# How to Clean Hats in the Dishwasher: Best Practices for Hat Care
Hats are more than just accessories—they’re functional pieces that shield us from the sun, rain, or wind while adding a touch of personal style. However, with regular wear, hats can accumulate sweat, dirt, and oils, leaving them looking worn and smelling less than fresh. While hand-washing or tossing them in a washing machine might come to mind, cleaning hats in the dishwasher is a surprisingly effective and convenient method that’s gained popularity. This article dives deep into the best practices for washing hats in the dishwasher, drawing from expert advice and authoritative sources to ensure your headwear stays in top shape.
## Why Use a Dishwasher to Clean Hats?
Using a dishwasher might sound unconventional, but it offers unique advantages over traditional cleaning methods. Unlike a washing machine, which can agitate and tumble hats, potentially misshaping them, a dishwasher provides a gentler wash with water jets that clean without excessive movement. “The great advantage that the dishwasher has over the washing machine is that it doesn’t tumble or agitate its contents. This means that an item like a hat is able to retain its shape while being washed,” explains Flamingo Appliance Service. Additionally, dishwashers can kill bacteria and remove odors effectively due to their high water pressure and temperature settings, making them a practical choice for refreshing hats [(Flamingo Appliance Service)](
However, not all hats are suitable for this method. Understanding which hats can handle the dishwasher and how to prepare them is key to success.
## Which Hats Can You Wash in the Dishwasher?
Before you toss your favorite hat into the dishwasher, check its material and construction. Experts agree that hats made of durable fabrics like cotton, polyester, or synthetic blends—such as baseball caps—are the best candidates. “For example, baseball caps made of cotton or polyester often hold up well because they can handle the water pressure and temperature without warping,” notes Yessica Bello, a cleaning expert at Bello’s Cleaning, as cited by Homes & Gardens. On the flip side, hats with delicate materials like wool, silk, leather, suede, or straw should never go in the dishwasher, as the heat and water jets can ruin them. Vintage hats or those with cardboard brims (common in pre-1983 baseball caps) are also off-limits, as water can dissolve the cardboard and destroy the structure [(Homes & Gardens)](
To be sure, always inspect the care label inside your hat. If it says “hand wash only,” skip the dishwasher and opt for a gentler method. Likewise, hats with glued-on embellishments, fragile stitching, or sentimental value are better cleaned by hand to avoid damage.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Hats in the Dishwasher
Here’s a detailed, foolproof process to clean your hats in the dishwasher, compiled from expert recommendations across multiple sources:
### Step 1: Prepare Your Hat
Start by examining your hat for stains or heavy soiling, especially around the sweatband, where oils and sweat tend to build up. “Pre-treating the hat with a liquid or paste can help to boost the effectiveness of the wash cycle,” advises Mr. Appliance. Use a mild laundry detergent or a stain remover (avoid bleach) and gently scrub the dirty areas with a soft toothbrush or cloth. Rinse lightly if needed, but don’t soak the hat yet [(Mr. Appliance)](
If you’re worried about the hat losing its shape, consider using a hat frame or Cage. “Hat frames or shapers are used to protect the shape and prevent bending,” explains wikiHow. Open the frame, place the hat over the dome with the brim inside, and snap it shut to secure it. These are widely available online or at specialty stores.
### Step 2: Set Up the Dishwasher
Empty the dishwasher completely—don’t wash hats with dirty dishes. “Food residue could lift off of your dining ware and get caught in the hat’s seams,” warns wikiHow. Place the hat (or hat frame) on the top rack, furthest from the heating element at the bottom, to minimize heat exposure. If you’re not using a frame, prop the hat on the rack’s prongs or secure it with flexible straps to keep it in place during the cycle [(wikiHow)](
### Step 3: Choose the Right Detergent
Add a small amount of detergent to the dishwasher’s compartment—about 1 tablespoon of a mild, non-bleach cleaner like Borax or a gentle dishwasher detergent works best. “Avoid any dish detergents with lemon or bleach since this could change your hat’s color,” cautions wikiHow. Test a small, hidden spot on the hat with the detergent first to ensure it won’t fade the fabric. Avoid laundry detergent, as it’s not designed for dishwashers and can leave residue.
### Step 4: Select the Wash Cycle
Run the shortest, coldest cycle your dishwasher offers, and turn off the heated drying option if possible. “Change the settings on your dishwasher to the coldest and shortest setting possible,” says wikiHow. High heat can shrink or warp hats, especially those with plastic components like modern baseball cap brims. Look for gentle cycles labeled “Eco,” “Light,” or “Delicate” in your dishwasher manual for the safest wash [(Fred’s Appliance)](
### Step 5: Dry the Hat Properly
Remove the hat as soon as the wash cycle ends—don’t let it sit through a drying cycle. “You need to remove your hat from the dishwasher before the drying cycle begins as this tends to be very hot and could damage your hat,” notes Flamingo Appliance Service. Air-dry the hat by placing it on a rounded object like a bowl, jar, or rolled-up towel to maintain its shape. Leave it in a well-ventilated area for 24-48 hours until fully dry. If you used a hat frame, you can leave the hat in it while drying.
## Additional Tips for Hat Care
– **Pre-Clean the Dishwasher**: Ensure the dishwasher’s filter is clear of food particles to avoid transferring grime to your hat.
– **Batch Cleaning**: Gather multiple hats from family or housemates to clean at once, maximizing efficiency.
– **Avoid Overloading**: Wash only hats in the cycle—mixing them with other items increases the risk of damage or contamination.
– **Post-Cleaning Check**: Inspect the hat after washing. If stains remain, spot-clean by hand with a mild detergent and repeat the process if necessary.
## Benefits and Risks of Dishwasher Cleaning
The dishwasher method shines for its convenience and ability to deep-clean without excessive scrubbing. “Your dishwasher could be the best way to kill bacteria and remove bad smells without having to hand scrub,” says Homes & Gardens. However, there are risks. Yessica Bello warns, “Washing hats in a dishwasher is a topic of debate among clothing care experts. Generally, I do not recommend washing hats in a dishwasher due to the potential for damage.” Heat-sensitive materials, fragile brims, or worn-out hats may not survive the process intact, so weigh the pros and cons based on your hat’s condition.
## Alternative Cleaning Methods
If the dishwasher feels too risky, consider these alternatives:
– **Hand-Washing**: Submerge the hat in cool water with a teaspoon of mild detergent, scrub gently, and air-dry. Ideal for delicate or vintage hats.
– **Spot Cleaning**: Use a damp cloth and detergent to target stains without soaking the entire hat, perfect for cardboard-brimmed caps.
– **Professional Cleaning**: For expensive or intricate hats, dry cleaners offer specialized services to preserve shape and material [(FC Dry Cleaners)](
## How to Maintain Your Hats Long-Term
Cleaning is just one part of hat care. Store hats in a cool, dry place—preferably in hat boxes or on shelves—to prevent crushing. Avoid hanging them on hooks, which can stretch the fabric. For straw hats, stuff the crown with tissue paper to maintain shape when not in use. Regular light cleaning (e.g., brushing off dust) can reduce the need for frequent deep cleans.
## FAQ: Common Questions About Cleaning Hats in the Dishwasher
**Q: Can I wash any hat in the dishwasher?**
A: No, only hats made of durable materials like cotton or polyester (e.g., baseball caps) are safe. Avoid wool, leather, suede, straw, or hats with cardboard brims.
**Q: Will the dishwasher ruin my hat’s shape?**
A: Not if you use a hat frame or prop it properly on the top rack and avoid heat drying. Without these precautions, there’s a risk of warping.
**Q: What detergent should I use?**
A: Use a mild, non-bleach cleaner like Borax or gentle dishwasher detergent. Avoid lemon-scented or bleach-containing products to prevent discoloration.
**Q: Can I wash hats with dishes?**
A: No, wash hats alone to avoid food residue or grime transferring to the fabric.
**Q: How often should I clean my hats?**
A: It depends on use—every 6-12 months for occasional wear, or more often if they’re sweaty or visibly dirty.
**Q: What if my hat still looks dirty after the dishwasher?**
A: Spot-clean stubborn stains by hand with a soft brush and mild detergent, then air-dry.
By following these best practices, you can keep your hats clean, fresh, and structurally sound using your dishwasher. Whether it’s a trusty baseball cap or a casual bucket hat, this method offers a hassle-free way to maintain your headwear—provided you choose the right hats and settings. Give it a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of a revitalized hat ready for your next adventure!