Keep Your Baseball Cap Fresh: The Right Way to Wash It

by Wade Hickok and Marissa Zumbo, March 2025

Baseball caps have been an American classic for over a decade, and for good reason! They’re lightweight, breathable, and offer excellent sun protection. However, like any well-loved item, they get dirty—and many people don’t know how to properly clean them. If you’ve ever ruined a favorite cap with an improper wash, you’re not alone!

At Big Waves Laundromat, we take pride in our top-tier washing machines. But when it comes to hats, we have to be honest: the washing machine is not your friend. Here’s why:

Why You Shouldn't Machine Wash Your Hat:

  • Loss of Shape – The spinning and tumbling can permanently alter your hat’s structure.

  • Damaged Stitching – The force of the machine can stress and break down the stitching between the bill and crown.

  • Color Bleeding – Many hats aren’t designed for washing, making color fading or bleeding a real risk.

The Best Way to Wash Your Hat:

  1. Wet your hat with lukewarm water.

  2. Apply a gentle soap, like Dr. Bronner’s.

  3. Use a microfiber cloth to gently scrub all areas, including the inside sweatband.

  4. Rinse first with warm water, then follow with a cold water rinse.

  5. Pat dry with a towel and hang to air dry.

  6. When your hat is about 90% dry, wear it for a few minutes to help it retain its shape before allowing it to fully dry.

Popular Washing Methods That Don’t Work Well:

  • Dishwasher Method: While it may keep the shape, it doesn’t effectively clean the entire hat.

  • Hat Cages for the Washing Machine: These keep the shape intact, but they prevent friction from properly scrubbing away dirt.

So, while we’d love to tell you to toss your favorite hat into our high-powered washers, handwashing is truly the best way to go! Follow these simple steps, and your cap will stay fresh and stylish for years to come.

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Article Sources Cited:

https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-to-wash-baseball-cap