Even on the highest quality baseball cap, sweat, grease and sunscreen leave their mark over time. If you want to avoid expensive dry cleaning, your favorite headwear can simply be washed at home. We reveal which detergent is best and how to remove even the most stubborn stains from your cap.

Cleaning a baseball cap: These methods are suitable

Sweat marks and stained areas on the baseball cap make even the hippest headwear look unsightly. At the latest when the cap smells unpleasant, it’s time for a wash. To reliably get dirt out without the cap losing its shape, there are several options available, depending on the condition:

  • Hand wash
  • Washing in the dishwasher
  • Washing cycle in the washing machine

How do I wash the baseball cap in the dishwasher?

A rinse cycle in the dishwasher is just as effective as a machine wash for removing stains from caps and snapbacks. On the other hand, the dishwasher does not spin. This preserves the shape and colors of your baseball cap. But be careful: if your base cap cannot be cleaned in the washing machine according to the care label, you should also refrain from washing it in the dishwasher. If cleaning in the dishwasher is possible, proceed as follows:

Treat tough stains with detergent and a soft toothbrush before rinsing

  • Do not rinse the baseball cap afterwards, but place it directly in the top compartment of the dishwasher.
  • To ensure that the cap retains its curved visor after washing, it is best to use a so-called cap washer. The plastic parts ensure that caps do not deform in the dishwasher. Alternatively, place the baseball cap on a colander or bowl of the appropriate size.
  • Place the required dishwashing tabs in the compartment and start the program. Avoid temperatures above 104 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid attacking the materials.
  • At the end of the rinse cycle, allow the baseball cap to air dry.

How can I wash my baseball cap by hand?

According to the care label, you are not allowed to clean the baseball cap in the dishwasher or washing machine, so the only option is to wash it by hand. This will keep your cap looking like new:

  • Fill lukewarm water (maximum 86 degrees Fahrenheit) into a large bowl. Alternatively, the sink is also suitable.
  • Add a capful of detergent to the water or dissolve the washing powder completely. Mild detergents such as wool and mild detergents are best, as they are gentle on the colors.
  • Allow the cap to soak. A few hours are usually enough. The dirtier the cap, the more time you need to allow.
  • Stubborn stains can be removed effectively with a toothbrush. For sweat stains or heavy soiling, it’s worth treating with a stain remover before hand washing. However, look for products without bleach.
  • Rinse the baseball cap under cold running water until any detergent residue is completely removed.
  • Gently dry the cap with a cloth and let it dry in the fresh air or at room temperature. To help it keep its shape, invert it onto an upturned bowl.

Is it okay to wash baseball caps in the washing machine?

Not all caps can stand a machine wash, the care label will tell you more. In general, reinforcements made of cardboard exclude washing in the washing machine, as they are easily destroyed. But even if the umbrella is made of plastic, you should follow the tips below:

  • Do not use a full detergent, as it contains bleaching agents that attack the color of the cap. Color or mild detergents are better.
  • Choose a gentle wash cycle with a few revolutions per minute so that the screen does not deform.
  • Hot water attacks the seams and causes colors to fade. Therefore, wash at a maximum of 86 degrees Fahrenheit – even if the care label allows higher temperatures.
  • Before washing, test whether the baseball cap stains. Put it in a bowl filled with lukewarm water and wait about half an hour. If the water has discolored, you should not wash the cap together with other clothing.
  • Even with color-fast caps, you should not fill the drum too much, so that the screen is not bent.