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How To Wash A Ball Cap The Right Way

Jul 18, 2022

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How To Wash A Ball Cap The Right Way

how to wash a ball cap header

Washing a ball cap may seem like a simple task, but there are a few things to keep in mind to preserve the shape and quality of the cap. In this blog post, we’ll go over the best ways to wash a ball cap so that it comes out looking as good as new.

Ball caps are made from different materials, including cotton, wool, and polyester. The type of fabric will dictate how you should wash the ball cap. By following these simple tips and steps, you can keep your cap looking like new for years to come.

ball cap on wood

What type of ball cap fabrics can be washed?

First, it is important to figure out what type of fabric your cap is made of before you know how to wash it. Check the inside label of the cap to find out for sure. Cotton ball caps can be machine washed, whereas wool caps should be spot cleaned or dry cleaned only. Polyester caps can be machine washed as well.

What type of detergent should you use when washing your cap?

If you want to keep your ball cap looking new, it’s important to use the right type of detergent. You’ll want to avoid using bleach or any other harsh chemicals. Instead, opt for a mild detergent that won’t damage the fabric of your cap.

Should you hand wash or machine wash your ball cap?

You may be able to clean your ball cap in the washing machine if it is made of cotton or polyester. You will also need to find out if your cap’s brim is constructed of cardboard or plastic. If the brim is cardboard, you will not want to soak your cap in water, just spot clean it. If your cap’s brim is plastic, you can follow the steps below on how to hand wash or machine wash it. If you cannot find a care tag in your cap, it is better to only spot clean your cap and not soak it in water.

How To Wash By Hand

Hand washing is always the best option when it comes to washing a ball cap. You can really focus on cleaning the dirtiest parts of the cap. It is also the safest way to preserve your cap’s shape and color.

To hand wash your ball cap you’ll want to have the following items handy:

  • Sink
  • Mild Detergent
  • Old Toothbrush
  • Towel
  • Small Bowl

First, fill your sink up with cold water. Next, mix in 1 tablespoon of mild laundry detergent into the water. Soak your cap in the mixture for at least one hour. (Remember to only soak ball caps with plastic brims) If you still see a stained area on your cap, gently brush it with a toothbrush and a non-bleach stain remover. You can then let your cap soak longer if needed. Once your cap has finished soaking, rinse it under the faucet with cold water. Dry your cap off well with a towel and then set the cap on an upside-down bowl to finish air drying.

How To Wash In The Washing Machine

If you’re in a pinch, you can wash your cap on the gentle cycle in your washing machine. If your cap has any worn areas, know that putting it in the washing machine could make those areas worse. It is also good to note that if your cap is made from cotton, it could shrink a bit in the wash. Never put a ball cap with a cardboard brim in the washing machine, just spot clean it.

Once you have decided that putting your cap in the washing machine is a good option, pre-clean any tough stains with a non-bleach stain remover. Then, put your cap in a mesh laundry bag to prevent it from getting tangled up with other items in your wash. You’ll want to wash your cap with other items in your washing machine to help protect it from losing its shape.

Add a mild clothing detergent to your washing machine and set it to cold water on a gentle cycle. When finished, dry your cap off well with a towel and then set it on an upside-down bowl to finish air drying.

Tips To Air Dry

To ensure that your cap retains its shape and doesn’t shrink, it’s important to air dry it properly. After cleaning your ball cap, you can gently squeeze the cap to get rid of any extra water. Do not twist the brim or it will bend it out of shape. Once you have patted dry or squeezed the excess water out of your cap, set it on an upside-down bowl so that it can dry evenly. You can also stuff the cap with a towel so that it keeps its shape as it dries. If you’re in a hurry, you can use a hairdryer on the cool setting to speed up the drying process. Just be sure not to hold the hairdryer too close to the ball cap or you could damage the fabric.

Can you put a cap in the dryer?

You should never put your cap in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can cause the fabric of your ball cap to shrink and damage the shape it. Always air dry your cap by setting it on an upside-down bowl or hanging it from a clothesline.

Can you wash a ball cap in the dishwasher?

You should never wash a ball cap in the dishwasher. The harsh chemicals and high temperatures can damage the fabric and cause the color to fade. Additionally, the washing cycle can cause the cap to lose its shape. If you need to clean a ball cap quickly, spot cleaning or hand washing is always the best option.

How do you remove sweat stains?

There are a few effective ways to remove sweat stains from your cap. One way is to create a mixture of one part white vinegar and two parts water. Then, soak a clean cloth in the mixture and blot the sweat stains on your cap. Another way is to mix one part baking soda and two parts water to create a paste. Rub the paste into the sweat stains on your cap with an old toothbrush and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off in cold water. If those methods don’t work, you can always try using a non-bleach pre-treater or stain remover meant for laundry. Be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.

No matter which method you use, be sure to rinse your cap in cold water after removing the sweat stains. Otherwise, the sweat stains could set in and be very difficult to remove. After you’ve washed your ball cap, it’s important to air dry it. Dry your cap off well with a towel and then set the cap on an upside-down bowl to finish air drying.

man wearing ball cap

So, there you have it! Now you know how to wash a ball cap the right way. Just remember to use a mild detergent, hand wash if possible, and air dry for best results. We hope these tips help your favorite cap from Cavender’s live a little bit longer.

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