The Correct Way to Wash Your Baseball Cap

There's a proper way to clean your baseball cap to ensure it maintains its shape and serves you well for years of outdoor adventures, whether it’s hiking or beach days. As with most things, you’ll want to start with the gentlest approach and increase the cleaning intensity as needed. If your cap only has light dirt, a quick soak in the sink will do the trick. But for tough sweat stains, you'll need to add some extra stain-fighting power. Follow our step-by-step guide to cleaning a baseball cap, starting with the gentlest method.

Before You Wash Your Cap: Tips to Consider

Before you start cleaning your baseball cap, here are a few important tips to keep in mind:

• Is it safe to wash a baseball cap in the washing machine? Yes, baseball caps can be washed in the machine as long as the brim is not made of cardboard.
• How do I know if my hat has a cardboard or plastic brim? To determine if your hat has a cardboard brim, flick the brim gently—if it produces a hollow sound, it’s likely cardboard. Vintage hats made before 1983 commonly had cardboard brims, so if your hat is newer, you’re probably in the clear.
• Can I put my baseball cap in the dryer? No, avoid placing your cap in the dryer, as this can cause it to shrink or lose its shape. Let it air dry by hanging it up or laying it flat on a towel instead.
• Should I wash my hat if it just has a small stain? If your cap has a small stain but isn’t dirty enough for a full wash, you can spot clean it with a fabric-safe stain remover like OxiClean. Simply spray the product on the stain, wait a few minutes, and blot with a damp cloth or towel. For caps with embellishments like rhinestones or embroidery, gently use a toothbrush to remove the stain from those areas.

Is It Really Possible to Wash a Baseball Cap in the Dishwasher?

While you technically can clean a baseball cap in the dishwasher, it's not always the best idea. If your hat is a vintage style with a cardboard brim, you absolutely should not use the dishwasher. If you still choose to clean it in the dishwasher for ease, opt for cold water and a gentle cycle to avoid fading and warping. Place the cap on the top rack and make sure your dish soap is bleach-free. However, for the best results, it's highly recommended to wash your cap by hand with laundry detergent to keep it looking great.

What You’ll Need

Materials

Instructions

How to Quickly Clean Your Baseball Cap

Here’s how to give your baseball cap a quick refresh without a full wash.

Fill a clean sink or basin with cool water.

Add a drop or two of gentle laundry detergent. Submerge the hat and swirl the water to create suds.

Allow the hat to soak.

Completely immerse the baseball cap and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

Rinse thoroughly.

Take the hat out of the water and rinse away the detergent. Gently press out any excess water, but avoid twisting the brim, as this can cause it to lose its shape.

Reshape and blot dry.

Use a clean towel to blot the hat dry, then reshape the brim. You can hang the hat or place it on a towel to finish drying.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Cleaning Your Baseball Cap

Learn how to remove sweat stains from your baseball cap to restore it to its original state.

Fill your sink with water.

Before beginning, wear gloves. Next, fill a clean sink or basin with cool water, and add a color-safe oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean, following the instructions on the package.

Clean with detergent.

For stubborn stains, dip the cap into the water, then apply a small amount of detergent directly to the stain. Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the affected area.

Allow the cap to soak.

Allow the hat to soak in the OxiClean mixture for approximately one hour. Afterward, inspect the hat to see if the stains have been eliminated.

Rinse and let dry.

Rinse the hat with cool, clean water. Then, proceed with step four to reshape and dry the cap.

How Often Should You Clean Your Baseball Cap?

Baseball caps that are worn regularly should be washed three to five times during the season. If you wear your cap daily or in hot weather, you might want to wash it more frequently to remove stains and odors.