How do you clean a sweat-stained hat?

Apply laundry detergent to the sweatband, scrub with a toothbrush, let it sit for 15 minutes, then hand wash the entire hat in cold water.

Can you wash a hat in the dishwasher?

Modern structured baseball caps (plastic brim) can go on the top rack with no detergent. Vintage caps with cardboard brims will be destroyed.

Spot clean with a damp cloth. For a full wash, use cold water and a wool-safe detergent. Reshape on a form and lay flat to dry.

Make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply to the yellowed areas, let it sit in the sun for an hour, then rinse with cold water.

Clothing & Footwear

Your hats deserve proper care to stay looking their best. Follow these steps to clean them safely without causing damage.

1
Check the label and material
Identify whether the hat is cotton, wool, polyester, or straw. Check the label for care instructions -- older vintage caps often have cardboard brims that cannot get wet.
2
Spot-treat stains
Apply a small amount of Power Wash Laundry Detergent to sweat stains along the headband and any visible marks. Work it in with a soft brush.
3
Hand wash in cold water
Fill a basin with cold water and a capful of laundry detergent. Submerge the hat and gently agitate. Focus on the sweatband area.
4
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse under cold running water until all soap is gone. Gently squeeze out excess water -- never wring the hat.
5
Reshape and air dry
Place the hat over a ball, coffee can, or hat form to maintain its shape while drying. Air dry at room temperature.

TIPFor baseball caps, the dishwasher top rack method works for sturdy modern caps. Place it crown-up, run a warm (not hot) cycle, no detergent.
TIPThe sweatband is the dirtiest part. Pre-treat it every time you clean the hat for the best results.
TIPKeep a hat brush near your front door and brush hats after every wear to prevent dust and lint buildup.

XWashing hats in the washing machine, which crushes the brim and distorts the crown shape.
XUsing hot water on wool or felt hats, which causes permanent shrinkage and felting.
XDrying hats in direct sunlight, which fades colors quickly, especially on dark or bright hats.

Most hats should be hand-washed. Some modern polyester baseball caps can tolerate a gentle cycle in a mesh bag, but it's always safer to hand wash.