How to Clean a Baseball Cap

Dust, dirt, oil from skin and hair, sweat, lotion and conditioners can leave your baseball-style cap looking less than new in no time. Whether dirty from tearing around the bases during Little League or after working in the garden, hats and baseball caps will last longer with routine cleaning and washing.

Instead of tossing your favorite cap after excessive use, first try cleaning your hat. Before you begin, refer to the washing directions on your hat’s label. Some athletic hats are constructed using durable materials, and those may retain their shape well with aggressive washing, such as in the washing machine or even a dishwasher. But you can also receive great results with a little hands-on TLC.

How to Spot Clean a Baseball Cap

First, start by spot cleaning your hat for a quick and easy refresh.

1. Remove loose dust and dirt by using a dry, clean toothbrush and dust any embroidery or embellishments on the hat. A soft brush will easily remove dust and dirt that can get embedded around the stitching.
2. Spot clean the outer fabric with a fabric spray like OxiClean or a spray bottle filled with a ratio of 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon white vinegar and a few drops of dish detergent.
3. Use a clean toothbrush or cloth to soak the cleanser into the stain.
4. Blot the stain with a clean, damp cloth. Remember: Blotting stains is better than rubbing.

How to Deep Clean a Baseball Cap

Spot cleaning the outside of the hat might not be enough to rinse the grime off your favorite cap, so try a deep clean next.

1. Soak the cap in warm water mixed with a few drops of liquid soap and submerge the cap completely until it’s saturated.
2. Use a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to agitate dirt and stains on the exterior of the cap.
3. Saturate the sweatband with a fabric cleanser and work it into the fabric with a damp sponge. Target only the sweatband and avoid saturating the brim or fabric panels.
4. Use a clean, dry cloth to massage in the cleaner and begin to lift away oils and dirt.
5. Rinse the cleanser off the sweatband using a spray bottle of water, blotting the fabric until most of the moisture is absorbed.
6. Re-saturate the sweatband with clean water and then use a dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.
7. Allow the hat to dry "molded" so that it retains its original shape. You may ball up a towel for "the head" and wrap a rubber band around the brim to reinforce the intended shape.

How to Treat Baseball Cap Bacteria and Smells

If the deep-set stains are resistant to cleaning and if your baseball cap has lingering smells, a hot water bath is recommended to rid fabric of the bacteria causing the stink.

1. Fill a pot of water on the range with a few drops of detergent or a teaspoon each of borax and washing soda.
2. Once the solution has heated, but before it boils, submerge the cap, and allow it to soak for 5 minutes. You may want to do this twice if the water is very dirty after the first soak.
3. Rinse the hat under cool water and allow it to dry, molded, to help it retain its shape.

How to Wash a Baseball Cap in the Washing Machine

If spot cleaning and deep cleaning your baseball cap have not worked, try the washing machine. Before trying this cleaning method, know there is the possibility the washing machine will misshapen the brim of your hat.

1. Pre-treat any areas on your baseball cap that need extra attention.
2. Wash with similar items to prevent the cap being crushed. Like items include other caps, socks, t-shirts, or light-weight apparel.
3. Select the delicate cycle on your washing machine to ensure gentle laundering.
4. Wash in cold water.
5. Air-dry to get your caps pre-wash shape back.

Can You Wash a Baseball Cap in the Dishwasher?

While not recommended, you can wash a baseball cap in the dishwasher. Since your dishwasher has a high heat drying method, it is not encouraged to wash your baseball cap using this method, as it may leave you with a misshapen hat. If you decide to try this method, here are the steps:

1. Check your dishwashing liquid and make sure it does not contain bleach.
2. Place the cap on the top shelf of your dishwasher.
3. Wash on the gentle cycle.