How to Wash a Baseball Cap Without Ruining It – A Step-by-Step Guide!

A trusty baseball cap has been a must-have in any wardrobe for decades, whether you're supporting your favourite team, rocking it at a BBQ, or just chilling out.

But keeping your hat looking fresh and in tip-top shape can be a challenge, especially if it’s an older or vintage hat.

As dirt, oils, and sweat stains start to build up, you can give your hat a much-needed refresher with a thorough cleaning. There’s no need to stress though, we’ve put together this detailed guide on how to wash a baseball cap to keep it in pristine condition, whether it's made of cotton, polyester, or wool. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Washing a Baseball Hat

How to Wash a Baseball Cap - Cotton, Polyester, or Mesh

For a modern baseball hat made from cotton twill, polyester, or mesh, washing is straightforward with just a few steps.

Start by spot cleaning any stubborn sweat stains around the sweatband with a soft-bristled brush. Use a solvent-based stain remover or a strong laundry detergent, and gently scrub the affected area with the soft brush.

Let the detergent sit on the hat for at least 15 minutes to allow the cleaner to work on those stains.

If your hat looks a bit dull, pre-soak it in a mixture of oxygen bleach and cool water to brighten the colours.

Submerge your cap fully, but be careful not to soak it for too long. Let it sit for around four hours or overnight to lift any dirt and restore the vibrancy of the fabric.

When it's time to wash, place your baseball cap in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with cool water and a mild, gentle detergent.

If you want to help maintain its shape, use a hat form or place the cap over a large coffee can to prevent it from losing its structure.

Never dry your hat in the tumble dryer, as high heat can cause the cap to shrink or lose its form, particularly if it has a cardboard brim.

Instead, pat dry it gently with a clean towel, and let it air dry to maintain its round shape and avoid the hat losing its original shape.

TOP TIP:  Lining/stuffing the interior of the hat with paper towels can help retain its shape while air drying.

How to Wash a Baseball Cap with Cardboard Brims

Vintage caps often feature a cardboard bill, which requires extra care when hand washing. To clean these, spot clean only, using a clean sink filled with cool water and a mixture of laundry detergent.

Apply the detergent with a soft brush, being sure to focus on the stains without fully soaking the brim.

Avoid fully submerging the hat, as too much water can damage the cardboard. After gently scrubbing, blot the area with a clean cloth to remove any soap residue.

Let the hat air dry, ensuring it’s away from direct heat or sunlight. It might take a couple of attempts to get rid of all the stains, so don’t be afraid to repeat the process.

How to Wash a Baseball Cap Made from Wool

Wool hats are delicate, and they require a softer touch. Hand washing is the best method for these caps.

Use cool water and a mild detergent that’s specifically designed for wool hats. Gently massage the soapy water into the fabric, taking care not to twist or scrub the wool too harshly.

Afterward, rinse the hat thoroughly with cool water to ensure no detergent residue remains.

To remove excess moisture, gently squeeze the hat and then press it with a balled-up towel to absorb the remaining water.

Shape the hat while it dries on a head-shaped object or rounded surface to maintain its original hat’s shape.

How to Wash a Baseball Cap that is Vintage or Commemorative

If you own a vintage collector's item or commemorative baseball cap, extra care is needed as it is more difficult to clean hats that are older or have been autographed.

Dampen a clean white cloth, use a mild detergent diluted in cool water, and gently rub it on an inconspicuous part of the cap. If the hat passes the colour test; i.e., no colour transfers, it’s safe to proceed with cleaning.

Mix a teaspoon of dish soap with one cup of cool water, and use a clean cloth to gently wipe down the cap.

Avoid fully submerging it in water, as this can harm delicate fabrics and cause colours to fade or, worse, run into each other.

Once you’ve wiped down the cap, rinse it by blotting with a clean, damp cloth.

After that, pat dry with a clean towel, and leave it to air dry in a cool spot, away from direct sunlight.

TOP TIP: Using a gentle brush can help clean without damaging logos on vintage caps.

Other Important Information

How Often to Wash a Baseball Cap

To keep your baseball cap looking fresh and new, it’s ideal to wash it every few months, or when you notice visible dirt or stains, rather than waiting for a full wash.

Check the care instructions inside the cap, especially if it’s an older cap that may not have a clear label. For vintage hats, you may want to wash them less often to preserve their structure and style.

Treating Stains

Persistent Stains: For persistent stains on your baseball cap, a gentle shampoo, like baby shampoo, can be very effective.

Simply rub a small amount of shampoo into the stained area of the hat and use a small brush, like a soft toothbrush. Be sure to work carefully so you don’t loosen any threads.

Once you've treated the stain, follow the standard cleaning method for your cap.

Targeted Stains: 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.

Stubborn Stains : For stubborn stains, focus on the specific areas with a cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer.

A hat that is worn daily or older hats tend to accumulate more sweat stains, but a deep clean is still possible. However, regardless of the hat’s age, avoid using excess water, soaking or placing it in a full machine wash.

Baseball Cap Care and Repairs

Frayed edges on the brim of your hat? Apply a small amount of school glue to temporarily hold the fraying down.

However, be aware that glue may discolour the fabric or wash out over time.

For broken adjusters, you can use superglue to attach Velcro strips or take it to a tailor for professional repairs.

Storing Baseball Caps

To keep your baseball caps in excellent condition, especially those vintage hats, store them in covered cases or storage bins.

This helps protect them from dust, grease, and other environmental factors. For autographed caps, keep them in a cool, dark, and air-conditioned room to prevent fading and mildew from developing.

If you don’t have display cases, you can store clean hats in plastic or cotton bins. Just be sure not to compress them, as this can cause the hat to lose its round shape and affect both the bill and crown.

Tips for Washing Baseball Caps

1. Always make sure you have a clean sink before you begin the process and always use clean water!

2. Avoid soaking your cap for extended periods—too much water can harm the fabric and affect the shape.

3. Never wash your baseball cap in the dishwasher, due to the high heat and harsh detergents that are too tough on the fabric.

4. For vintage caps, avoid washing them too often. Instead, clean them gently with a clean cloth or spot clean them when necessary.

5. Colour test your hat before washing.

6. Read care instructions before machine washing.

7. Hand washing with a mild detergent in cold water is best practice if the care instructions are not available.

Conclusion

With these helpful tips, you’ll be able to wash a baseball cap and keep it looking like new for years. Whether it's a modern hat, a vintage hat, or a vintage collector's item, proper care and storage will ensure your baseball hat stays in great shape and doesn’t lose its shape. Happy cleaning!

FAQ's

How can I tell if the brim of my baseball cap is made of cardboard?

If the brim bends easily and has a hollow sound when tapped, it’s likely made of cardboard. These caps should be cleaned by spot cleaning only, without soaking the brim in water.

Does this washing method work for all types of caps?

The methods outlined here will work for most baseball caps, including promotional or souvenir hats, and those with various brim types.

How can I brighten a white baseball cap without bleach?

Use oxygen bleach or natural alternatives like baking soda or white vinegar to brighten your baseball cap without causing damage to the fibres.

Why Should I avoid soaking my baseball cap?

Always avoid leaving your hat soaking in water, particularly if it has a cardboard bill/brim, as it can cause damage to the material and loss of shape to the baseball hat, especially when combined with laundry detergent.

What is the best method for washing a hat?

Hand washing is recommended as the best way to thoroughly clean your hat as it is the gentlest and preferred method for cleaning baseball caps.

Can you use baby wipes to clean a hat?

Using baby wipes can be suitable for quick cleaning or spot cleaning of baseball caps—always colour test first.

How often should I wash my hat?

• Summer: If you wear the hat during the hot summer months, you may want to wash it more often to get rid of stains and smells.

• Daily Use: If you wear the same cap daily, aim to wash your baseball cap every 2-4 weeks.

• Regular Use: Baseball caps worn regularly should be washed three to five times per season (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn).