Is your cap an indispensable part of your outfit? Do you really enjoy being out and about with your stylish accessory? Then you may have frequently asked yourself how you can get rid off unpleasant stains and sweat marks from your favourite cap. When you wear it a lot, it’s hard to prevent your cap from getting dirty and looking used. Therefore the right care is key so your cap will always look fresh and clean. Find out in these instructions how to remove sweat marks and stains without damaging your cap. Follow these steps on how to wash a baseball cap to keep it clean and in the best shape.
Step 1: What do I need for the best way to clean baseball caps?
First, collect all the materials required to clean your cap:
- a gentle liquid detergent or special detergent for caps
- a soft brush or an old toothbrush
- a basin with lukewarm water
- a towel
- Option: stain remover for tough stains
Step 2: Check the material before cleaning your cap
Before you start washing your cap, you should check the material. Caps often consist of different materials such as cotton, polyester or linen. The care instructions can vary depending on the material. So make sure you read the label or manufacturer information to follow the best way to clean baseball caps.
Before washing it, you can apply a small amount of the detergent or stain remover to a part of the cap that can’t be seen when you’re wearing it. Rub in the detergent with a damp cloth. If you notice any discolouration in this area, you should only use water to clean your cap.
Step 3: Remove stains
If your cap has any stains, you should try to remove them first. Here are some tips:
New stains: carefully dab the stain with a clean, damp cloth to remove excess liquid. Don’t rub it in because this will result in the stain penetrating deeper into the fabric.
Tough stains: use stain remover suitable for the material of your cap. Follow the instructions on the stain remover and test it first in an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it doesn’t damage the material.
Step 4: Soak it and brush off sweat marks
Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small quantity of mild liquid detergent, mild shampoo or special cap detergent. Stir the water until the detergent has dissolved. Put your baseball cap into the water and leave it to soak for about 15 minutes. While it’s soaking, you can use a soft brush or old toothbrush to carefully brush off sweat marks and dirt. Don’t apply too much pressure so you don’t damage the material. Caps with a cardboard peak should not be soaked in water because the cardboard may dissolve or distort. Instead, remove only the stains so your cap isn’t damaged.
Step 5: Rinse and dry it
After soaking the cap, thoroughly rinse it with clear, cold water to remove all detergent residue. Carefully squeeze excess water from the cap but don’t wring it to avoid distorting its shape.
Place the baseball cap on a clean towel and carefully shape it back to its original state or put it over an upside-down bowl. Leave it to air-dry, away from direct sun or heat sources that may damage the material. Now you know almost everything about how to wash a baseball cap.
Step 6: Final care
As soon as your cap has dried completely, you can gently apply a lint roller to remove possible lint or hair. Now you know the best way to clean baseball caps.
Regularly follow these steps to keep your baseball caps in the best condition and effectively remove stains and sweat marks. Please note that washing your items too often can result in the colours fading. If possible, treat stains immediately to prevent them penetrating into the fabric.
Can caps be washed in a washing machine?
The image of simply throwing your cap into the washing machine and getting it out sparklingly clean after the cycle is quite tempting. It would certainly save a lot of time. But you should ideally not wash your cap in a washing machine because there are various risks. A lot of water, aggressive detergent and the movement in the drum can damage your cap. Processed adhesives, plastics or seams can dissolve or break. The cap’s peak in particular is not 100% safe from distortion. Plus, the colours could run and fade if you try to wash your cap in this way.
Caps made of cotton, cotton blends, acrylic or mesh, however, may be robust enough to survive the washing machine, especially if you choose a gentle cycle with cold water. But only do that if you’re sure that your cap won’t be damaged so have a good look at the care instructions on the label to prevent any mishaps.
When you look after them properly, your caps will stay fresh and will always look stylish. Overall, it’s not just a question of outer appearance and hygiene but it also affects the durability of your cap and saves you money. Plus, when cleaning your cap, you’re also doing your part to protect the environment because fewer caps have to be disposed of. Investing a few minutes in the care of your cap will pay off for you and you can enjoy the benefits in the long term.
