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How to Wash Hats in the Dishwasher Safely
October 21, 2023
-
By
Sophia Grant
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
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.
Avoid washing hats with delicate embellishments in the dishwasher as they may get damaged during the cleaning cycle.
Preparing Your Hats for the Dishwasher
Removing Stains From Your Hat
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.
Step 1: Create a Detergent Solution
In a small bowl, dissolve a bit of ACTIVE Detergent in water to create a solution.
Step 2: Apply the Solution
Using a soft bristle brush (e.g. old toothbrush), apply the detergent mixture onto the stain. Just remember to test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first. That way, if something goes wrong with colorfastness or material integrity, it won’t be as noticeable.
Step 3: Rinse With Water
Once the stain is gone, rinse it with water. It’s now ready to be placed in the dishwasher.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Detergent
- Water
- Soft bristle brush
ACTIVE Laundry Detergent
Highly effective for pre-treating stains on baseball hats.
Loading Your Baseball Cap Into the Dishwasher
How to Wash Hats in the Dishwasher
Once your baseball cap is free of stains, you can put it in the dishwasher.
Supplies:
- Hat frame
- Gentle dishwashing detergent
Step 1:
Place your cap on the top rack of the dishwasher. We highly recommend using a hat frame to keep its shape.
Step 2:
Add a gentle dishwashing detergent without bleach or citric acid. Avoid using harsh products as it can damage your hat’s finish.
Step 3:
Run a normal wash cycle with warm water. Avoid using hot water as it can cause the material to shrink.
Ideally, you want to turn off the dishwasher before it goes into ‘dry heat mode’ – that will prevent overheating or shrinkage issues.
Drying and Shaping Hats after Dishwasher Washing
It can take several hours to a couple of days for your hat to dry completely.
Supplies:
- Hat frame
- Fan (optional)
Step 1:
Take the baseball cap out of the dishwasher..
Step 2:
Place the wet baseball cap in a well ventilated area so that it can air dry.
If necessary, you can use a fan to speed up the drying process.
If you don’t have a hat frame, you can keep its shape by putting it over a household item, such as an overturned bowl. Balloons (pictured above) work too.
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.
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Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
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