How frequently you clean your baseball cap depends on how often you wear it. For light use, washing it as needed is fine. For everyday wear, you may need to wash it once a week or more in hot weather. “On the other hand, if you sweat heavily while wearing the cap or if it gets stained, we would recommend washing it promptly to prevent odors and maintain its appearance,” says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean.
I’ve noticed that my own caps start to smell a bit funky after a few days of heavy wear, especially during summer hikes or workouts. If you’re like me and wear your cap for outdoor activities, you might want to aim for a weekly wash to keep things fresh. Sweat can really build up, and according to a study from the American Academy of Dermatology, bacteria from sweat can contribute to skin issues if left on fabrics too long. To avoid this, I keep a rough schedule: after about 10-15 hours of wear, it’s time for a clean. This helps prevent that musty smell and keeps the cap looking sharp.
Materials Needed
Make sure you have these materials on hand when washing a baseball cap.
- Natural laundry detergent
- Soft-bristle brush or microfiber cloth
- Mesh laundry bag
- Distilled white vinegar
These items are pretty easy to find, and I love that they’re budget-friendly. A bottle of natural laundry detergent costs around $5-$10 and lasts for months, while distilled white vinegar is a steal at under $3 for a gallon at most grocery stores. I keep a soft-bristle brush from an old cleaning kit—it’s gentle enough not to ruin the fabric but gets the job done. If you don’t have a mesh laundry bag, you can grab one for about $2 at a dollar store. Having these on hand makes the process so much smoother, and they’re versatile enough to use for other laundry tasks too.
How to Wash a Baseball Cap in the Washing Machine
Many baseball caps can be cleaned in the washing machine, but you should check the care tag for specific instructions or warnings before doing so, says Sokolowski.
- Place the baseball cap inside a mesh laundry bag and into the washing machine. This will help prevent the cap from getting snagged or losing its shape.
- Add laundry detergent and choose the delicate cycle with cold water.
- Once the cycle is done, reshape the cap and let it air-dry naturally.
I’ve found that using a mesh laundry bag is a game-changer—it’s like a protective shield for your cap. The delicate cycle is key because it minimizes agitation, which can mess up the cap’s structure. A little tip I picked up from a friend who’s a laundry pro: if your cap is really sweaty, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the wash for extra odor-fighting power. Also, air-drying is non-negotiable. I once made the mistake of tossing a cap in the dryer, and it came out looking like a crumpled pancake. To reshape it, I stuff it with a clean towel while it dries to help it hold its form.
How to Wash a Baseball Cap By Hand
If your baseball cap isn’t suitable for machine washing, try cleaning it by hand instead. Keep in mind that it’s still important to check the care tag before cleaning, says Sokolowski.
- Fill a basin or sink with water. Avoid using hot water, which can cause the colors to bleed or the cap to lose its shape.
- Add a small amount of natural detergent to the water.
- Submerge the cap in the soapy water and agitate the water a bit.
- Use a soft-bristle brush and scrub the cap, paying extra attention to soiled areas.
- Rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
- Press the cap to remove excess water. Do not wring or twist it, as this can distort its shape.
- Put the cap on a clean, dry towel to air-dry naturally. Reshape the cap if necessary.
Hand-washing is my go-to for older or more delicate caps, like my vintage team cap with embroidery. It’s a bit more work, but it’s worth it to keep the cap in top shape. I’ve learned to be gentle with the scrubbing—too much elbow grease can fray the fabric. A cool trick I discovered is to place the cap over a rounded object, like a mixing bowl, while it dries to maintain its curve. Also, if you’re worried about detergent residue, a quick double rinse does the trick. Hand-washing is great because it gives you more control, and honestly, it’s kind of satisfying to see the dirt come off.
How to Remove Stains From a Baseball Cap
If your baseball cap has any stains, treat them with white vinegar and water. Some baseball caps can only be cleaned by spot-treating stains, like those with cardboard brims. “A hat with a cardboard brim cannot be submerged or soaked as it will ruin the structure and destroy the brim,” says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids.
- Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Apply it to the stained area and rub the solution in using a soft brush or microfiber cloth.
- Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse with water.
- Reshape the cap and let it air-dry naturally.
This vinegar trick works like magic for sweat stains or that random ketchup splatter from a game-day hot dog. I’ve used it on a white cap that had some serious grime, and it looked brand new after. White vinegar is a natural acid that breaks down oils and stains without harsh chemicals, which is why it’s so effective. For stubborn stains, I sometimes let the solution sit for 10 minutes instead of just a few. If you’re dealing with a cardboard-brimmed cap, be extra careful—dab, don’t soak. I learned this the hard way when an old cap’s brim got soggy and lost its shape.
How to Maintain a Baseball Cap Between Washes
Keeping your cap clean between washes can help eliminate odors and keep it fresh between wears. Here are some tips for that maintenance.
- Sprinkle With Baking Soda: After wearing a baseball cap, sprinkle the inside with a little baking soda. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then shake or brush it out to help deodorize the cap.
- Spot Clean the Band: Extend the time between washes by wiping down the inner band with a cloth dipped in a mix of water and a little detergent. The inner band is where sweat often collects, so this spot treatment keeps it fresh.
- Air It Out: Place your cap in a well-ventilated area to dry and breathe between uses. Don’t store it in an enclosed space, like a gym bag, where moisture can build up.
These tips are lifesavers for keeping my caps fresh without constant washing. I keep a small jar of baking soda in my laundry room just for this—it’s cheap, about $1 for a box, and it absorbs odors like nobody’s business. Spot-cleaning the band is something I do after every few wears, especially if I’ve been sweating. I also hang my caps on a hook by the window instead of tossing them in a drawer—it’s a simple habit that prevents that gross, damp smell. If you’re storing multiple caps, consider a cap rack to keep them organized and airy; it’s a small investment that really pays off.
