How to Clean & Wash Your Hats

One of the easiest ways to add personal style to your outfit is with a cap or baseball hat, but with a lot of wear, it’s a good idea to scrub them up from time to time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your hats to keep them looking and feeling fresh.

First, look at your hat to check the tag for any washing instructions. If some are listed, follow those. If the tag says it’s okay to use the washing machine, go for it!  Otherwise, look to see what the fabric make up of the hat is. For example, acrylic and cotton can withstand a good washing. If there are other fabrics listed, or if it’s a favorite hat that you’d like to preserve, it’s best to stick to hand washing. Also, check what kind of brim you have. Brims made after 1983 are generally made of plastic and can be washed.

NOTE: Never use any detergents or cleaners with bleach, as it could discolor your hat. And never put your hat in the dryer because it could shrink.

For hats that need a gentle washing by hand, follow these steps.

Fill a bucket or your sink with cold water. Using hot water could make the colors run, so be mindful of the temperature. 

Add a teaspoon of mild detergent to the water. It might be tempting to add a ton of soap, but you want to add just a little—too much will make it hard to rinse the hat properly and could cause the fabric to lose its shape. 

Do a spot clean test on an inside patch of your hat to see if the color runs. You can do this by wetting the hat and then seeing if color transfers to a napkin or cloth. If your hat passes the color test, it’s ok to submerge it for about 30 minutes for an overall cleaning. For tougher stains, follow the spot cleaning instructions below.

Rinse your hat thoroughly and let it air dry on a towel right side up. Do this indoors so that the color won’t fade in the sun. 

Gently dab at any stains as soon as you see them—first with a dry cloth and then a damp one if they won’t budge. 

If you need to use a little more elbow grease, gently scrub any areas where dirt and oils can build up (like the sweatband) with a toothbrush dipped in a bucket of cold water and a few drops of mild laundry detergent. 

Rinse with cool water and allow the hat to air dry, right side up. 

If your hat has really tough sweat stains, there is another method you can try. Mix equal parts water and baking soda to form a paste, and then add a few drops of vinegar. The paste should bubble. Scrub the sweat stains with a brush and then rinse and dry your hat. 

If the above methods aren’t cutting it, you could try washing your hat in the dishwasher. NOTE: this method could potentially damage your hat and void your dishwasher warranty. If you choose to proceed, clear the dishwasher of any dirty dishes first. This is an important step as dirty dishes can leave food residue on your hat. Then, put the hat on the top rack. (You can use a frame shaper to help the hat maintain its shape.) Run a normal dishwasher cycle on light wash or low heat. When the cycle is complete, air dry your hat indoors, on a towel, right side up. 

Take good care of your hats, and you’ll have them for a long time. From sport to streetwear, check out our full selection of hats and complete your ‘fit at Finish Line!