Washing your baseball cap will keep it fresh and extend its durability. This is very easy to do with some mild detergent and a piece of cloth. Some caps are even dishwasher safe. By reading a few tips, you can make sure to use the best method to keep your cap clean and attractive.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Decide how to wash your cap
Step 1. Rate your hat
You should first take a close look at your baseball cap to determine if it can be washed and choose the best method.
Step 2. See how well your cap is made and whether it will withstand washing
- Look closely at the material, stitches and edges. If your cap is made of good quality material, relatively new, and well stitched, you can wash it without any problem.
- Look for signs that the hat is inexpensive or poorly sewn. If the cap is loosely stitched or has cardboard edges, it may fall apart if you wash it. If the hat is inexpensive, then it makes sense to simply replace it rather than try to wash it.
Step 3. Look for signs of age
If your cap is very old, you should take special care of it and wash it by hand.
Step 4. Check the tag
Your baseball cap may have washing recommendations and other material information on the tag. Follow the wash recommendations if the manufacturer has labeled them.
Determine the type of fabric. If your cap is made of cotton, polyester, twill and well-sewn, you should be able to wash it. If the cap is made of wool, you should only wash it by hand using a special detergent designed for wool, such as Woolite
Method 2 of 3: Washing by hand
Step 1. Check that your cap does not fade
If it is made of delicate fabrics or if it is very old, you must make sure the wash does not remove or discolor.
Use a very small amount of mild detergent on a rag or washcloth and rub a small area on the cap. Select an area on the inside of the cap that is not visible when worn. Rinse it gently with cool water. If the color hasn't changed, you can wash the rest of the cap
Step 2. Remove stains from the cap
If the baseball cap has stains or very dirty areas, treat them with a stain remover or have them pretreated in the laundry. Leave the stain remover on the cap for a few minutes, then rinse the stained areas with water.
Step 3. Fill the sink with cool water
Pour some mild detergent into the sink as it fills with water.
Step 4. Dampen the cap with soapy water and use a cloth that has absorbed detergent and water to wipe the surface of the cap, especially all very dirty areas
Repeat this step as needed.
Step 5. Rinse the cap in cool water until all the soap is gone
Step 6. Air dry the cap
It is important to make sure that the cap retains its shape as it dries. You can hang the hat over something similar to the shape of a head, such as a balloon or a coffee jar, to keep it from losing its shape. Pay close attention to the shape of the edge. Make sure they are in the shape you like before they dry.
Method 3 of 3: Wash in the dishwasher
Step 1. Get a special shape, mock-up to keep the shape of your cap when washed
You can find these plastic molds at sports or headwear stores. Some plastic molds can be used in a dishwasher or washing machine. Washing in a washing machine won't be delicate for your cap, so check the instructions that came with the shape you choose.
Step 2. Remove stains from the cap
If the baseball cap has stains or very dirty areas, treat them with a stain remover or have them pretreated in the laundry. Leave the stain remover on the cap for a few minutes, then rinse the stained areas with water.
Step 3. Place the cap in the plastic holder in the dishwasher on the top rack
Do not put anything else in the dishwasher except for other caps.
Step 4. Place a normal dish detergent in the dishwasher
Step 5. Turn the dishwasher on "Normal" cycle
If your machine has water temperature controls, use cool or lukewarm water. Make sure you have not set the dishwasher hot dry or similar settings. High temperatures can ruin or wrinkle your cap.
Advice
- Don't use too much soap; if you do, the cap may absorb some of it. Make sure you rinse the fabric of your cap well before drying.
- Only wash caps with plastic edges in the dishwasher, other caps must be hand washed.
- Use only liquid detergent.
- Do not use bleach or detergents that contain bleach. They will discolor your hat.
- Do not wear your cap in direct sunlight, as this can also cause discoloration.
Warnings
- Don't wash your cap too often as it will wear out over time.
- Don't put your cap in the dishwasher or washing machine without a frame to help keep it in shape
- Never put your cap in a clothes dryer. Heat can ruin its shape.