How to Clean and Care for Baseball Caps

How to Wash Cotton, Polyester, or Mesh Baseball Caps

1. Pre-Treat Stains

   For new cotton, polyester, or mesh hats, pre-treat exceptionally dirty areas such as sweatbands with a solvent-based or gel stain remover. You can also use a dab of heavy-duty laundry detergent such as Persil or Tide, which have a high concentration of enzymes to break apart soil and oil molecules.

   Work the stain remover or detergent into the soiled areas using a soft-bristled brush, and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before washing. This pre-treatment helps remove perspiration stains.

2. Pre-Soak to Brighten Colors

   If the cap looks dull and you want to whiten it or brighten the colors, mix a solution of oxygen bleach and warm water following package directions. Completely submerge the cap, and allow it to soak for at least four hours or overnight.

   Warning

   Don't use chlorine bleach on your baseball cap, even when treating a white hat. It can damage polyester fibers.

3. Add the Hat to the Wash

   Remove your hat from the soaking solution, and add it to a load of similarly colored clothing. Wash using heavy-duty detergent on the delicate cycle, and select cool water. If you're concerned about protecting the shape of the cap, you can use a hat form to protect it in the wash.

4. Shape and Air-Dry

   Allow the cap to air-dry in the washing form, over a large coffee can, or over another head-shaped container or form. Don't put baseball caps in the dryer because the heat and tumbling action can distort its shape.

How to Clean Hats With Paper or Cardboard Brims

Many hats made before the 1980s have cardboard bills. If the cap has a cardboard or paper-stiffened bill, spot-cleaning is the only method that won't damage the hat.

1. Scrub Stains

   Use a soft-bristled brush to lightly scrub the stained areas with a heavy-duty detergent and water mixture. Use 1 teaspoon detergent per 1 cup warm water, and use sparingly as you scrub to avoid getting the brim of the hat too wet.

2. Blot to Rinse

   Blot with a clean white cloth dipped in water to rinse.

3. Air-Dry

   Allow the cap to air-dry. You may need to repeat the steps several times to remove all the soil.

How to Clean New Wool Baseball Caps

Wool baseball caps should be hand-washed using cool water and a mild detergent designated for wool.

1. Gently Wash

   Gently massage the soapy water into the hat; don’t scrub or twist the fibers.

2. Rinse Thoroughly

   Rinse well in cool water, and press gently with a thick towel to absorb most of the moisture.

3. Shape and Air-Dry

   Allow to air-dry on a head-shaped object. If you wear your wool hat while it dries, it should conform to the precise shape of your head.

How to Clean Vintage or Commemorative Baseball Caps

If your vintage hat needs a deeper cleaning, before washing, do a colorfastness test.

1. Test for Colorfastness

   Using a damp white cloth, gently rub an inconspicuous area of the cap. If there's color transfer onto the cloth, don't proceed.

2. Mix the Cleaning Solution

   If the fabric is colorfast, mix a solution of 1 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent with 1 cup warm water.

3. Wipe Down the Hat

   Dip the cleaning cloth in the solution, wring thoroughly, and then gently wipe down all surfaces of the hat. Don't immerse your hat in the water or the cardboard in the bill will likely dissolve.

4. Rinse Well

   Use another cloth dipped in clean water to "rinse" the cap by wiping away any cleaning solution.

5. Air-Dry the Hat

   Let the cap rest to air-dry.

Storing Baseball Caps

Commemorative caps should always be stored in a covered case to prevent dust and grease from accumulating. These should only need a light dusting or brushing once a year to keep them clean. If you have an autograph that you want to preserve, keep the cap in a dark air-conditioned space to prevent fading and stop mold or mildew from forming.

Less precious caps can be packed in a plastic or cotton storage bin or stacked inside a cotton bag or pillowcase in your closet. If using a bag, make sure nothing compresses the hat as that will change its shape. Always stow caps away from direct light, heat, and moisture.

Repairs

If the frayed edges on the bill of the hat become a concern, you can repair it with glue, but the hat will never look the same. Adding glue will also dramatically change the value of a commemorative cap.

If you choose to temporarily stabilize the fraying, apply a small amount of school glue to the edges, gently pressing the fabric to lay flat. However, since the glue is water-soluble, it may discolor the fabric, and the glue will wash out the next time the hat is cleaned.

If a stub breaks on a plastic hat adjuster, replace the stubs completely by using super glue to add Velcro strips on the adjuster to create a new closure. For rips or more serious defects, a tailor or hat restoration service might be able to save a vintage or commemorative cap.

Treating Stains on Baseball Caps

If you have stubborn perspiration stains, try a bit of gentle hair shampoo. Rub a drop of shampoo and water into the stained area with a soft toothbrush. Be careful when using a toothbrush around threads, seams, and appliques so you don't dislodge the stitches. Then, continue with the washing instructions that pertain to your type of hat.