what is the best way to wash caps/hats without shrinking or tearing them up? They are normal wear dirty.?

Question

I have a few that are really dirty, but most are just from normal wear. They pick up the oils from your hands and head. I don't want to throw them in the washing machine because I'm afraid they will get ruined. Thought there might be a light way to clean them. Anybody have a good solution?

Answer 1

At a fabric store, or perhaps a place like wal-mart you can get a plastic frame that is hinged at the tip of the bill of the hat. You will have to flatten the curve of the bill to put it in. The hat slides over the bottom half and the top half closes down to keep the shape of the hat. You can usually then put it in the dishwasher (perhaps just without any dishes) to get it clean like new!

Answer 2

The thought of washing a ball cap in the same machine where my dishes are washed is very unappealing to me, so I just toss my husbands hats and caps in the washing machine with a load of like colored clothes. They come out clean and I re-shape them, if needed, and either hang then on the clothesline or set them on top of the dryer to dry. I've been doing this for 25 years and have never ruined one. In fact he's got caps that are over 10 years old that are washed several times a year and they are in great shape.

If the cap or hat happens to come out of the washer a little crumpled, stuffing it with newspaper with help re-shape it while drying.

Answer 3

Back in the 70's when big bell Levi's ruled, there were a few things we did besides the cold wash. If the jeans fit perfectly, dry low, but not quite all the way. If they tend to be on the short side, hang dry UPSIDE-DOWN. Clip or pin the two front corners and the back corners of the bottom of the jeans together and put a hanger between them to hang upside-down. If the fit is just a hair from perfect, wash cold, dry low till damp, and put them on. Be careful to keep them clean, but they will dry right to your dimensions to an exact fit. Another tip, we used to wash our jeans inside-out because we wanted the brand new dark blue color and fabric feel. It keeps away fading for as long as possible. It won't do anything for shrinkage, only looks.

Answer 4

I put delicate items like this inside of a pillow case and secure it with a safety pin. I then put it in the washer and run it normally. The pillow case protects it.

The washer isn't what normally shrinks clothing items...it's the dryer.

After the items are washed, just lay them out to air-dry.

If there are stains on the items, pre-treat them as you would any other article of clothing.

Also, look at the tag on the hat...it will usually give cleaning instructions, but I don't think they recommend putting them in the washer. But I've never had a problem with it.

Good luck.

Answer 5

Baseball caps wash rather nicely on the top rack of a dishwasher. Some specialty stores (such as Linen & Things) carry baseball hat forms that fit in the dishwasher for this use.

As far as other type of hats ~ cowboy hats, fedoras etc., the common way to clean them is to brush them thoroughly with a stiff, but soft bristle brush.

Answer 6

They have these cap holders that you can buy from Target, Walgreen or order on line. They keep the hat in it's original form, just throw it in the washer. Viola'

Answer 7

I wash my boyfriend's caps in the sink, with Dawn dishsoap and a dish brush. They come out looking new. Just scrub them clean, rinse, and hang to dry.

Answer 8

My husband washes his in the top rack of our dishwasher. They have always come out clean and never ruined.

Answer 9

there are fitters for your hat to go on, and in the wash.

Also, OR get a mesh bag that you wash delicate things in.