How to Wash a Baseball Cap Without Ruining It

Been putting off washing your baseball cap because you're scared it might lose its shape or change color? You're right to be wary—the friction and heat involved in washing can cause them to shrink, fade, or look a bit warped after a wash.

Thankfully, you don't have to simply live with a sweaty baseball cap forever in fear of what washing it might do. You just need to know how to wash your baseball cap without ruining it, and that's exactly what you'll learn in this guide.

Why Proper Washing Matters for Baseball Caps

Before we look at why proper washing matters for a baseball cap, why wash it at all? Well, for the same reason you'd wash any of your clothes: to get rid of the sweat and oils from your skin, which build up in the material over time, leaving nasty-looking sweat stains and bad smells.

Naturally, you'll also want to wash your cap if it ends up getting dirty from residue from styling products, makeup stains, mud, or anything else that might end up on it.

Washing your baseball cap the proper way (rather than just chucking it in the machine with all your clothes on a hot wash) is essential for keeping it in top condition. When you don't expose your cap to the more violent or damaging aspects of washing, you'll protect its shape and structure, so it doesn't end up getting warped or misshapen.

How to Wash a Baseball Cap by Hand

If you want to know how to wash a baseball cap with the safest approach, we recommend doing a hand-wash. That means you're not subjecting it to the rough-and-tumble of a washing machine, and you'll have complete control over the washing process.

To wash a baseball cap by hand, follow these steps:

1. Fill a clean sink or tub with cold water (cool water is best to prevent shrinkage) and add a small amount of dish soap.

2. Let the hat soak for 15 minutes.

3. Use a soft cloth or sponge to scrub gently, cleaning the cap all over.

4. Remove the cap from the soapy water and rinse it under cool or warm water.

5. Gently squeeze any excess water out of the cap (but avoid over-twisting), or pat it dry with a balled-up towel.

6. Let the hat air-dry, ideally in a breezy, warm location. Don't put it in the dryer; this will cause it to shrink!

If you're dealing with tough stains, these might not come off using the soaking and all-over cleaning method shared above. In this case, try using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle cleaning solution to carefully scrub the dirty spots.

Can You Wash a Baseball Cap in the Washing Machine?

Probably not. Even a high-quality baseball cap may not emerge unscathed after even a delicate cycle in the washing machine.

Machine-washing is just too much for some caps, even on a delicate cycle with the most natural, gentle laundry detergent you can find. If you need to wash a collectible, a vintage hat with a cardboard brim, or a hat with embroidered patches or logos, you'll usually be better off doing it by hand.

If stubborn stains don't come out in the wash, you can spot-clean the cap with a damp cloth or soft brush and dish soap after.

Tips for Drying and Maintaining Your Cap’s Shape

So, that's how to wash a baseball cap without ruining it, but what about drying?

When it comes to properly drying your ball cap, the number one rule is to air-dry it after washing it rather than using a dryer machine.

It's best to gently blot the cap with a towel to soak up some of the water, then leave it to dry of its own accord. If you've got a head-shaped object (an upside-down bowl will do), put it under the cap to help it keep its shape as it dries. It should air-dry within a couple of days.

You might notice a bend in the brim after your cap has been in the wash. You can reshape it yourself, and the best time to do this is when it's still damp—just be careful not to use too much force.

So, next time you need to wash your baseball cap, think twice before you throw it in the washing machine. Follow the steps in this guide to hand-wash your cap.