Yes, you can wash certain hats in the dishwasher, but this method requires specific precautions to prevent permanent damage to the hat’s structure and material. The dishwasher offers a convenient way to clean structured hats, like modern baseball caps made of cotton or synthetic fabrics, by avoiding the harsh agitation of a traditional washing machine. Successfully using this technique depends on selecting the correct hat, using the right cleaning agents, and strictly controlling the water temperature and drying process.
The Dishwasher Method
Before placing any hat in the dishwasher, pre-treat heavily soiled areas, particularly the sweatband, with a mild stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water. This helps break down accumulated oils and salts that the gentle cycle might miss. Securing the hat is important, and placing it on the top rack is mandatory to keep it away from the heating element at the bottom of the appliance.
To maintain the hat’s dome shape and prevent the brim from flattening, use a specialized plastic hat frame or cage that clips the cap securely. If a cage is unavailable, secure the hat over the prongs of the top rack, ensuring the brim is not bent. Standard dish detergents are formulated with harsh chemicals and enzymes that can strip color or damage fabric, so they must be avoided.
Instead of dish detergent, use a small amount of mild, non-bleach laundry detergent, or a tablespoon of Borax or baking soda, placed in the dispenser. The dishwasher must be set to the shortest, most gentle cycle available, such as “light” or “china/crystal.” Use cold water only, as high temperatures cause materials like cotton to shrink and can warp plastic brim components.
Prohibit the use of the heated dry cycle, as this high heat is the primary cause of shrinkage and structural damage. Remove the hat immediately after the wash cycle finishes while it is still damp, and reshape it by hand. Air-dry the hat, ideally placed over a rounded object like a coffee can or a hat form, to ensure it retains its intended shape.
Hats to Avoid
Not all hats are suitable for the dishwasher, and cleaning certain materials this way results in irreversible damage. Older baseball caps, particularly those manufactured before the 1980s, often contain a brim stiffener made of cardboard. This material will dissolve or delaminate when fully submerged. If unsure of a hat’s construction, assume it has a cardboard brim and avoid the dishwasher entirely.
Hats made from natural fibers like wool or felt should never be exposed to the dishwasher’s combination of moisture, heat, and friction. Wool fibers tangle and lock together in a process called felting, causing the hat to shrink and lose its soft texture. Leather or suede hats are also susceptible to water damage, as washing strips natural oils, causing the material to dry out, crack, and stain.
Any hat featuring delicate embellishments, such as fragile stitching, decorative patches, metal hardware, or intricate embroidery, should also be kept out. The pressurized water jets can easily loosen threads, detach decorative elements, or cause metal parts to rust or discolor the surrounding fabric.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
Hand Washing
For hats too delicate or made of materials unsuitable for the dishwasher, hand washing is the safest alternative. This method involves filling a clean sink or basin with cool water and mixing in a small amount of mild, non-bleach laundry detergent or a gentle shampoo. Submerge the hat and gently scrub, focusing on the sweatband and stained areas, using a soft-bristled brush or a clean cloth.
After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the hat with cool, running water until all soap residue is removed. Gently press the hat to remove excess moisture without twisting or wringing the material. This technique provides maximum control over temperature and agitation, benefiting wool, felt, or vintage caps. Air-dry the hat over a form to maintain its shape.
Washing Machine
A third option for modern, sturdy hats is using a washing machine, provided a specialized hat cage or frame is used to protect the shape. The hat should be washed with a small load of similar items on the gentle or delicate cycle, using cold water and a mild detergent. This method avoids the high-pressure jets of the dishwasher but still requires the hat to be removed before any heat-drying cycle begins. Ensure it is air-dried to prevent shrinkage and warping.