How to Wash a Cap in a Dishwasher Without Ruining It

Want to wash your caps? Here’s how to wash caps in the dishwasher with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to ensure they are clean and look great!

Baseball caps are a very popular accessory – no matter the age or background. It can be worn to support your favorite sports team, make a statement, simply shield your face from the sun, or hide a bad hair day (we’ve all been there am I right?)

But the issue is that over time, the baseball caps can become dirty and sweaty. It can accumulate dirt making the cap look dingy and unappealing.

Hand washing is usually recommended and has traditionally been the go-to method for cleaning baseball caps. However, there are a few drawbacks to the process:

• it can be time-consuming
• it is labor intensive
• there is a risk of damaging the cap’s fabric and shape

Enter the dishwasher!

That’s right.

A dishwasher is a great alternative for washing baseball caps. Not only does it reduce the risk of damaging the cap, it also ensures it gets a thorough clean.

Here’s how you can wash your cap in the dishwasher and get the best results.

How to wash a cap in the dishwasher

Washing the cap in the dishwasher is a three-part process:

• preparing the cap for washing
• preparing the dishwasher for washing the cap
• washing the cap in the dishwasher.

Let’s talk about each of these steps in detail.

Preparing the cap to wash

As always, the prep is the most important part of anything! The more thorough the prep, the better the results. It will also ensure that the cap doesn’t get damaged.

Here’s how you need to prep the cap:

• Remove dirt: Use a soft-bristled brush or a lint roller to remove any loose dirt or hair from the cap. You can also use a damp cloth to gently wipe down the cap’s surface.
• Check the label for washing instructions: It is essential to check the cap’s label for any specific washing instructions. Some baseball caps may have specific washing requirements, such as avoiding high temperatures or certain detergents. Following the label’s instructions will ensure that your cap does not get damaged during the washing process.
• Remove any detachable parts: If your baseball cap has any detachable parts such as badges, stickers, or buttons, it is best to remove them before washing. These parts can become loose during the washing process and can cause damage to your cap or dishwasher. If the detachable parts are not removable, it is best to hand wash the cap instead of using the dishwasher.

Preparing the Dishwasher to wash the cap

Preparing the dishwasher to wash a baseball cap is important to ensure a safe and effective cleaning process. Here are some steps to follow:

• Clear out the dishwasher: Remove any dishes, utensils, or other items from the dishwasher to create enough space to accommodate the cap.
• Clean the dishwasher: Wipe down the dishwasher’s interior with a clean cloth or sponge to remove any debris or leftover food particles. This step will prevent contamination of the cap and ensure a thorough cleaning.
• Select the right washing cycle: High temperatures can cause the cap to shrink, fade, or lose its shape. Opt for the setting with the cold water or warm water setting.
• Choose the right detergent: Use a mild detergent that is suitable for delicate fabrics. Avoid bleach or fabric softeners, which can cause discoloration or damage to the cap’s material.
• Add vinegar: To remove any lingering odors, add a small amount of white vinegar to the dishwasher’s rinse cycle.

Loading the cap in the dishwasher

• Use the top rack: Place the cap on the top rack of the dishwasher, avoiding overcrowding to ensure proper water flow and distribution.

Can you wash a hat in a dishwasher?

It is undoubtedly possible to wash your hat in the dishwasher. A few vow by it, while others advise against it. We suggest trying it out on a baseball cap that you aren’t too attached to in case something goes wrong.

Placing your hat in the dishwasher will give it a thorough cleaning. However, because dishwasher detergent is really not intended for fabrics, it might cause the hat to wear down, change color, or be damaged. Others have reported the hat deformation, breaking, or distorting as a result of the dishwasher’s high temperature.

Flat Billed & Curved Ballcaps for Washing Machine and Dishwasher – 3 Pack Black

The Ballcap Buddy hat washer is made from high-quality, durable, and flexible plastic. Therefore, it can easily adapt to your baseball hat’s shape. This hat washer can still be perfectly fitted no matter how curved, or flat the cap is. 

And it will keep your baseball hat in its original form when washed in the dishwasher or washing machine. This is because of the snap hinge construction and dual look latch combination. 

Not only used to keep your hat’s shape when being washed in the dishwasher, but this Ballcap Buddy hat washer can also be an excellent tool to store your baseball hats when not in use. You will not need to worry if the cap is deformed or not.

Pros

Super durable with the solid construction

Effectively keep the hat’s initial form

Very easy to use and really value for money

Cons

It seems a bit hard to secure the clasp

FAQs

How do you wash a hat without ruining it?

Add a few drops of washing powder or around a tbsp of OxiCleanTM stain remover powder to wash the bucket or sink of warm or cold water. Immerse the hat for around 15 minutes in the water. Then rinse the hat extensively in warm or cool water and pat it dry softly with a cloth.

Put the hat in the washer with a soft detergent and warm water on a soft cycle (either alone or with a tinier load of cloth so it will not lose its form). Add an Oxi Booster pod to particularly soiled hats to get rid of even the challenging stains or smudges.

Is it better to wash a hat in the dishwasher or washing machine?

It seems like you’ve heard that a hat can be washed in the washing machine or dishwasher; hand washing is still highly recommended to prevent bending the hat out of form. Because hats (particularly the bill) are structured things, handwashing them helps to preserve their shape.

What is the best way to wash baseball caps?

You’re not alone if you’ve already asked yourself about how to wash a hat. You might say probably. It seems like you’ve heard that a hat can be washed in the washing machine; hand washing is advised to prevent bending the hat out of the structure. Because hats (particularly the bill) are structured items, handwashing them helps to preserve their shape.

Can baseball caps go in the washing machine?

Baseball caps, which vary from brand new hats made from cotton twill—which is exceptionally enduring and retains its color really well—to wool caps and memorable caps, are the most popular hats that require washing. Wool hats should be washed by hand in cool water with a mild detergent solution. Baseball caps that are made of cotton twill or any similar material can usually be washed in the washing machine as long as the bill is not made of paper or cardboard.

Straw hats or knit caps, particularly those worn outdoors to block the sun off your face, are other types of hats that may need to be washed. Knit caps are generally hand washed, but if you can’t stand the idea of doing so, you can always wash them in a mesh laundry bag. Sun hats that are made of straw are usually the easiest to clean—just spray them down with a hose and let them completely air dry. Any structured hat must be spot washed if possible to avoid losing its form.