Guide to Washing Caps Properly
By: Melody D Posted on: Jun 22, 2023Regularly washing your hats is essential for maintaining their quality and preserving their shape. However, it's crucial to avoid damaging them in the process. If you own ball caps and want to learn how to wash them without ruining their form, this detailed guide will provide you with safe and effective handwashing techniques. By following these steps, you can restore your caps and ensure they look and feel as good as new ones.
What Not To Do
While there are numerous hat-cleaning techniques available, not all of them are effective, and some can ruin your favorite caps. It's important to avoid certain methods that can damage your hats. For instance, washing your caps in a washing machine or dishwasher is risky. The tumbling motion of the machine can dent and deform the natural shape of the cap. Additionally, dishwashing detergents often contain bleaching agents that fade the colors of your hat. To preserve your caps, it's best to avoid these common home appliances and opt for handwashing techniques instead.
Soak the Cap
Fill your basin with lukewarm or cool water and add a small amount of detergent or soap. Avoid using excessive soap as it can be challenging to rinse out all the bubbles, leaving a soapy residue on your hat. Before submerging the cap, rinse it under the faucet to remove any surface-level dirt and debris. Once rinsed, fully immerse the cap in the soapy water and let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the detergent to penetrate the fibers and loosen dirt and stains.
Hand Wash

After the cap has soaked, use the soft brush to gently scrub any remaining dirt or stains. For particularly stubborn areas, you may need to apply more detergent or stain remover. Once you've loosened all the dirt, drain the basin and refill it with clean water. Give the hat a gentle swish in clean water or rinse it under the tap to remove any remaining dirt, soap, or detergent.
Carefully Dry

While gentle washing is essential for maintaining the cap's shape, the drying process is equally important. Squeeze the panels of your cap over the basin without twisting them to remove excess water. For caps with shaped bills or front panels, pat them dry gently with a clean towel. Once excess water is removed, place the hat on a towel to air dry. Make sure to support the crown and bill with a hat form or rounded object to prevent misshaping. Wet hats are prone to deformation, so adequate support during drying is crucial.
How Often To Wash Your Hats
The frequency of washing your hats depends on how often you wear them. If you wear a favorite hat daily, try to wash it at least once a week to prevent stains and odors from accumulating. For caps that are worn a couple of times a week, aim to wash them once a month or every other month. Even if you cycle through your caps or only wear one occasionally, it's still important to wash them every few months to a year.
Like any other clothing item, hats can become dirty and dingy with repeated wear. Sweat, dust, and other pollutants can accumulate on the forehead and hairline, leading to stains and discoloration over time. By washing your hats regularly, you can combat sweat, dirt, and odors, promoting good hygiene and ensuring they remain fresh. Tackling dirt and stains before they set in also helps extend the lifespan of your favorite caps. Overall, cleaning your hats results in a sharper appearance, vibrant colors, and better overall quality.
Properly washing and caring for your ball caps is crucial for preserving their shape, color, and overall quality. By following the handwashing techniques outlined in this guide, you can safely and effectively clean your caps without risking damage. Remember to gather the necessary supplies, soak the caps, gently scrub, and carefully dry them with adequate support. Regularly washing your hats will keep them looking great and maintain their freshness and longevity.
That said, if your cap is too old and worn out, it might be time to get a new one. Check out our wholesale cap collection for the trendiest blank and custom hats at the lowest prices.