Offering plenty of versatility and practicality, baseball caps typically consist of a soft material, adjustable strap, and a shielding bill that covers the top of the head.
Besides making a stylish and casual addition to just about any outfit, they also pay homage to the much-loved sport they have been named after. But, how do you go about cleaning a baseball cap without damaging its shape and rendering it useless?
If you’re currently wondering about how to go about cleaning your baseball cap, then rest assured that you’re not the only one.
Despite what you might have heard about being able to chuck a cap in a washing machine or even dishwasher, due to their design, baseball caps can be tricky business to clean, and if done improperly can often cause caps to lose their structure and become unwearable.
However, before you decide to throw in that towel and swap out your current baseball cap for a brand new one, we’re here to lend you a helping hand!
Below, we’re going to be talking you through how to clean your baseball cap, as well as provide you with additional tips on how to keep it in optimal condition for longer.
So, ready to restore your baseball cap back to its original glory? Just read on.
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What To Remember Before Cleaning your Baseball Cap
Before you grab your baseball cap and prepare to give it a deep clean, there are a few things that we recommend you keep in mind before doing so.
Not only will these precautionary steps help to ensure that you are able to effectively clean your baseball cap, but they will also help to prevent your baseball cap from becoming damaged during the cleaning process. Check them out below:
Avoid the dishwasher at all costs
Contrary to what you might have already heard, baseball caps, under no circumstances, should be thrown in the dishwasher as a way to be cleaned!
Sure, even though it might seem tempting to throw your baseball cap in a dishwasher and let your dishwasher handle the rest, the extremely high temperatures combined with the dish detergent will more than likely cause your hat to lose its shape, while also causing its color to fade.
Older caps will need a little extra TLC
Whether you’ve got a vintage Dodgers cap or you’ve been given one that has been passed down from a loved one, then it’s important to make sure that you are taking extra care while cleaning it.
Lots of older caps that were made before the 1980s were created with cardboard bills as opposed to the plastic ones that we see nowadays, which means that they are way more delicate and more likely to become damaged if exposed to too much water/harsh detergents.
Skip the washing machine
So, even though there’s no denying that modern-day, advanced washing machines often come with the ability to offer you a “delicate” wash designed for items such as your baseball caps – we still recommend that you refrain from using one.
Due to the fact that your cap will be exposed to lots of water and relatively high temperatures (even on a delicate wash) it means that you will still be running the risk of causing your baseball cap to lose its structure and shape.
How To Clean your Baseball Cap
So, now that you know what you shouldn’t do, we’re now going to be talking you through what you should do when it comes to cleaning your baseball cap. Check out the following steps below:
1. First things first, you’re going to need to begin by first taking the time to clean away any stubborn stains that you can see across the surface of your baseball cap.
To do this, take a gentle detergent (in lukewarm water) and begin to work into the stains with a small scrubbing brush, such as this one.
2. Once you’ve finished cleaning the main stains from your baseball cap, you will then need to soak your baseball cap in some lukewarm water.
After around 15-20 minutes, check back on your cap to see if it needs any longer to soak.
3. As soon as you’re happy with your cap and all of the stains/dirt have been removed, we then recommend that you gently rinse your cap with some water to get rid of any remaining dirt and debris, and then allow it to dry.
4. To make sure that your cap dries correctly, we recommend that you temporarily place a bowl inside the cap while it dries, as this will help to prevent its structure from being lost.
How To Maintain your Baseball Cap
Alongside making sure that your baseball cap is being given a deep clean every once in a while following the instructions we have provided you with above, we also recommend that you take the time to refresh your cap in-between uses to ensure that it remains in good condition until it’s time to clean it again.
After every use, we recommend wiping your baseball cap down with a fabric wipe to get rid of any dirt, dust, or debris, as well as storing it in a dry area.
In addition to that, you could also consider spritzing your baseball cap with an odor spray every once in a while, especially if you like to wear your baseball cap for athletic or gym purposes.
In Need of a Recommendation?
If you’re interested in purchasing a baseball cap deodorizer, then we recommend checking out the FunkAway Big Jobs Spray, which will be able to get rid of any unwanted odors or bacteria inside the lining of your baseball cap and replace it with a flowery, refreshing scent that will make wearing your cap a pleasant experience – time and time again.
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