Whether you wear baseball caps (bad hair day or not) or beanies, all hats eventually need a wash if you wear them enough. Sweat, hair products and dirt can all gradually build up, but by washing your hat from time to time, you can keep it looking like new. We break down how to wash each style of hat.
How to Wash a Baseball Cap
The first rule of thumb when washing a baseball cap is to avoid putting it in the washing machine or dishwasher. Although this appears to be a time-saving option, it will destroy the structure of your hat and ruin it.
Spot-treat your baseball cap as needed and follow these instructions when washing your cap thoroughly:
- Fill your sink or a bucket with warm water and add a tablespoon of laundry detergent.
- Soak your baseball cap in the water for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse your cap thoroughly under cold water after soaking to remove all dirt and detergent, and gently pat dry with a towel.
- Reshape the hat by stuffing the cap with a towel and letting it air dry. Do not put your cap in the dryer.
How to Wash a Beanie
Unlike baseball caps which are a hard no for the washing machine, some knit beanies can go in the washing machine. Always check the care label before putting your beanie in the washing machine, and use the tips below to avoid excessive stretching.
If you’re worried about your beanie getting too stretched out, or the care label advises against machine washing, follow the simple hand-washing instructions below.
Note: We recommend washing wool beanies by hand using a specialized wool detergent for the best results.
Machine washing:
- Follow the wash instructions on the care label.
- Before washing, place your beanie in a garment bag to avoid stretching.
- Unless otherwise instructed, wash on a delicate cycle.
- Do not put your beanie in the dryer. Allow to air dry flat on a towel.
Hand washing:
- Fill your sink or a bucket with cold water and add a tablespoon of laundry detergent. Use your hands to mix detergent with the water.
- Place your beanie in the water, swirling around for five minutes. Avoid wringing or twisting your beanie, as this can stretch it out. Gently massage stain areas if needed.
- Drain away soapy water and refill with clean cold water. Continue to swirl your beanie around the water removing the dirt and detergent.
- Repeat this process until the water is clear, and avoid holding your beanie under the running water.
- Remove your beanie, roll it up in a towel, and press to remove excess water.
- Unroll and allow to air-dry flat on another dry towel.
How to Wash a Wool Hat
Whether it’s a beloved fedora or your go-to Festival hat, it can feel daunting when it comes time to wash a felt or wool hat. We recommend investing in a felt hat brush for these styles. These brushes have soft bristles designed to easily remove dust and brush out dents without damaging the hat. Simply dust your hat in a clockwise motion.
If you end up with a stain that needs some extra attention, we recommend spot-treating it using these steps:
- Dampen a clean cloth that corresponds with the colour of your hat (if the hat is dark, use a dark cloth; if the hat is white or a light colour, use a white cloth) with cool water. Do not oversaturate.
- Rub the cloth on the stain in a circular clockwise motion.
- For more stubborn stains, sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch directly onto the stained area and lightly rub in.
- Let sit for 20 minutes, and then brush away.
- Repeat if necessary and let air dry.
How to Wash a Bucket Hat
Not only are bucket hats trendy, but they’re also a relatively easy style of hat to clean. Like beanies, most bucket hat styles can be machine washed, but be sure to refer to care labels.
Here are simple hand-washing instructions to follow to extend the lifespan of your hat:
- Use a clean white cloth to spot-treat stains as needed.
- For materials like cotton, add a tablespoon of detergent to a sink or bucket full of warm water.
- Soak the hat and then wash it under warm water to remove detergent.
- Pat dry with a towel and then leave to air dry.
Keep Reading
Hat Size Guide: How to Determine Your Hat Size
By planting ten trees for every item you purchase, it’s our mission to plant 1 billion trees by 2030. Head to our website to learn more and get 10% off your next purchase.
