How do I wash a baseball cap?
Has intense sunbathing or a challenging hike outdoors left its mark on your beautiful baseball cap? Stubborn stains from sweat, moisture or dirt occur when wearing headgear frequently and cannot be avoided in the long term. Regular cleaning of the cap is therefore recommended. But what is the best way to clean your cap? Below, we provide instructions on the various ways to wash a baseball cap.
Note: Before washing, we always recommend reading our care tips and the care instructions on the inside label to check whether the cap is washable. Some caps, for example, have cardboard in the peak, which could become misshapen during washing.
Does my cap have cardboard in the visor?
New caps from recent years usually have a plastic insert in the peak to help keep their shape. However, older models (from the 1980s or earlier) may still have a cardboard insert. You can check this by hand by tapping or flicking the peak. If you hear a slightly hollow sound, this indicates that there is cardboard in the peak. Otherwise, you can find out by doing some detailed research on the cap model. If you strictly follow the instructions on the care label, you can't go wrong when washing.
If there is cardboard in the peak, you should not soak the cap in water, as this could cause it to bend permanently. In this case, we recommend either careful hand washing or cleaning only the areas that are dirty.
Let's now move on to the specific washing options. We explain the three most common methods: hand washing, washing in the washing machine and washing in the dishwasher. These washing methods can also be combined: for example, the dirty cap can first be pre-treated by hand and then washed in the machine. No matter which method you use, the most important thing is to use a mild detergent and water that is not too hot.
Washing caps by hand
Suitable for all baseball caps
Gentle hand washing is particularly recommended for caps that could run if washed intensively. To test whether the baseball cap will bleed, rub a damp cloth with a little detergent in a light circular motion on an inconspicuous area. If the cloth becomes discoloured, then hand washing is the right choice. All you need for hand washing is detergent, clean water, a bowl and a small brush or toothbrush with soft bristles.
Instructions: Hand washing a baseball cap
- Step 1: Wet the cap completely or partially with clean water.
- Step 2: Mix detergent with water in a bowl. Dip the brush into the mixture and carefully clean the dirty areas of the baseball cap using circular motions.
- Step 3: After this process, rinse the baseball cap with clean water and then leave it to air dry. The cap can also be gently dabbed with a towel to speed up the drying process.
Washing caps in the washing machine
Not suitable for all baseball caps, see washing label
For heavier soiling and a convenient washing method, some baseball caps can also be machine washed. However, as the cap is subjected to a lot of stress during the spin cycle, it is essential to check the care label to see whether it is suitable for this. There are many reasons why this may not be the case, ranging from delicate materials and seams to cardboard in the peak. If the label indicates that the baseball cap is machine washable, we recommend the following steps for successful cleaning.
Instructions: Washing baseball caps in the washing machine
- Step 1: Set the machine to a gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 30°C.
- Step 2: Use a low spin cycle.
- Step 3: Add a small amount of mild detergent to the detergent compartment and start the wash cycle.
- Step 4: After washing, allow the baseball cap to air dry; never place it on a radiator or in direct sunlight.
Washing caps in the dishwasher
Not suitable for all baseball caps, see washing label
A bit unusual, but effective: some dirty caps can also be washed in the dishwasher. The dishwasher is preferable to the washing machine cycle, as the risk of deformation is significantly higher in the washing machine due to the spin cycle. However, make sure that the temperature of the dishwasher cycle is no higher than 30-40 °C, that your cap stays in shape (e.g. by placing it on a round bowl) and that no dirty dishes are washed at the same time.
Instructions: Washing baseball caps in the dishwasher
- Step 1: Set the temperature (maximum 30-40 °C) and turn off the dishwasher's heat drying function.
- Step 2: It is best to use a mild detergent or tablets without bleach to preserve the colour and quality of the cap. Start the wash cycle.
- Step 3: Once the wash cycle is complete, carefully remove the cap and leave it to air dry.