Ruined or Revived? What Happens When You Throw Your Hat in the Washing Machine
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Thinking of tossing your favorite cap in with your laundry? You might want to read this first.
It's the end of a long summer, and your favorite hat—the one that's been your shield against sun and sweat—is looking worse for wear. Naturally, the question arises: Can I just toss it into the washing machine and let Whirlpool do its magic?
Before you hit that start button, consider this: while washing machines are excellent at rejuvenating t-shirts and towels, your hat might not be quite so forgiving. Cleanliness is noble, but destruction is permanent.
The Anatomy of a Hat: More Than Meets the Eye
Not all hats are created equal. From baseball caps to bucket hats, each comes with its own structure, fabric blend, and washing tolerance. A cotton cap is far more machine-friendly than, say, a wool felt fedora with internal stiffeners or a vintage snapback with cardboard brims.
The key lies in understanding the materials. Cotton, polyester, and nylon generally hold up in the wash. Wool, suede, leather, or structured brims? Proceed with caution—or not at all.
Machine Washable Hats: Yes, But With Conditions
Yes, some hats can be washed in the machine—but not without caveats. Here’s how to do it without turning your cap into a collapsed pancake:
✅ DO:
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Use a gentle cycle with cold water.
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Place the hat in a protective garment bag to prevent it from losing shape.
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Use mild detergent—avoid bleach or heavy-duty formulas.
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Let it air dry using a rounded object (like a bowl) to retain structure.
❌ DON’T:
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Use hot water or high spin cycles.
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Throw it in with heavy items like jeans or sneakers.
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Ever—ever—use a dryer (unless your goal is a doll-sized version of your hat).
Structured Brims: A Machine’s Worst Nightmare
Older baseball hats often contain cardboard inserts in the brim. While modern caps typically use plastic, vintage or lower-end models still rely on materials that disintegrate in water. Submerging these in a washing machine is like soaking a paperback in a bathtub—irreversible damage is all but guaranteed.
When in doubt, spot clean. Or better yet, hand wash in cool water with a soft brush and detergent.
Alternatives: The Dishwasher Hack (Yes, Really)
Strangely enough, some people swear by the dishwasher for cleaning hats—top rack only, with no heat drying. While not officially endorsed by hat manufacturers, it’s a method that preserves shape better than a tumbling spin cycle.
Still, be warned: one wrong setting, and your hat could come out looking more “modern art” than “classic fit.”
Conclusion: Proceed with Caution, or Prepare to Say Goodbye
So, can hats go in the washing machine? Yes—but only some, and only with care. When handled properly, your headwear can emerge refreshed and revived. But make one wrong move, and you could be waving goodbye to your go-to cap.
In short: treat your hat like your hair. Gentle products, mild treatment, and no excessive heat.