If you frequently wear a baseball cap, it’s likely to accumulate both the appearance and scent of regular use. Periodic, gentle cleaning is essential to eliminate dirt and sweat stains. The frequency of cleaning may vary, ranging from a weekly routine to a couple of times a year, depending on how often you wear the cap.
A key guideline is to avoid using the washing machine and dryer, as both are suboptimal for cleaning baseball caps. Additionally, steer clear of products containing bleach. Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about keeping your baseball cap in top shape.
This article contains useful tips on how to wash a baseball cap; carefully read through.
Table of contents
Things To Know Before Washing Your Baseball Hat
Before you begin cleaning your baseball cap, here are some tips to consider:
- Baseball caps can be washed in the washing machine as long as the brim is not made of cardboard.
- Does my hat have a cardboard or plastic brim? To find out if your hat has a cardboard brim, simply flick the brim—if it makes a hollow sound, it’s likely made of cardboard. Cardboard was used in vintage hats manufactured before 1983, so if your hat is newer, you probably don’t need to worry.
- You should not put your baseball cap in the dryer, otherwise, it could shrink and become misshapen. Instead, let the hat air dry by hanging it up or laying it on a towel.
- If your hat has a stain that doesn’t warrant a complete wash, you can swiftly eliminate it using a fabric-safe stain removal solution such as OxiClean. Just spray the product on the stain, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then blot it dry with a damp cloth or towel. For caps with embellishments like rhinestones or embroidery, it’s advisable to delicately brush those areas with a toothbrush to assist in stain removal.
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What Do I Need To Wash A Baseball Cap?
Here are the materials you need to wash a baseball cap:
- Baseball cap
- Laundry detergent
- Cleaning gloves
- OxiClean (or similar product)
- Toothbrush
- Towel
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How To Quick Clean A Baseball Cap
Here’s how to wash a baseball cap if it just needs an easy refresh.
- Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water and add a drop or two of mild laundry detergent. Immerse the baseball hat and agitate the water to generate suds.
- Let the hat soak. Fully submerge the baseball hat and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Thoroughly rinse the hat, eliminating any detergent residue. Gently squeeze out excess water from the hat, being careful not to twist the brim, as this may distort its shape.
- Reshape the hat and pat it dry using a clean towel. Once reshaped, you can either hang the hat up or place it on a towel to air dry.
How To Deep Clean A Baseball Cap
Here’s how to clean a sweat-stained baseball cap so it looks brand new.
- Fill a sink with water and, before starting, don gloves. Prepare a clean sink or basin with cool water and add color-safe oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean, following the provided instructions.
- .Scrub with detergent. Dip the hat into the water and apply a small amount of detergent to the affected area. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the spot.
- Allow the hat to soak in the OxiClean solution for approximately one hour. Check the hat to see if the stains have been successfully removed.
- Rinse and dry. Rinse the hat in cool, clean water. Then follow step four above to reshape and dry the hat.
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Can You Wash a Baseball Cap In The Dishwasher?
Washing a baseball cap in the dishwasher is not advisable. Despite any hearsay suggesting it’s acceptable, the elevated temperature and abrasive, bleach-infused dish detergents in the dishwasher can harm the hat’s fibers and cause color fading. To prevent potential damage and preserve your cherished baseball caps, steer clear of the dishwasher and opt for hand washing instead.
Ensure the hat is placed on the top rack, and confirm that your dishwasher detergent is bleach-free. However, for the best results in maintaining your hat’s appearance, it is strongly recommended to hand wash it using laundry detergent.
FAQs On How To Wash Baseball Cap
It’s generally not recommended to wash a baseball cap in the washing machine, as the agitation and heat can damage the cap’s shape and color.
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you wear the cap. It could range from a weekly cleaning for regular use to a couple of times a year for occasional wear.
For most caps, a gentle cleaning method involves soaking it in water with mild detergent and spot-cleaning where necessary. However, certain caps, like vintage styles or those made of delicate materials, may require more careful spot-cleaning.
Conclusion
Cleaning a baseball cap can be efficiently done by soaking it in water with mild detergent and delicately spot-cleaning as needed. However, certain caps, especially vintage styles, and those crafted from materials like wool, suede, or leather, are better suited for a more careful spot-cleaning approach.
References
- bhg.com – How to Wash a Baseball Cap So It Doesn’t Lose Its Shape
- goodhousekeeping.com – How to Wash a Baseball Cap Without Ruining It
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