How to Wash Baseball Caps

The Challenge With Washing Baseball Caps

Baseball caps have a structured brim and crown that can warp, shrink, or lose shape if washed incorrectly. The method you use depends on the cap's material and whether it has a cardboard or plastic brim — cardboard brims cannot get wet, while plastic brims are more forgiving.

Step 1: Check the Brim Material

• Cardboard brim: Hand wash only — never submerge or machine wash
• Plastic brim: Can handle hand washing, dishwasher method, or cap washer cage
• Check the label: Older caps (pre-1983) often have cardboard brims; most modern caps have plastic

Method 1: Hand Washing (Safest for All Caps)

1. Fill a basin with cool water and a small amount of mild detergent or dish soap
2. Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush works well) to scrub the sweatband and any stained areas
3. Dip the cap and gently work the soapy water through the fabric — avoid soaking the brim if it's cardboard
4. Rinse thoroughly with cool water
5. Reshape immediately and place on a hat shaper or inflatable display stand to dry

Method 2: Cap Washer Cage (Best for Machine Washing)

A cap washer cage holds the cap in its correct shape during the wash cycle, preventing warping and crushing. Simply:

1. Place the cap inside the cage and secure it
2. Run on a gentle cycle with cool water and mild detergent
3. Remove immediately after the cycle and place on a hat shaper to air dry

This method works in both washing machines and dishwashers (top rack, no heated dry).

Method 3: Dishwasher (Quick and Easy)

For plastic-brimmed caps only:

• Place the cap in a cap washer cage on the top rack
• Use a small amount of dish detergent — no bleach
• Run on a normal cycle with NO heated dry setting
• Remove immediately and reshape on a hat form to air dry

How to Remove Sweat Stains from Baseball Caps

The white crusty sweat stains on the brim and sweatband are salt deposits from dried sweat. To remove:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of water
• Apply to the stained area with a soft brush and scrub gently
• Let sit 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water
• For stubborn stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water, let sit 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse

How to Dry a Baseball Cap Without Losing Shape

Never put a baseball cap in the dryer — heat warps the brim and shrinks the fabric. Always air dry:

• Place on a hat shaper or inflatable display stand immediately after washing
• Alternatively, place over a bowl or coffee can of similar size
• Air dry at room temperature away from direct sunlight

Quick Tips for Baseball Cap Care

• Spot clean the sweatband after every few wears to prevent buildup
• Store caps on a hook or hat rack — never crushed under other items
• Wash every 1–2 months with regular wear, or sooner if visibly soiled
• Avoid putting caps in the washing machine without a cage — they'll come out misshapen

Recommended Products

• Eiito Hat Washer Cage (4-Pack) — keeps caps perfectly shaped in the washing machine or dishwasher
• Inflatable Hat Display Stand (3-Pack) — maintain cap shape while air drying