsy water and let it soak. For a moderately dirty cap, about 15–20 minutes of soaking is usually enough . If the hat is heavily soiled with set-in sweat stains, you can soak it longer – even up to an hour or two (checking occasionally), or overnight in tough cases . Soaking allows the detergent to break down oils and dirt without aggressive scrubbing.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly. After soaking, rinse the cap under cool running water until all the soap is gone. Gently massage the fabric and sweatband as you rinse. It’s important to remove all detergent residue (leftover soap can attract more dirt over time) . Gently squeeze out excess water from the hat, but avoid wringing or twisting the brim – twisting can bend or crack the brim.
Step 5: Pat dry and reshape. Lay the hat on a clean towel and pat it down to blot excess water . To help the cap keep its shape, place a rolled-up towel or a ball of cloth inside the crown (this supports the cap as it dries). You can also put the cap on an upside-down bowl or use a hat form that’s about the size of your head . Gently form the brim to its proper curve. Always let the hat air dry in a well-ventilated area; never put a baseball cap in the dryer, as the high heat can shrink fabrics or warp the brim . It may take overnight or a day for the cap to fully dry.

Tip: For an extra deodorizing boost, you can add a tablespoon of baking soda or a splash of white vinegar to the cool soak water in Step 3. These help neutralize sweat odors naturally. (If you do use vinegar, rinse an extra time to ensure no scent lingers.) Hand washing works for virtually all cap types – just adjust the water temperature or detergent type to the material (for example, always cold water for wool). Now, what if you’re short on time or your cap is sturdier? That’s when the washing machine comes in.

How to Wash a Baseball Cap in the Washing Machine

Sometimes you have a cap that can handle a ride in the washer, or you’re simply short on time. So, can you wash a baseball cap in the washing machine? The answer is yes – but with caution. Machine washing is best reserved for durable caps like those made of cotton or polyester, and only if they don’t have a cardboard brim . Even then, you’ll want to take steps to protect the hat. Here’s how to safely machine wash a baseball cap:

Use a protective container: Put the cap in a mesh laundry bag or even inside a pillowcase (tie it shut) before placing it in the washer . This helps prevent the cap from getting tossed around too violently and reduces friction on the fabric and brim.
Wash with lightweight items: Wash the cap with a small load of like items – for example, a couple of T-shirts or other caps. Avoid washing it alongside heavy or bulky items (jeans, jackets, towels) that could crush the hat’s shape in the machine . You can also wash the cap by itself if you have a washer with adjustable load size.
Choose gentle settings: Use the delicate (gentle) cycle on your washing machine, with cold water . Select a mild detergent (regular laundry detergent is fine, just avoid any bleach) . The combination of cold water and a slow spin reduces the risk of color bleeding, shrinking, or damage to any adhesives.
Never use the dryer: After the wash cycle, do not put the cap in the clothes dryer. The high heat and tumbling can ruin it in no time (shrinking, misshaping, or even melting any plastic components) . Instead, promptly take your hat out, reshape it (stuff with a towel, as described earlier), and let it air dry thoroughly .

Keep in mind, even with these precautions, there’s still some risk of the cap losing shape due to the washer’s agitation and pressure . If the hat is very special to you or has a delicate structure, you might want to hand wash it instead. But for many everyday caps, using a gentle cycle and cold water as described above will clean them just fine without damage.

The Dishwasher Method: Why You Should (Usually) Avoid It

You may have heard of people washing baseball caps in the dishwasher. While it’s true you can put a cap in the dishwasher, most experts advise against it. Even Whirlpool (a washer/dishwasher manufacturer) notes that the dishwasher’s high heat and harsh detergents (especially those with bleach) can damage hat fibers and cause colors to fade . Steam and very hot water can even make the fabric and stitching pucker or warp . If you absolutely must try the dishwasher trick – say you’re cleaning multiple caps at once – Nike’s guide suggests placing hats on the top rack only, using a non-bleach dishwasher detergent, and selecting a low-heat or air-dry setting (no heated dry cycle) . Even then, skip the dishwasher if the cap has a cardboard brim or is a valuable hat. Overall, it’s strongly recommended to wash by hand with gentle laundry detergent instead to keep your hat looking its best . Use the dishwasher method only as a last resort, and be aware it may shorten your cap’s lifespan.

Spot Cleaning & Quick Freshening

Not every cleaning needs a full soak. If your hat just has a small stain or a bit of grime, or if it’s a delicate vintage cap you’re hesitant to submerge, then spot cleaning is your best bet. Spot cleaning means treating only the dirty areas of the hat without immersing the whole cap in water . This method is ideal for caps with cardboard brims (to avoid soaking them) and for hats with embellishments or iron-on patches that excessive water might damage. Here’s how to spot clean a baseball cap:

Target the stain: Identify the stain type if possible (sweat, oil, grass, food, etc.) and choose an appropriate cleaner. Often, a mild laundry detergent or a bit of dish soap works for most stains . (In fact, a drop of Dawn® dish soap is excellent for breaking down sweat and grease on caps .) Apply a small amount of the cleaning solution to a clean cloth or soft brush.
Blot and gently scrub: Using a lightly dampened cloth or a soft-bristle toothbrush, gently rub the soapy solution into the stained area. It’s best to put the soap on the cloth, not directly on the hat, to avoid over-saturating one spot . Work in a circular motion with light pressure. For tough sweat stains, let the soapy mix sit on the spot for 10-15 minutes before wiping it off, so it has time to break down the grime .
Rinse the area: Dampen a second cloth with plain water (no soap) and blot the same area to rinse out the detergent or soap. You may need to rinse and wring out your cloth a few times and repeat until all soap is removed . This step is important – any soap left in the fabric could cause a chalky spot or attract more dirt.
Air dry and reshape: After spot cleaning, let the hat air dry. If you got it fairly wet, follow the earlier instructions: stuff the crown with a small towel to reshape and let it dry naturally. Avoid using a hair dryer or heater on the damp spot, as high heat can shrink or warp the material. Once dry, the hat should look much better, and you didn’t have to wash the entire thing.

For routine freshening between deep cleans, you can also simply wipe down the inside sweatband and interior of the cap with a baby wipe or damp cloth after each heavy use . This quick step removes salt and oils from sweat so they don’t set into the fabric. To combat odor, sprinkle a little baking soda on the inner band and let it sit overnight, then shake or brush it out the next day. Regular light maintenance like this will keep your cap fresher longer, meaning you won’t need to do full washes as frequently.

Drying and Preserving Your Cap

Proper drying is crucial to keeping your hat in good shape. Always let baseball caps air dry after cleaning. Set the cap upright (with a towel or balled T-shirt inside to support the crown) and gently form the brim to the desired curve. Then leave it to dry in a cool, well-ventilated area. Try to avoid direct sunlight during drying, since harsh sun can fade the colors of your hat. And as mentioned, never use a hot dryer or high heat source to dry a cap – that’s a recipe for shrinkage or warping . Patience and air drying will ensure the cap retains its form and size.

When your cap is clean and dry, store it in a way that preserves its shape. Instead of shoving it in a drawer or gym bag (where the brim could get bent), hang it on a hook or peg, or place it on a shelf. You can even use inexpensive hat hooks or clips that attach to a hanger to hold your caps in the closet . If you do stack or display multiple caps, consider stuffing a little tissue paper inside each to help them keep their form. Proper storage prevents unnecessary flattening or creasing, so your favorite hats will stay looking crisp.

Wondering how often to wash your cap? It really depends on use. If you wear the same cap daily or for sweaty activities like workouts, aim for a light cleaning (or at least a sweatband wipe-down) every couple of weeks . For occasional-wear caps, you might only need to wash them a few times a year. Over-washing can cause wear and fading, so it’s best to wash only when needed – for example, when you notice visible dirt or a strong odor. Regular spot cleaning and proper drying will help extend the time between full washes.

When to Let the Professionals Help

There are times when you might not want to tackle cap cleaning on your own. If you have a valuable collector’s item, a signed baseball cap, or a hat made of a very delicate material, you may want to err on the side of caution. As one laundry expert advises, it’s best to follow the care instructions on the tag or send the cap to a professional cleaner if you’re unsure how to clean it safely . After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry with an irreplaceable hat.

When in doubt, let the professionals help. If you’re in the Chicago area, Spincycle Laundry has you covered. We offer convenient pick-up and delivery laundry service and an affordable wash & fold option for those tough or time-consuming jobs. Prefer to do it yourself but need a superior machine? Visit our modern self-service laundromat, where you can tackle your laundry (even tricky items like baseball caps) with commercial-grade equipment. Our clean-obsessed team is always ready to help handle the hard work. With a little care – or a little help from the pros – you can keep your favorite baseball cap clean, fresh, and looking like new for many seasons to come.