Your favorite cap has seen things. Summer games, long hikes, bad hair days. It's earned a wash, but a gentle one.

Quick answer: hand wash it in cool water with a little dissolved sheet, scrub the sweatband with a soft brush, rinse, and air-dry over a ball or a rolled towel to hold its shape.

The dishwasher myth

You've heard it. Put your cap on the top rack. It can work for some newer caps. But heat and dishwasher detergent can warp brims, fade colors and loosen glue.^† Hand washing is the safer bet.

Check the brim

Older caps sometimes have cardboard inside the brim. Soaking can ruin it. Tap the brim. If it sounds hollow or feels papery, spot-clean only.

The method

1. Fill a sink with cool water and a quarter of a sheet.
2. Spot-test a hidden spot for colorfastness.
3. Scrub the sweatband with a soft toothbrush.
4. Dip and swish the rest of the cap.
5. Rinse in clean cool water.
6. Shape and dry over a ball, bowl or rolled towel.

Sweat stains

Yellow sweatband stains are related to pit stains (read it). A soak with a dissolved Just 9 sheet helps.

FAQ

Can you put a baseball cap in the washing machine? Some can, on a gentle cycle in a cap frame. Hand washing is safer.

Is the dishwasher safe for hats? It can warp brims and fade colors. Hand wash instead.

How do I get sweat stains out of a cap? Soak with an enzyme formula and scrub the sweatband gently.

How do I dry a cap without losing its shape? Dry it over a ball or rolled towel.