Washing a baseball cap can keep the hat clean and make it last longer. Washing your own baseball cap is very easy. You only need detergent and a rag. Some hats can even be cleaned in the dishwasher. Make sure you use the right cleaning method so that your hat still looks good.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Method for Washing Hats
Step 1. Pay attention to your hat
First of all, you should carefully look at whether your hat is washable and what is the proper method for washing it.
Step 2. Check that your hat is well made and that it will not be damaged if you wash it
- Pay attention to the material, stitching, and brim of the hat. Hats that are made with good quality materials and have strong seams should not cause any problems when washed.
- Watch for signs that the hat is not well made. Hats with loose seams or a cardboard brim may be damaged if washed. If the hat is not too expensive, it is better to buy a new hat instead of washing it.
Step 3. Pay attention to the age of the hat
If the hat has been in use for a very long time, you will need to be very careful in caring for the hat, and it is best to only clean the hat by hand.
Step 4. Check the hat label
There may be washing instructions or other information regarding the hat material on the label. Follow the washing instructions if the manufacturer includes them on the label.
Know the type of fabric used. If the hat is made of cotton, polyester, or twill with strong seams, you may be able to wash it. If the hat is made of wool, you will need to wash it by hand using a detergent specifically designed for wool
Method 2 of 3: Hand Wash
Step 1. Make sure the color of the hat doesn't fade
If the hat is made of soft material or maybe your hat is quite old, make sure washing it won't cause discoloration.
Pour a small amount of mild detergent on the rag and rub it in a small area on the inside of the hat because that part won't show when you wear it. Rinse gently with cold water. If the color doesn't fade, you can continue washing the rest of the hat
Step 2. Clean the stain on the hat
If any part of the hat has stains or dirt, spray the area with a stain remover. After that, let stand for a few minutes, then rinse with water.
Step 3. Fill the sink with cold water
Also make sure you put a little mild detergent in it when filling the sink with water.
Step 4. Dip the hat into a foamed sink and use a cloth soaked in soapy water to scrub the surface of the hat, especially on very dirty areas
Repeat this step as needed.
Step 5. Rinse the hat with cold water until clean
Step 6. Let the hat dry
Make sure the hat dries in a shape that matches its original shape. You can place the hat on top of an object shaped like a head (such as a balloon) to hold the hat shape. Make sure the brim of the hat is shaped to your preferred shape when it dries.
Method 3 of 3: Dishwashing Machine
Step 1. Purchase a special mold to hold the hat shape when washed
You can find plastic molds at sports equipment stores or hat shops. Some plastic molds for hats can be used in the dishwasher or clothes. The washer will work harder on your hat. Therefore, check the instructions for using the selected mold.
Step 2. Clean the stain or dirty area
Spray the dirty part of the hat with stain remover. Let the stain remover work on its own for a few minutes, then rinse with water.
Step 3. Place the caps in the plastic molds and then place them on the top rack of the dishwasher
Make sure you don't put anything else in the machine.
Step 4. Put the dish soap into the machine
Step 5. Start the machine with "Normal" setting
If the machine is equipped with a temperature setting, select a cold or warm temperature. Make sure the hat is not dried on a hot temperature or similar setting because the heat can damage or wrinkle your hat later.
Tips
- Use the dishwasher only for hats with plastic edges. Other hats should be hand washed.
- Do not use too much soap, or the soap will be difficult to clean later. Make sure the soap is rinsed thoroughly before drying.
- Do not try on the hat in the sun to prevent the hat from discolouring.
- Do not use bleach or detergents that contain bleach, or the color of the hat will fade later.
- Only use liquid detergent to wash the hat.
Warning
- Don't wash the hat too often, or the hat will spoil more quickly.
- Never put the hat in a clothes dryer because the heat generated by the machine can damage the hat.
- Do not place the hat in the dishwasher or on unmolded clothing to keep the hat in shape.