How to Wash Hats in the Dishwasher Safely

Ever glanced at your favorite baseball cap, the one with sweat stains and dirt, and wondered if you can get it sparkling clean again?

The answer is yes. In fact, it’s easier than you think. For one thing, you can always put it in the washer with some laundry detergent.

That’s not all, you can even put it in the dishwasher. That’s right, the machine isn’t just for dishes – you can also use it to wash baseball hats. If anything, it’s even better than using the washing machine.

Not only will it clean your baseball cap but it’ll also preserve its original form – much better than other methods.

Interested? Want to learn more about how to do it? If so, you’re at the right place. We’ll be going over everything that you need to know about washing baseball caps below. Keep reading to learn more!

Preserving the Shape of Your Hat With Dishwasher Cleaning

Hats, like baseball caps, require special attention when it comes to washing. For example, their shape can easily become distorted if you put it in a traditional washing machine.

That’s where dishwashers come in. Unlike washers, they will gently clean the hat while preserving its shape.

This has to do with how they distribute water. More specifically, the water is distributed evenly during the wash cycle using jets – instead of the harsh, spinning movements that are often found in washers. Given that, they’re much more likely to remain intact, even after several rounds of cleaning.

Types of Hats Suitable for Dishwasher Washing

The idea of washing hats in the dishwasher might seem odd. But it’s a tried and tested method that can give your headgear new life, especially if they’re made from certain materials.

Understanding Your Hat’s Material

Hats come in various fabrics, but not all are suitable for dishwasher cleaning.

Cotton and polyester hats fare well as they retain their shape during the wash process. Baseball caps also stand up to this type of cleaning quite well because most have plastic brims.

Whether or not your hat has delicate embellishments also determines whether or not it can be tossed into the dishwasher. Generally speaking, it’s best to avoid washing hats with these details as they might not be able to withstand the rough water flow from the dishwasher cycle.

Preparing Your Hats for the Dishwasher

Take a close look at your hat. If it’s heavily soiled or stained, you’ll need to give those areas some extra attention before popping the cap in the dishwasher.

Hand washing stains is simple: just use a gentle cleaner and a soft brush. Just remember to test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first. This way, if something goes wrong with colorfastness or material integrity, it won’t be as noticeable.

Tip: You’ve heard about pre-soaking clothes right? Well, your baseball cap is no different. If anything, pre-treating them can significantly boost the effectiveness of the wash cycle.

So go ahead – don’t be shy about giving your favorite baseball cap a little TLC before its big trip through the kitchen appliance gauntlet.

Loading Your Baseball Cap Into the Dishwasher

Start with an empty dishwasher. For the best results, put your baseball cap on the top rack. That will ensure less heat exposure and protect the delicate fabric from the water jets, the latter of which can potentially misshape or ruin your beloved cap.

If you want, you can also use a hat frame or a dishwasher-safe container designed specifically for hats. They will help maintain the shape of your hat during cleaning and prevent accidental snagging or tumbling around inside the machine.

How to Wash Hats in the Dishwasher

Choosing the right wash cycle and detergent can make a big difference. It’s like picking out shoes for an important event – you need to consider both comfort and style.

Choosing Your Detergent

Avoid harsh detergents that could damage your hat’s fabric. A gentle dishwashing detergent without bleach or citric acid is best.

You also need to be mindful of temperature settings. Too hot, and you might end up with a shrunken cap. So set your dishwasher on a normal wash cycle with warm water.

The last thing we want is to have our favorite baseball cap come out looking like an infant-sized beret because we didn’t choose wisely when selecting our dishwasher setting.

Running a Hat-Only Cycle

A hat-only cycle will prevent color bleeding and potential fabric damage. Before starting, make sure there are no food residues inside your dishwasher, which could stick onto your hat during washing.

If you have multiple hats to clean at once, consider using a mesh laundry bag for added protection. It will hold them together while still allowing water and detergent access for thorough cleaning.

Monitoring Your Wash Cycle

Ideally, you want to turn off the dishwasher before it goes into ‘dry heat mode’ – that will prevent overheating or shrinkage issues.

Instead of hot air, we’ll be handling the drying process a little differently.

Drying and Shaping Hats after Dishwasher Washing

Once the cycle is done, let Mother Nature take over and do her work. Remove your hats promptly from the dishwasher and find a spot with good airflow where they can dry overnight.

Maintaining Hat Shape During Drying

Is your hat losing its shape after being washed? Don’t worry, you can prevent that by using a household item, such as an overturned bowl, to maintain its shape while drying.

Tips for Hat Maintenance and Longevity

Preserving the life of your hats isn’t as tricky as it may seem. Remember, regular cleaning, smart storage, and mindful handling can go a long way.

Regular Cleaning

Cleaning your hat is essential to its longevity. Sweat stains, dirt, or dust build-up can damage the fabric over time.

Consider washing your hat in the dishwasher using gentle cycles and mild detergents without bleach or citric acid to avoid harming the material.

Proper Storage

Avoid squishing or stacking your hats on top of each other when storing them away. This could lead to misshapen brims or creased crowns that are tough to fix.

Instead, consider hanging them up on a wall-mounted rack where they’ll be able keep their shape intact while not in use.

How to Wash Hats in the Dishwasher – FAQs

Is it safe to wash hats in dishwasher?

Yes, but only for certain types of hats. Typically, baseball caps and those made from durable materials like cotton or polyester (including trucker hats and bucket hats) can withstand a dishwasher’s cycle.

What’s the best thing to wash hats with?

You want to go for a mild detergent – one that’s free of bleach and other harmful chemicals as they can damage the fabric of your hat.

How can you wash a hat without damaging it?

To avoid damaging your hat, choose a gentle cycle and let it air dry naturally while maintaining its shape.

Putting Baseball Caps in the Dishwasher Summary

And there you have it – a guide on how to wash baseball caps! If anything, the cleaning process is quite straightforward; you just have to put it on the top rack of the dishwasher and run a warm wash cycle.

Just remember, not all hats are suitable for the dishwasher. For example, when it comes to delicate fabrics, hand washing is the better option. Also, you want to avoid using the dishwasher for hats with delicate embellishments as they may get damaged in the process.

And as far as drying goes, air drying is best – ideally with an item to maintain its shape such as an overturned bowl. You want to avoid exposing your hat to direct heat as that can cause damage to the hat form over time.