How to Wash a Hat: Baseball Caps, Beanies & More
LaundroMaps Team
Sweat, sunscreen, and daily wear leave baseball caps and hats looking grimy fast. But tossing a hat in the washing machine can crush the brim and ruin its shape. The safest method depends on the material -- cotton and polyester caps can handle gentle machine washing, while wool, straw, and structured hats need hand washing.
Here is how to clean every type of hat without destroying it.
How to Wash a Baseball Cap by Hand (Safest Method)
Hand washing is the safest option for all hat types. According to Nike and Whirlpool:
- Fill a basin with cool water and a tablespoon of mild detergent or OxiClean
- Spot-treat the sweatband -- apply detergent directly to the inner brim where sweat stains are heaviest
- Submerge and soak for 15 to 30 minutes
- Gently scrub with a soft brush or old toothbrush, focusing on stained areas
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water
- Shape and dry -- place the cap on an upturned bowl or coffee can that matches the crown size. This preserves the shape while air drying
Never wring or twist a hat -- it permanently warps the brim.
Can You Machine Wash a Hat?
Cotton and polyester caps can go in the washing machine if you use protection:
- Place the cap in a hat cage or mesh laundry bag
- Wash on gentle cycle with cold water
- Use mild detergent -- no bleach
- Do not wash with heavy items like jeans or towels
- Air dry on a bowl -- never use the dryer
Do NOT machine wash: Wool hats, straw hats, hats with cardboard brims (older vintage caps), leather or suede, or any hat with delicate embellishments.
What About the Dishwasher?
Some people wash hats in the dishwasher on the top rack. While it can work, experts caution that dishwasher detergent is harsher than laundry detergent and the heat can damage colors and fabric. If you try it, use a hat cage, skip the heated dry cycle, and use a gentle dishwasher pod -- not regular dish detergent.
How to Wash Different Hat Types
| Hat Type | Best Method | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball cap (cotton/poly) | Hand wash or gentle machine | Dry on a bowl to keep shape |
| Wool beanie | Hand wash only | Lay flat to dry -- hanging stretches wool |
| Straw hat | Spot clean only | Wipe with damp cloth, never submerge |
| Trucker/mesh cap | Hand wash or gentle machine | Mesh dries fast -- air dry only |
| Fitted cap (New Era, etc.) | Hand wash | Use a hat cage if machine washing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash a hat at the laundromat?
Yes, but use a front-load machine on gentle/cold with a hat cage or mesh bag. Find a laundromat near you with front-load machines.
How do I remove sweat stains from a hat?
Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply to the sweatband, let sit 30 minutes, then hand wash normally. For tough stains, soak in a mix of cool water and OxiClean for an hour before washing.
