How to wash a baseball cap? 7 easy steps for proper washing + tips for drying and care

Are you wondering how to properly wash a baseball cap? Baseball caps are a wardrobe staple for many people. Unfortunately, because of the constant wear and tear, they can start to look dingy or even smell unpleasant after only a few wears. Washing your baseball cap without caution can lead to damage to its shape and fabric. But if you know how to do it the right way, and how to dry and care for it correctly, you should be able to preserve your cap’s quality for years and years! Here are 7 easy steps to follow on how to wash a baseball cap properly, plus tips for drying and care!

How to wash a baseball cap?

To properly clean your baseball cap, you need to follow a few easy steps. As long as you don’t apply too much pressure and have patience, the cap’s material shouldn’t be damaged. There are 7 steps to follow to successfully wash your baseball cap without damaging it. Here’s what you need to do to preserve its shape:

1. First, remove any pins or patches from the hat (if you have any) before washing it. These items can cause damage during the cleaning process.
2. Are there any big dirty stains or spots on the surface of your hat? As these won’t come off with a light brushing, you will need to use an old toothbrush and a mild laundry detergent diluted in water. Gently scrub away at these areas before moving onto step two.
3. Now it’s time to wash your baseball cap! Fill up a sink or basin with cool or warm water and add more mild laundry detergent (a few drops is enough). Instead of detergent, you can also use a tablespoon of stain remover powder.
4. Place the baseball cap in the soapy water and let it soak for 10–15 minutes.
5. After, lightly agitate the cap in order to work out any stains or odours embedded into its fibres.
6. When finished, rinse your hat thoroughly with cool or warm water until all traces of soap have been removed from its surface.
7. Gently pat dry it with a towel, before moving on to the complete drying process.

How to dry a baseball cap?

First and foremost, you should never put a wet cap in the dryer. This can cause it to shrink and lose its shape. Instead, after washing it, start by gently squeezing out any excess water with a towel or cloth. Next, place the hat on top of a clean, dry towel and reshape as necessary while allowing it time to air-dry naturally at room temperature. You can easily reshape the cap by placing it on top of an upside down coffee can, a small bowl or some other item that can mimic the shape of your head. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight since that could cause fading over time. Instead, try placing your hat near an open window where there’s plenty of air circulation but no direct sunlight exposure. Leave it to dry naturally.

Practical care tips for your cap

You want to preserve the quality of your baseball cap for as long as possible? With a few practical tips and tricks, you can make that happen!

• Store your cap in a cool and dry place. The sun’s rays can cause fading and discolouration in both fabric and embroidered designs on baseball caps over time. Store them inside closed drawers/closets where humidity levels remain low throughout each day & night. Avoid storing them near windows/doors.
• To preserve their shape, hang up your baseball caps using clothes hangers made specifically for hats.
• Always air dry only! Never put your baseball cap in the dryer, as this will shrink its size and ruin its shape permanently.
• After your cap has completely dried, you can use a fabric refresher spray or wool detergent specifically intended for hats in order to help keep the material fresh.

Can I wash a baseball cap in the washing machine?

Yes, you can wash a baseball cap in the washing machine. However, it is recommended that you use a delicates/gentle cycle and cold water to prevent damage to the fabric and logo of the hat. It is also suggested that you do not put your cap in the dryer afterwards. But, instead, let it air-dry. Withal, keep in mind that washing your cap in the washing machine can still ruin its structured shape. Hand cleaning is always the preferable choice when it comes to washing caps.

By following these 7 easy steps for properly washing your baseball cap, your hat will look anew in no time! Just remember, that air-drying and correct storage are also essential for preserving the quality of its material and its shape. Another item that a lot of people also find troublesome when washing is silk clothing. If you want to know how to preserve its beautiful fabric for years and years ahead, follow these 5 easy steps for washing silk!