How to Clean a Baseball Cap and Finally Get That Layer of Sweat Off

Baseball caps can collect stains and smells over time. But unlike shirts and pants, washing your baseball cap requires a little more care than a simple toss into the washer. In fact, it’s best to hand wash and air dry baseball caps to help prevent issues like color bleeding and warped brims.

We spoke with a laundry professional to discover the best method for washing baseball caps so you can keep them in their best shape.

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How to Hand Wash a Baseball Cap

Before washing your baseball cap, James Joun, co-founder and chief operating officer of Rinse, says to always check the label for care instructions. Some caps have special care instructions listed, while others may specify “dry clean only.”

Joun says it’s best to follow the instructions listed or send the cap to a professional cleaner.

1. Fill your sink with mild detergent and cold water. Joun says it’s important to avoid hot water when washing baseball caps, especially wool or old caps, because the heat can cause shrinking. Mix a few drops of mild laundry detergent with cold water in your sink until suds form.
2. Perform a quick spot test to check for colorfastness. “Dab a little soapy water on the inside part of the hat with a Q-tip,” Joun says. “Press the area with a Q-tip for five seconds and then inspect to see if any color transfers.”
3. Scrub soapy water into the cap, focusing on stained areas. If the color doesn’t bleed, swap your Q-tip for a toothbrush and scrub any stained or sweaty spots. “Gently scrub the stains… focusing on the sweatband and any heavily soiled spots,” Joun says. “For stubborn stains, let the soapy mixture sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.”
4. Rinse, reshape, and dry. After you’ve cleaned the cap, rinse thoroughly with cool water. “Make sure all the soap is out,” Joun says. “Residue can attract more dirt over time.” Gently press the water out of the cap, then place a towel inside to help the cap maintain its shape as it air dries. Dry it in a shaded, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.

How to Wash a Baseball Cap in a Washing Machine

Experts like Joun prefer hand washing over machine washing baseball caps whenever possible. However, if you don’t have the time, Joun says the key to machine washing baseball caps is knowing what type of cap you’re working with and using a gentle approach to avoid damaging the shape or material.

“Machine washing can be effective, but it’s best reserved for cotton or polyester caps that don’t have a cardboard brim,” says Joun.

Always use a mesh laundry bag or protective hat cage when machine washing baseball caps. Select the gentle cycle, cold water, and a mild detergent, ideally with lightweight items like t-shirts or by itself. Lastly, never put a baseball cap in the dryer, as doing so may shrink or warp the material.

How Often to Clean a Baseball Cap

Baseball caps can acquire visible stains or strong odors over time, which you should address immediately with a quick wash or spot cleaning. However, the frequency with which you wash your baseball caps depends primarily on the frequency with which you wear them.

“If your cap is part of your daily routine or sees a lot of sweat, like during workouts or outdoor activities, it’s best to give it a light cleaning every couple of weeks,” Joun says. “For hats worn less frequently, a wash every few months is typically enough.”

How to Keep Your Baseball Cap Clean Longer

• Avoid touching your cap with dirty hands to prevent build up.
• If your cap is sweaty, let it air dry before storing it or wearing again.
• Don’t store your hat in cramped locations like your gym bag, as this may cause it to lose its shape.
• Wipe down your cap with a baby wipe between washes to control odors and clean small spots.

FAQ

• Yes! Dawn dish soap is excellent for cleaning baseball caps, because it’s tough on sweat and oils but still safe on most materials.

• Use a mild detergent, cold water, and a toothbrush to scrub away stains. Allow the solution to sit and break down stains for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

• Always use a mild detergent for washing baseball caps. Dawn dish soap is typically a great option that can lift sweat and oils without damaging the material.