Your favorite baseball hat has most likely been through its fair share of wear and tear. If you wear it for everyday use, workouts or a sporting event, that hat is definitely going to need some TLC. Sweat, grime, and dirt buildup is going to leave your go-to cap begging for a wash.

Here’s two tried and true ways to get your hat spick and span again.

In the washing machine

You can definitely wash baseball hats in the washing machine but do so with care and caution. You don’t want your favorite cap coming out of the washer stained, deformed, or faded.

  1. Spot treat stains first! Use a spot stain remover or some detergent, and gently scrub any stubborn stains before the main wash.
  2. Protect your hat. You can use a hat frame (you can buy these off of Amazon or other online sites) – these mold and cage your hat to keep them in the same upright and suitable shape. You can also put your hat in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag for similar results.
  3. Feel free to put other laundry in the washer along with the hat (make sure you consider colors though). This will balance out the items in the washer to make sure the hat won’t be damaged during the cycle.
  4. Use a delicate or handwash cycle, to ensure your hat isn’t being thrown around too much.
  5. Use a mild detergent to protect the fibers in the hat. Skip the fabric softener.
  6. Use a warm or cool water temperature.
  7. If possible, air dry the hat to keep the integrity of the makeup and shape. If you’re in a pinch and need to use a dryer, dry in low heat and for a shorter period of time.

Hand wash

If you have the time, hand washing is a great option when cleaning your hat.

  1. Fill a basin, sink, or bathtub with warm water.
  2. Check your hat for any stubborn stains. If you find some – dab some detergent on them and rub or brush gently on the stain with a toothbrush or washing brush.
  3. Add a cap of detergent (use your discretion depending on how many items you’re washing) to the warm water and mix around.
  4. Place the hat in the warm water and mix around, being careful not to fold or damage the shape of the hat. Use your hands or a brush to gently scrub the hat.
  5. Let sit in the warm, soapy water for around 20 minutes.
  6. Once your hat looks and feels clean, rinse with cool or warm water and let air dry.

Whether you’re washing your cap in the washing machine or by hand, both methods are sure to get your favorite hats back in tip top shape.