The Right Way to Wash a Baseball Cap

While accessories are often worn and returned to the closet without being cleaned in between wears, regularly washing your baseball cap is important for overall hygiene as well as the hat's longevity. Since caps rest around your hairline, they can accumulate dirt, oils, sweat, and bacteria that can lead to skin irritation and unpleasant odors if they're not cleaned regularly. However, washing your baseball caps incorrectly can cause them to lose their shape. To prevent this from happening, we're sharing our tips for how to clean a baseball cap by hand and in the washing machine.

How Often to Wash a Baseball Cap

How frequently you clean your baseball cap depends on how often you wear it. For light use, washing it as needed is fine. For everyday wear, you may need to wash it once a week or more in hot weather. "On the other hand, if you sweat heavily while wearing the cap or if it gets stained, we would recommend washing it promptly to prevent odors and maintain its appearance," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand when washing a baseball cap.

1. Natural laundry detergent
2. Soft-bristle brush or microfiber cloth
3. Mesh laundry bag
4. Distilled white vinegar
   

How to Wash a Baseball Cap in the Washing Machine

Many baseball caps can be cleaned in the washing machine, but you should check the care tag for specific instructions or warnings before doing so, says Sokolowski.

1. Place the baseball cap inside a mesh laundry bag and into the washing machine. This will help prevent the cap from getting snagged or losing its shape.
2. Add laundry detergent and choose the delicate cycle with cold water.
3. Once the cycle is done, reshape the cap and let it air-dry naturally.

How to Wash a Baseball Cap By Hand

If your baseball cap isn't suitable for machine washing, try cleaning it by hand instead. Keep in mind that it's still important to check the care tag before cleaning, says Sokolowski.

1. Fill a basin or sink with water. Avoid using hot water, which can cause the colors to bleed or the cap to lose its shape.
2. Add a small amount of natural detergent to the water.
3. Submerge the cap in the soapy water and agitate the water a bit.
4. Use a soft-bristle brush and scrub the cap, paying extra attention to soiled areas.
5. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
6. Press the cap to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist it, as this can distort its shape.
7. Put the cap on a clean, dry towel to air-dry naturally. Reshape the cap if necessary.
   

How to Remove Stains From a Baseball Cap

If your baseball cap has any stains, treat them with white vinegar and water. Some baseball caps can only be cleaned by spot-treating stains, like those with cardboard brims. "A hat with a cardboard brim cannot be submerged or soaked as it will ruin the structure and destroy the brim," says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids.

1. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
2. Apply it to the stained area and rub the solution in using a soft brush or microfiber cloth.
3. Let it sit for a few minutes.
4. Rinse with water.
5. Reshape the cap and let it air-dry naturally.
   

How to Maintain a Baseball Cap Between Washes

Keeping your cap clean between washes can help eliminate odors and keep it fresh between wears. Here are some tips for that maintenance.

Sprinkle With Baking Soda: After wearing a baseball cap, sprinkle the inside with a little baking soda. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then shake or brush it out to help deodorize the cap.

Spot Clean the Band: Extend the time between washes by wiping down the inner band with a cloth dipped in a mix of water and a little detergent. The inner band is where sweat often collects, so this spot treatment keeps it fresh.

Air It Out: Place your cap in a well-ventilated area to dry and breathe between uses. Don't store it in an enclosed space, like a gym bag, where moisture can build up.