How to Wash a Baseball Cap by Hand or in the Dishwasher

The safest way to wash a baseball cap is by hand in cool water with mild detergent. A dishwasher top rack with no heated dry is a popular alternative for caps with plastic-reinforced brims, though it is not suitable for every cap. A washing machine is the riskiest option because it can crush the brim, warp the crown and fade or shrink the fabric.

Check the label first

Look at the care tag inside the cap. If it says spot clean only or do not wash, wipe it by hand instead. Also check what the cap is made of:

• Cotton, polyester and most synthetic blends: usually fine to hand wash.
• Wool, leather, suede or embellished caps: spot clean only, or take to a professional cleaner.
• Cardboard or paperboard brims: avoid soaking and avoid the dishwasher, because they soften and bend. Plastic brims handle water better.
• Caps with dark or bright dyes: test for color bleeding on an inside seam first.

How to wash a baseball cap by hand

1. Brush off dust. Use a soft brush or lint roller on the surface.
2. Prepare a basin. Fill a clean sink or bowl with cool to lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent or gentle laundry soap. Hot water can shrink some fabrics and set stains.
3. Test for colorfast dye. Dab a damp cloth on an inside seam. If color transfers, spot clean only.
4. Dip and scrub. Dip the cap, then scrub sweat stains on the sweatband with a soft toothbrush or a soft cloth. Work gently around the logo and embroidery.
5. Soak briefly. Let the cap sit for 15 to 30 minutes, longer for heavy sweat stains if the fabric is colorfast.
6. Rinse. Rinse with cool water until no soap remains. Do not wring or twist, which bends the brim.
7. Reshape and dry. Press out water with a clean towel. Dry as described below.

Do not use bleach on colored caps. Do not combine different cleaning products in the same basin. Use one product at a time and follow its label.

How to wash a cap in the dishwasher

This method works for many sturdy cotton or polyester caps with a plastic brim. Not every manufacturer approves of it, so follow the cap’s label if there is one.

1. Place the cap on the top rack, brim side secured so it does not fall onto the heating element or the lower rack. A cap-shaped frame sold for this purpose can help.
2. Run a gentle or light cycle with a low heat setting.
3. Use the normal amount of dishwasher detergent only if the cap is washable, or skip it for a rinse-only run. Do not add laundry detergent, which can foam.
4. Turn off heated drying. Open the door after the cycle and take the cap out right away.
5. Reshape and air-dry.

Run the cap on its own or with other items that are safe for the same cycle, and keep greasy, dirty dishes away from it. If your dishwasher has been smelling or leaving residue, clean it first: here is how to clean a dishwasher filter, spray arms and door seal.

Why the washing machine can ruin a cap

• Crushed brim. The tumbling bends or cracks the brim, and the bend usually does not come out.
• Warped crown. Wet fabric loses its structure and the cap may not return to shape.
• Fading and shrinking. Agitation, hot water and the dryer wear dyes and can shrink cotton.
• Damaged embroidery and stiffener. The front panel’s lining can fold or tear.

If you do use the machine, put the cap in a mesh bag or a cap cage, choose a delicate cycle with cold water and a low spin, and never use the dryer. Many people also use these precautions for sneakers; see how to wash sneakers in the washing machine for a similar approach.

How to dry a baseball cap and keep its shape

• Air-dry only. Do not use a clothes dryer, which can shrink and bend the brim.
• Set the cap on a bowl, a rolled towel inside the crown, or a clean cap form so the crown holds its shape.
• Keep it out of direct sun and away from heaters, which can fade or warp it.
• Allow it to dry fully, often overnight, before wearing, to avoid musty smells and mildew.

Tackling sweat stains and odors

Rub a small amount of mild detergent into the sweatband with a soft brush, then soak and rinse. Wash caps regularly if worn often, since sweat and oils build up. A cap that smells musty after drying was probably put away damp, so wash it again and dry it fully.

Quick answers

How often should I wash a baseball cap?

Wash when it looks dirty or smells, or every few weeks if worn daily and sweaty. Spot clean in between.

Can I put a baseball cap in the dryer?

It is better not to. Heat can shrink the fabric and warp the brim, so air-dry.

Can I fix a bent brim?

Slight bends can sometimes be reshaped by hand while the cap is damp, but a creased or cracked brim usually stays that way.

Is washing a cap in the dishwasher bad for the dishwasher?

It is generally fine if you use the top rack and keep fabric away from the heating element, but follow your dishwasher manual and the cap’s label. To save energy with any appliance, see these energy-saving tips for appliances.