How to Wash a Hat in the Washing Machine

When laundry day rolls around, your hat is typically not the first thing you think of washing. However, hats quickly build up grime and odor over time, and you should wash them frequently. Though there are a couple of ways to clean your hats, our favorite method is using gentle, non-toxic laundry detergent sheets and your washing machine for ease and convenience. Here’s how to make washing hats in the washing machine delightful:

What You’ll Need to Wash a Hat

To wash your hat in the washing machine, you’ll need a few items. 

• Gentle laundry detergent: Non-toxic detergent sheets from HeySunday are a great option, as they are designed to combat tough stains with none of the toxic chemicals found in traditional detergents and will leave your hat feeling clean and fresh.
• Hat cleaning cage (optional, but recommended): This item ensures the hat keeps its shape in the washing machine. Of course, you can also successfully wash your hat without one.
• Drying rack or space: Ensure you have a space or drying rack to let your freshly washed hat dry undisturbed.

Once you have these items, you’re ready to start washing! Next, we’ll dive into how to clean your hat step-by-step.

How to Wash Caps and Hats Step-by-Step

Before tossing your caps or hats in the wash, take a moment to check the material they are made of. Older baseball caps (in other words, caps made before 1983) used cardboard bills instead of the sturdier plastic ones used in baseball caps today. 

You can determine whether your cap has a cardboard bill by flicking it with your fingers—a cardboard bill will sound duller and hollow compared to a plastic-substrate bill or a resin bill. If your hat contains cardboard, don’t put it in the washing machine or submerge it in water; doing so will permanently damage it.

If your hat doesn’t have cardboard, look at the materials it’s made from. Some materials fare better in the washing machine than others! Here are some general guidelines for each type of hat, but at the end of the day, follow the care instructions on your hat’s tag and opt for a natural laundry detergent that will be safe on the fabric.

• Cotton, cotton blends, and synthetic fabrics are usually safe to throw in the wash. Know that with 100% cotton hats, they may shrink a little. 
• Wool hats are often okay for the washing machine but are more likely to lose their shape. We recommend hand-washing your wool caps if you want to be safe. 
• Leather and suede hats should not be put in the washer and should only be spot-cleaned. 

Once you determine the hat is safe to wash, it’s time to get to it! If your hat is made from cotton, here’s a step-by-step on machine-washing it:

• Add your hat to your washing machine: Wash it with items of similar weights so it doesn’t get crushed in the mix! We recommend washing it with other hats, socks, lightweight tees, or other non-bulky items.

Set your washer to the delicate cycle: If available on your washing machine, select the delicate cycle to ensure your cap is laundered as gently as possible. If your machine doesn’t have a delicate cycle, you can set it to the low soil level for a similar effect.Use cold water wash: Cold water is generally gentler on fabrics. Washing your hat with cold water can help maintain its original color and shape.

• Let air dry: When your washing machine has finished its magic, remove your hat and set it on the drying rack or designated drying space. Allow it to sit undisturbed until completely dry.

Some sources may suggest washing your hat in the dishwasher. Though you can give this a try, our testing suggests avoiding this method since the high heat drying function of dishwashers may cause your hat to warp or shrink. Dishwashing liquid is also harsher than non-toxic laundry detergent sheets, which can damage your cap.

General Tips for Hat Washing

Now that you know how to wash your hat in the washing machine, here are some other tips to remember.

What cycle should you wash your hat on?

If your washing machine has a delicate cycle, opt for that. If not, a low-soil cycle option works well. We also highly recommend selecting cold water when washing your cap. Doing so is gentler on the hat’s fabric and is less likely to cause it to shrink.

Can you wash hats with other clothes?

Yes! We recommend washing hats with other hats or lightweight items that won’t crush the hat and cause it to lose its shape. You may wash it with socks, scarves, lightweight tees, and similarly-weighted items.

Is it bad to put hats in the dryer?

It may not be bad to put your hat in the dryer, but it’s not recommended. Dryers expose your hats to added heat, which can cause them to warp or fade faster than if you were to air-dry. After much research, we recommend that you avoid putting your hats in the dryer.

How Often Should You Wash a Hat?

There is no one answer when it comes to how often you should wash your hat. The first thing to consider is how frequently you wear the hat and for what purpose you’re wearing it! If you wear the same cap on your daily runs, then you’ll want to wash it more frequently than a hat you only break out on rare occasions. Plus, the hats you wear for athletic activities will likely need more cleaning than hats worn for casual wear.

Final Thoughts

Washing your hats should be easy and stress-free, and fortunately, relying on your trusty washing machine can make this a reality. Just remember to treat your hat with care to minimize the risk of damaging its shape or fabric. Gentle is the way to go when it comes to washing your hat, which is easy to do as long as you use a non-toxic laundry detergent and the cold setting on your machine. 

If you come up against more laundry questions or simply want some tips on how to make the process as smooth as possible, the HeySunday blog has you covered. Find guides to walk you through how to wash your shoes, comforter, and more.