How to Wash a Hat in the Dishwasher (Yes, Really), According to a Cleaning Pro

Your collection of hats and baseball caps sees a lot of action, whether it's at the ballpark, on the beach, or while running errands. And over time, sweat, dirt, and grime can leave your favorite hat looking worse for wear. Sure, you could hand-wash them—but did you know that there was a safe and effective way to wash a hat in the dishwasher?

This unconventional method avoids the rough agitation of the washing machine and feels more thorough than hand-washing. Here, our cleaning expert weighs in on this quirky practice, offering a few tips for doing it safely if you're considering giving it a try. 

Important Precautions for Washing Hats in the Dishwasher

"The most important thing is choosing the right cycle because no one wants a warped brim or a shrunken hat," says cleaning professional Stephanie Phillips, owner of Phillips Commercial and Residential Cleaning Service.

Moreover, it's vital to remember that not every hat is a dishwasher candidate. Vintage caps, hats with cardboard brims, or those with lots of embellishments should be cleaned by hand instead. “When in doubt, it’s best to hand-wash to avoid accidental damage," says Phillips.

How to Wash Hats in the Dishwasher

Before you pop your cap onto the top rack, there are a few important steps to follow. Here’s exactly how to wash a hat in the dishwasher so it comes out clean, fresh, and perfectly intact.

Materials Needed:

• Dishwasher with top rack
• Hat cage or small colander
• Laundry stain pre-treatment spray or detergent
• Baking soda
• Clean towel for drying

Instructions:

1. Check the Label: Before anything else, be sure to look for your hat's care tag. If it specifically prohibits machine washing, keep that in mind and skip the dishwasher, too. If it’s machine washable, you can likely try the dishwasher to avoid the agitation of a laundry machine.
2. Prep Your Hat: Remove any pins or decorative extras and give the hat a quick once-over with a lint roller or soft brush to clear away loose dust and dirt. “If your hat is especially sweaty, pre-treat the inner band with a pre-treatment spray or even a little mild detergent and water,” Phillips recommends. 
3. Use Your Dishwasher's Top Rack: Avoid washing hats alongside dishes; it’s best to run a cycle with just hats. Place your cap within your dishwasher's top rack. For best results, keep hats away from the heating elements at the bottom of the machine. A hat cage can help the hat hold its shape, but if you don’t have one, you can improvise. “Set a small colander upside down on the top rack and place the hat on top to keep it round and steady,” suggests Phillips.
4. Skip the Dishwasher Detergent: Don't use your regular dishwasher detergent, as it can bleach or discolor fabrics. Instead, use a pre-treatment on the hat itself and a small amount of baking soda within the machine. (You can add baking soda to your dishwasher's detergent dispenser, just as you would with powdered detergent.) 
5. Use the Right Cycle: Select a short cycle without a heated dry. (Heat is the number one culprit of misshapen brims.)
6. Reshape and Air-Dry: Once the cycle is complete, reshape your hat and allow it to air dry entirely on a clean towel or over a rounded object to help maintain its form.