Can You Dry Clean Hats? What You Need to Know

Accidentally stained your favorite hat or just can't remember the last time you washed it? You might be wondering if dry cleaning is a safe option, especially if your hat's care label says it can't be machine washed. Is the dry cleaning process safer?

We're discussing everything you should know about dry cleaning a hat in this guide.

Why Hat Cleaning Matters

Depending on your personal opinion of what's classed as "clean" and "dirty", you probably wash most items of your clothes after one to three wears. But hats are something many of us forget about, maybe as they're often seen as outerwear, something you only put on before you leave the house.

The reality, though, is that hats pick up all sorts of dirt just from your head itself, like sweat, oil, dust, and sometimes makeup. If you wear your favorite hat regularly, it's going to need regular cleaning. The sweatband and brim are particularly prone to dirt buildup, especially when you're wearing a hat on a hot day or during a workout.

Forgetting to clean your hat will affect how it looks and smells—not to mention how your skin and scalp might react from putting on a hat that's dirty and possibly even harboring bacteria. On the other end, regularly cleaning your hat will keep it in good condition and extend its lifespan.

So with that in mind, can you dry clean hats? Are there other cleaning solutions that are better? We're discussing everything you should know here.

Is Dry Cleaning Safe for All Hats?

Before you run to your local dry cleaners with a bag of dirty hats, you should know that not all hats can be safely dry cleaned. Dry cleaning uses strong chemical solvents, and these don't mix well with all types of hat fabrics or construction methods.

Can you dry clean baseball caps? Sometimes—it depends on the hat material. For example, if you need to clean a structured cap with a cardboard brim, it'd probably lose its shape or warp if you subject it to a dry clean.

Felt and wool hats can sometimes be dry cleaned, but not all of them are built to handle it. You can generally rule out dry cleaning if your hat has any of the following:

1. A plastic inner band

2. Delicate stitching

3. Glued elements

4. Feathers

5. Leather bands

6. Decorative embroidery

If you're thinking about dry cleaning a hat, our number one piece of advice is to always check the label first. If you can't find any clear mention that it’s safe for dry cleaning, your best bet is to assume it isn’t.

Materials That Should Never Be Dry Cleaned

Some hat materials are just too delicate or sensitive for dry cleaning. You should usually avoid dry cleaning hats made from the following materials:

• Straw (especially if the weave is fine)

• Cotton with a stiff brim (suggesting it contains cardboard).

• Silk

• Synthetic blends with glued features

• Leather

If your hat has any of these materials, you'll be safer hand washing. You might even have to spot-clean your hat; for instance, if you're cleaning baseball caps with a cardboard bill.

Better Alternatives to Dry Cleaning

Regardless of the type of hat you want to clean, spot cleaning, brushing, hand washing, or a combination of two or three is the safer option compared to dry cleaning.

These alternative cleaning methods are gentler, and you have more control, rather than only discovering that you've made a fatal error when the washing is finished.

Removing Dust and Loose Dirt

You're best using a soft-bristled brush to remove dust or loose dirt from your hat. Just make sure to gently scrub, especially if you're cleaning a material that pulls or frays easily, like wool.

Removing Stains

Want to get rid of stubborn stains? Try applying a small amount of laundry detergent diluted in warm water to the area with a soft cloth or sponge. Dab the fabric (don't rub!) and avoid soaking it too thoroughly.

Washing at Home

If your hat’s tag says it’s machine washable, pop it in a garment bag and wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle. When you're done, let it air dry (avoid the dryer! The heat can warp and shrink hats).

Using a Cap Washer

When you're washing baseball caps, you might want to invest in a cap washer. This plastic frame holds the shape of the hat while it's being washed, so you don't have to worry about your favorite baseball hat losing its structure.

Steam Cleaning

Wool, felt, and suede hats can be steam cleaned, and the good news is that you don't need to invest in an actual steamer for this. Just hold the hat over a steam source, like a kettle, for a few seconds to loosen any dirt and refresh the fibres, then brush the whole thing gently with a hat brush.

Pro Tips to Keep Your Hat Looking New

Want to avoid the hassle of washing a baseball cap or any other cap entirely? We're rounding off this article with a few final pro tips for keeping your hat looking new:

• Always store your hat properly, either in a hat box or a drawer (not crammed in), which will prevent it from fading and help it keep its shape.

• Avoid grabbing your hat by the crown, which can weaken the structure and make it creased. It's best to hold it by the brim.

• If you get caught in the rain, let your hat air dry on a rounded surface, like a bowl or balled-up towel. Don't be tempted to use a hairdryer or radiator, as these could shrink or warp the material.

• Don't know how to safely clean a particular hat? Take it to a specialist who works with headwear rather than a general dry cleaner.

If all this talk about cleaning your hats has got you in the mood to buy a new one, check out our cap selection at Notch Gear. We've got baseball hats in all the most popular styles, so you're bound to find something you love.