How to Wash a Hat

A good hat takes a beating. Whether you’re on the job, at the game, or out in the sun, they soak up sweat, dirt, and everything else the day throws at you. And if you don’t clean it right, you’ll end up with a bent brim, faded colors, or a hat that just doesn’t fit the same.

That’s why proper hat care matters. In this guide, we’ll break down simple, safe methods for cleaning a baseball hat or any other style, so you can keep it looking good and lasting longer without wasting money on replacements.

Why the Right Method Matters

Not all hats are made the same. Structured caps, straw hats, and wool blends require different care than unstructured cotton or polyester hats. Using the wrong method can:

•  Cause colors to fade
•  Weaken embroidered logos
•  Warp the brim or crown
• Shorten overall lifespan

So before you grab the soap and water, always check the care label and material. That’ll tell you the safest way to clean it without wrecking the fit or finish.

Hat Cleaning Method Overview

Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common cleaning options:

Step-by-Step: Hand Washing (Recommended Method)

For most situations, hand washing is the safest way to wash a hat. Here’s how to wash a hat by hand:

1.  Check the care label for specific instructions.
2.  Fill a basin or sink with cool or lukewarm water. Add mild detergent or baby shampoo.
3.  Soak the hat for 5–10 minutes.
4.  Gently scrub sweatbands and stains with a soft brush or cloth.
5.  Rinse thoroughly until no suds remain.
6.  Blot excess water (never wring or twist).
7.  Reshape while damp using a hat form or rolled towel, then air-dry.

Spot Cleaning for Quick Fixes

Sometimes, your hat doesn’t need a full wash. It may just have a sweat mark on the band or a little grease from the jobsite. If that’s the case, try spot cleaning your hat first. It’s quick, easy, and saves the shape of your hat. Here are a few tips to consider:

•  Baking soda paste: Mix a little baking soda with water until it’s thick. Rub it on the sweat or grease stain, let it dry for a bit, then brush it off. It’s cheap, easy, and knocks out odor, too.

•  Felt or straw hats: Don’t soak these. Just grab a soft brush or a damp rag and lightly work the dirty area.

•  Sweatband buildup: If the band is caked with sweat, an enzyme cleaner can do the trick. Dab it on, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it clean. 

Also, always test cleaners on a small hidden area first, like under the brim or inside the sweatband. It’s better to mess up a spot inside the band than the front of your hat.

When and How to Use a Washing Machine

If you don’t have time to hand-wash your hat, the washer can work, but you've got to do it right. Here’s how to use the washer without trashing your cap

•  Only toss in unstructured cotton or polyester caps. If it’s wool, straw, felt, has a stiff front, decorations, or a cardboard brim, wash those by hand.

•  Use a hat cage or mesh bag. This keeps it from getting beaten up and flattened in the drum.

•  Run a cold water, delicate cycle with a small amount of mild detergent. It’s safer on fabric and avoids shrinkage.

•  As soon as the cycle ends, take the hat out, reshape the crown and brim, and air-dry only (on a form, rolled towel, or upside-down)

Drying and Reshaping

Once you clean your hat, you might want to throw it in the dryer. Bad idea. Heat can shrink the hat, warp the brim, or mess up the crown. Instead, you should always air-dry your cap. 

Follow these steps below to keep your hat looking sharp and holding its shape down for the long haul:

1.  Give your hat a solid reshape while it's still damp. This means pushing back the crown and curving the brim.
2.  Lay it out on a towel and pop it on a hat form or something head-shaped like a bowl or rolled-up towel.
3. Let it sit in a cool spot with no direct sun or direct heat, and allow the hat to dry naturally.

Material-Specific Care Tips

Have some felt or straw beach hats? These materials need more specific care than your standard baseball caps or trucker hats.  They don’t handle water and rough scrubbing the same way, so you’ve got to go easy if you want them to last. Take a look at these tips below:

Felt

•  For dust and debris, knock it loose with a hat sponge or soft-bristle brush, and always brush with the grain from top to bottom.

•  For stains, use a rag with a little diluted soap and water. Dab it, don’t scrub.

•  Wipe away the soap with a clean, damp cloth, and air-dry the hat away from heat or sunlight.

Straw and Beach Hats

•  Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe off dirt and sand. If it needs more, use a slightly damp cloth.

•  For sweat or stains, mix up a mild soap and water solution, wipe it gently, and then wipe again with plain water.

•  Never soak a straw hat, as it’ll lose its shape fast.

•  If you’re wearing it hard at work or out in the sun, give it a light cleaning more often to keep sweat and grime from building up.

Maintenance and Prevention

A little routine care can save you from a big clean later and keep your hat looking sharp for work (or the weekend). Keep these tips in mind:

•  Run a lint roller or soft brush over it once in a while. This will get rid of dirt, sawdust, or jobsite grit before it sets in.

•  Store your cap crown-down when you're not wearing it, so the brim doesn’t go flat.

•  Got some odor? Toss in a little baking soda overnight, then shake it out in the morning.

•  Give your hat a quick wipe-down every now and then with a damp rag or brush to help reduce sweat, dust, and grime buildup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If you want your hats to last on the job or around the yard, avoid these common mistakes:

Choose Triple Crown for Your Hat Needs

At the end of the day, the best way to wash a hat is simple: hand wash when you can, spot clean when you only need to hit the dirty spots, and always dry it slowly and gently. Also, different materials need different care, so take a second to check what your hat’s made of before you go to work on it.

And if your old cap’s beyond saving, we’ve got you covered. Check out our lineup of full custom hats, beanies, and other headwear that’s built to last and designed to fit your crew.

Need help choosing? Contact us for expert advice and custom apparel solutions. 

FAQs About Cleaning a Hat

Can you put hats in the washing machine?

Yes, but only if it’s an unstructured cotton or polyester cap. Use cold water, the gentle cycle, and a hat cage or mesh bag to help it keep its shape. Never put wool, felt, straw, or structured hats in the washer because they’ll get ruined.

What’s the safest way to wash a hat?

The safest method is hand wash hats in cool water with a mild detergent. It’s gentle on the fabric, helps protect logos and stitching, and avoids warping the brim.

How do you remove sweat stains from a hat?

Mix a little baking soda and water into a paste and apply it to the sweatband or stained spot. Let it sit, scrub lightly with a soft brush, then rinse clean. For heavy buildup, use an enzyme cleaner made for fabrics.

Can I put my hat in the dryer?

No. Heat shrinks fabric, fades color, and warps the brim. Always air-dry and reshape your hat while it’s damp.

How do you clean a wool or felt hat?

Wool and felt hats should never be soaked. Instead, brush off dirt with a soft brush and gently spot clean with a cloth and a small amount of mild soap if needed.

How do you wash a straw hat?

Use a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth to wipe it down. For stains, lightly dab with a mild soap solution, but never submerge it in water because it’ll lose its shape fast.

How do I keep my hat from losing its shape?

Always air-dry on a form, rack, or rolled towel so the crown and brim hold steady. Store hats crown-down or on a hook instead of stacking them under other gear.

Can dishwashers be used to wash hats?

 No. Dishwashers use high heat and harsh detergents that will shrink, fade, or warp a hat.