Wash a Hat
 

Ok, so I have a couple of nice flex-fit nba team hats that are about due for a washing, and if possible, I would like to avoid taking them to a dry cleaner who will charge far more than their effort is worth. I was wondering if any of you have any tips as to how to do it at home without doing any damage to it. Thoughts?

You can buy a "cage" (cap buddy I think its called) that is made for washing your hats in at most sporting good stores. It snaps down over the hat and helps it keep its shape. I use one and just put it in the dishwasher.

do not ever dry your hat in a dryer. let it air dry. i made that mistake once and it came out shrunken and funny looking, ruined a favorite hat. damn.

Wear it in the shower and give it a good champu while it is on your head. Wear it out of the shower, and then put it out to dry - occasionally while it is drying putting it on your head (it does feel sketchy when still wet, but it really helps retain the shape of the thing, minimize shrinkage, and you don't have to reshape the bill.

apetaster's idea sounds a bit unorthodox, but also sounds like it will work. im gonna give it a shot during my next shower :)
thanks

I just wash mine in the washing machine in cold water and after the spin cycle i put it on until its dry. When you're done your hair will hurt tho!!!

The absolute best way to wash your hats is in the Dish Washer. There is no agitation or spinning so no deformation of the peak. Yet there is still a good detergent cleaning to remove any and all dirt, sweat etc.

When done in the dishwasher - air-dry.

Guaranteed process.

I've used the dishwasher for years. Just put it on the top rack. I also let them air dry and sometimes wrap the bill around a can (just pick out something in the cupboard).

Dishwasher, thats all there is to it. If you dont have one you can start the thread "Need to install a dishwasher"

Definitely the dishwasher. Make sure you are using a soap that doesn't have any harmful agents like a bleach. I ruined a nice black hat because the detergent had a bleach in it. Other than that, I do it all the time and it always comes out perfect.

One other important note like others have said: Dont use heat to dry it. For some reason, the hats dont like it.

I wash and dry my fitted hats all the time. In the washing machine and the regular dryer with all the rest of my clothes. A little shrinkage, but I feel they fit better when a little shrinkage happens. The dryer will eventually start tearing the front of the bill, so, I'd say a max of 3 trips to the dryer b4 they start to get ratty.

cold water, a cage, and in the dishwasher sounds like the best idea to me.

i agree with apetaster , i wash mine with shampoo and even wear it wet after if i`m outside, but a dry towel wadded up and shaped to fit works well

spit and rub

or dishwasher

we got a hat cage here, but i'm usually neverthinging about it so i just plug the drain turn the sink faucet on and use shampoo

I use apetaster's method too. Doesn't get quite as clean, but it does help shape hats to fit nicely. I do feel a bit goofy wearing a hat in the shower. :-)

Hahaha I have never heard of the shower method, Ill have to give it a try. I have ruined plenty of hats in the washing machine and have had very good luck with the dishwasher. What does the "Hat buddy cage" do? That just help keep the form??

Why would you ever wash a hat? The sweat and dirt collected there, give a hat its character!

It is a well known fact that any article of clothing, if left alone for two weeks, will automatically be clean!