Today, I’ll be sharing a foolproof trick to clean your hats without losing their shape in my ongoing ‘Love to Clean’ series.
This simple technique was a gem passed down from my mother. Growing up, I noticed my father’s fondness for wearing hats, particularly baseball caps. However, consistent wear meant dealing with the inevitable: a plethora of soiled hats or a single well-loved cap that just couldn’t escape the dirt and grime.
One might assume that since hats are made of fabric, the washing machine would be the natural choice for cleaning. However, the rough-and-tumble nature of a washing machine can easily deform the hat’s shape.
Luckily, there’s a hassle-free and efficient way to wash hats without compromising their shape or resorting to tedious hand-washing.
Here’s what you’ll need to wash your hats effectively:
A dishwasher
Dishwasher detergent (I prefer this one)
White Vinegar (optional)
Baking Soda or Oxiclean
Cleaning Guide:
Start by removing any hardened dirt from the hat using warm water and a washcloth.
If the hat is extremely dirty or emits an unpleasant odor, pretreat the affected areas by spraying them with white vinegar and let it soak in for about 10 minutes.
For stubborn sweat stains on the brim, spot clean by dusting the stained areas with baking soda, a fantastic stain remover that I frequently use. If you don’t have baking soda, Oxiclean can serve as a suitable substitute.
After sprinkling baking soda, spray it with vinegar or warm water if you don’t have vinegar handy. Next, gently scrub the hat with a toothbrush or a similar soft-bristled cleaning brush.
Once the hat is pretreated, place it on the top rack of the dishwasher. I usually run the hats through a full cycle along with pre-rinsed dishes. But if you’re not comfortable with this arrangement, simply load the top rack with your hats and run them in a separate cycle.
Use your regular dishwasher detergent for the load; it’s remarkably effective at cleaning hats. Alternatively, vinegar can be used if you’re hesitant about the detergent.
Once the dishwasher cycle is complete, remove the hats and lay them out on a towel to air-dry. And voila! Your hats are clean and fresh-smelling once again.
For wool baseball caps, cherished old hats, or vintage hats, I advise against dishwasher cleaning as the hot water could cause shrinkage or loss of shape. Instead, spot-clean these hats in the sink using warm water and a mild detergent like dish soap.
Remember never to use bleach on baseball hats. If not thoroughly rinsed out, bleach can irritate your skin the next time you wear the hat.