So you’re here wondering how to wash baseball caps huh?

Buying baseball hats is obviously a fun experience. Having your collection can be a great source of pride.

But a key element to keeping these hats looking their best is figuring out the best way to clean them. Hats will get dirty.

It’s almost inevitable. Unless a hat is so valuable to you that you never move it from one spot, it will eventually find a way to get dirty.

Keep in mind that there is some disagreement on this topic, and also that there is no “correct” way to do it.

How you want your hat cleaned is a matter of preference and what you want.

These are merely some helpful methods and possible suggestions on how to clean baseball caps.

The Dishwasher…. Wait, the Dishwasher as a hat washer?

At first glance, this seems like a pretty horrendous idea. Washing an item like a hat in the dishwasher or washing machine seems like the easiest way to ruin a perfectly nice hat.

However, according to the excellent website cleanmyspace.com, it’s possible to wash your hat using either of these things.

Now, according to the website, these things are more likely to happen in the dishwasher because of the abundance of hot water present.

However, this is just one of those things that regardless, it just doesn’t seem like a safe idea. This doesn’t have to be the case though.

You can clean it in the dishwasher, you have just need to be careful not to crowd it or add a lot of detergent that could negatively impact the hat.

Overall, it can be effective, but isn’t the most recommended method. It may work, but it’s a little risky. And yet…

The (MBH) Recommended way for washing Hats

Deadspin recommends that you should soak your hat for a few hours, first spraying with a OxiClean like substance, and leaving it in this WARM water for a few hours until clean. (Make sure the container you’re washing it in is clean as well.

Seems basic, but can’t be too careful). According to said article, this method will eradicate the stains/filth, and keep the hat looking new and clean and not changing it’s shape.

This video agrees with this basic strategy, with the additional details of washing it with cold water when done and then hanging it out to dry.

So this is a definitely a method that multiple people like, and one that has worked for many. This video does not, however, believe in the washing machine or dishwasher, believing that it ruins hats (and potentially your dishes).

This is one of the fundamental disagreements in how to correctly wash a ball cap.

The washing machine, while possibly sounding risky, is also a viable option, as long as you follow the correct steps and do the process right.

If you have a plastic brim, these steps are the easiest to follow.

(Again, from cleanmyspace.com).

First, do similar to what was listed above and spray the hat with a substance similar to OxiClean to make sure you’re getting everything out of the hat. Let this sit for a little bit to let it sink in.

Then you can put the hat in the laundry. They recommend doing it in a load with cold water.

It can be done either by itself or with other items of the same color. Then let it air dry for a long period of time.

If you want to spend some money, here is another option for you:

A Hat Cleaner

This is an option that Lids provides to clean hats. Obviously, it’s some money out of your pocket, but it can also add a lot of extra protection, care, and quality to the process.

If you’re looking for a consistent solution on how to clean a ball cap and something that you will always be able to rely on, this seems like a pretty good option.

Online, it’s listed at $17, and it gets you water and stain repellent, a cap cleaner and deodorizer, a cap brush, and a care guide booklet.

It’s not a bad deal for the listed price, if you’re serious about your hat protection.

Obviously, as evidenced by all of the above information, there is a certain level of disagreement about the best way wash a baseball cap.

Even in just the research I did, there was a lot of debate about whether or not the dishwasher and washing machine were legitimate options.

If you’re going to be safe, just putting it in water and letting it soak seems like the best option. But if you do everything correctly, the washing machine or dishwasher should be just as legitimate options.

It’s all about caring for your hat and making sure you take the time to clean it right. If you do this, you should have no problem getting your hat to look good as new.

http://deadspin.com/how-to-clean-your-filthy-baseball-cap-1453998609

http://cleanmyspace.com/clean-your-baseball-cap/