Washing a cap - these are the tips you should follow
EmbroideryManufactory the blog
When you travel by public transport, the seat next to you is empty more and more often? In the pedestrian zone, lanes are forming around you lately? You spend a disproportionate amount of time washing your head in the shower? These are all indications that it's time to give your cap an intensive cleaning. How do you do it? We've done some research and compiled the best tips for washing caps. Whether it's a New Era cap, flexfit cap, snapback cap or baseball cap - we'll show you how to give your headwear a new shine.
Table of contents
- Cap wash in the washing machine
- Cap wash in the dishwasher
- Cap wash by hand
- Conclusion
Wash the cap in the washing machine?
Now you will say: I'll throw my cap in the washing machine. That is definitely an option. But only if your model is suitable for this - and very few of them are. It's logical when you think about the influences the cap is exposed to in the washing machine. In the drum, the cap is constantly spun back and forth. In the truest sense of the word, it's a test for adhesives, plastics and seams. Deformations are also not excluded.
The main problem, however, is that in many caps the umbrella underneath the fabric cover is made of cardboard. Anyone who has ever left a cardboard box on the terrace in the rain knows what water can do to cardboard. It is self-explanatory that this is not necessarily good for your cap. What's more, detergent is used in the washing machine - this can damage the colours of your cap.
Even if your cap is suitable for the washing machine according to the manufacturer's instructions, there is still a small residual risk. But there is a solution, at least as far as possible deformations are concerned. You are obviously not the first to wonder whether you can throw your cap in the washing machine. Clever minds have developed the so-called BallCapBuddy. A plastic rack in which you put your cap before the wash cycle.
The manufacturer promises that the cap will keep its shape. Ingenious idea, isn't it? The question is whether it works. Opinions differ here: some are totally enthusiastic, others report unflattering changes in shape. Have you already tried the BallCapBuddy? Tell us about your experiences
Washing the cap in the dishwasher?
As we have just learned, washing the cap in the washing machine causes some problems. The spin cycle in particular can cause considerable damage to the cap. It is good that there is another appliance in the household in which things can be cleaned: the dishwasher. As is well known, there are far fewer shocks in the dishwasher. So should we put it in the dishwasher? Here, too, opinions differ.
When washing your cap in the dishwasher, it depends first and foremost on the material of your cap. As with the washing machine, water is used in the dishwasher. For us, this means: plastic umbrella good, cardboard umbrella bad! If you are already on your way to the dishwasher, pause for a moment. Washing in the dishwasher also involves certain dangers. For one thing, the water shoots out of the machine's spray arms with quite a bit of pressure, which can possibly damage the seams. And then there is the influence of the dishwasher tabs. These contain in the
Bleach as a rule. So it's quite possible that your cap will lose its bright colours in the dishwasher. Nevertheless, for the brave among you, here are the step-by-step instructions.
How to wash your cap in the dishwasher
- Take a round bowl, turn it upside down and put the cap over it. Alternatively, you can use the BallCapBuddy.
- Put the bowl and cap in the dishwasher. Note: If you are washing dirty dishes, use the top compartment for the cap. It is best to wash the cap in a separate cycle.
- Now add a dishwasher tab or dishwasher powder. Note: The colours of your cap will be better preserved if the tab or powder does not contain bleach.
- Start the dishwasher. Now it's time to wait.
- As soon as the rinse cycle is finished, remove the cap together with the bowl or BallCapBuddy.
- Leave the cap on the bowl or in the BallCapBuddy until it is completely dry. This way you avoid deformations.
Wash caps by hand?
If you love your bike, you push it. If you love your cap, you wash it by hand. That doesn't rhyme, but it's just as true. When in doubt, washing by hand is the safest option. Here, your headwear is exposed neither to spin cycles nor water pressure. However, it also depends on what the manufacturer's instructions say and what material the umbrella is made of. It depends on which of the two instructions you should follow.
Wet cleaning: How to clean your washable cap by hand
You will need: a container (bowl, sink, etc.), cold or lukewarm water, detergent, a towel and a toothbrush for coarse soiling.
- Fill the container with water.
- Distribute a little washing powder in the water. Important: The powder must dissolve.
- Soak the cap. Rub off stubborn dirt with a toothbrush.
- Remove the foam from the cap with lukewarm water.
- Take the towel and dab the cap with it.
- Let the cap dry in the fresh air. Tip: To keep the cap in shape, you can put it over a bowl, over another cap or simply over your head. Alternatively, you can put it on your dog. Joke.
Dry cleaning: How to clean your non-washable cap by hand
You will need: a soft brush (e.g. lint brush), lukewarm water for stubborn dirt, mild detergent or wool detergent and a soft and damp cloth. And possibly a toothbrush.
- Frees the cap from stickers.
- Scrub the cap carefully with the brush.
- You can carefully work on embroidery, plastic and sweatbands with a toothbrush.
- Ready!
Now your cap should look like new again. If not, do the following:
- Dissolve the above detergent in lukewarm water.
- Take a soft cloth, dip it into the detergent water and attack the stains with it.
- Remove the detergent with a damp cloth.
- To dry, place the cap on an upturned bowl, stretch it in the BallCapBuddy or simply put it on.
Conclusion: Better safe than sorry
Now you know the most important methods for washing caps. Which one you choose is up to you, of course. Our recommendation: It depends on the occasions you wear the cap and how important it is to you. A cap that is only used for jogging or in the gym can safely withstand minor discolouration or deformation. So put it in the dishwasher or, if need be, in the washing machine.
Caps that are really important to you should always be washed by hand. Regardless of whether they are washable according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is the best way to keep your cap looking good.
Caps that are really important to you should always be washed by hand. Regardless of whether they are washable according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is the best way to keep your cap looking good.