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Oct 15, 2024

How to Wash a Baseball Cap (the Right Way)

So long, sweat stains! Katie Holdefehr is the associate editorial director at Real Simple. Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek There is a correct way to wash a baseball cap to make sure your

So long, sweat stains!

Katie Holdefehr is the associate editorial director at Real Simple.

Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

There is a correct way to wash a baseball cap to make sure your favorite hat keeps its shape and lasts for many years (and hikes, and beach days) to come. As with cleaning most things, you'll want to start with the gentlest cleaning method first, then work your way up. If your baseball cap is just mildly dirty, a quick soak in the sink is all it needs. But for serious sweat stains, you'll want to pump up the stain-fighting power. Follow our guide to cleaning a baseball cap, below, beginning with the mildest method.

Before you begin cleaning your baseball cap, here are some tips to consider:

Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

While you certainly can wash a baseball cap in the dishwasher, you may not want to. If you have a vintage hat with a cardboard brim, you definitely cannot wash it in the dishwasher. If you do decide to go the dishwasher route for convenience, choose cold water and a gentle cycle to prevent color loss and deformation. Place the hat on the top rack, and check that your dishwashing detergent does not contain bleach. It is strongly recommended, however, that you wash by hand with laundry detergent instead to keep your hat looking its best.

Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Here's how to wash a baseball cap if it just needs an easy refresh.

Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Add a drop or two of mild laundry detergent. Dunk the hat and agitate the water to create some suds.

Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Fully submerge the baseball hat and let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes.

Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Remove the hat from the water and rinse out the detergent. Gently squeeze any excess water out of the hat, but avoid twisting the brim, which can bend it out of shape.

Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Use a clean towel to pat down and then reshape the hat's brim. The hat can then be hung up or set on a towel to dry.

Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Here's how to clean a sweat-stained baseball cap so it looks brand new.

Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Before you get started, put on gloves. Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water, then add a color-safe oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean, as directed.

Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

To target specific stains, dip the hat into the water, then apply a dab of detergent to the spot. You can use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the area.

Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Let the hat soak in the OxiClean solution for about one hour. Check the hat, and you should be able to see if the stains have been removed.

Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Rinse the hat in cool, clean water. Then follow step four above to reshape and dry the hat.

If you have a vintage hat with a cardboard brim, you'll want to avoid fully submerging it. Instead, spot-clean problem areas with water and delicate laundry detergent, being careful not to wet the cardboard.

Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

Baseball caps worn regularly should be washed three to five times per season. If you wear the hat daily or in the hot summer months, you may want to wash it more often to get rid of stains and smells.

CDC, Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home. Date Accessed April 15, 2022.