Whether it's your favorite ball cap or a hand-knit winter hat, there will come a time when every hat needs to be washed. Dirt and sweat can leave stains and odors behind that you don't want to put on your head, but before you toss your headwear in the washing machine with the rest of the laundry, there are a few things you need to do to make sure it comes out clean—not destroyed. 

Which Hats Can Be Safely Washed? 

As with anything you're about to put in the laundry, check your hat's care label first. Some hats should be dry cleaned and will be ruined in the washing machine. Other hats, like straw hats or vintage ball caps, which are made with cardboard brims, can also be destroyed when machine-washed and should only be cleaned by hand. 

Otherwise, cotton and cotton-blend hats, including those with mesh, are typically durable and resilient enough to be washed with your other laundry. Hats made from 100% cotton might shrink a bit, but not so much that they become unwearable. Wool and wool-blend hats are also typically machine washable, but they can lose their shape. If you have a hat with a defined shape,  dry cleaning may be the safest option. 

How to Wash a Hat in the Washing Machine

To safely wash your hats in a machine, you need to do a bit more preparation than for the rest of your laundry. First, pretreat any stains with a bleach-free stain remover, and let it soak for 30 minutes. Then, place the hat in a laundry bag or pillowcase to help protect its shape from damage caused by the motion of the machine. 

Always wash your hats with a load of similar-colored laundry. Washing the laundry bag on its own can cause more twisting and matting, ruining the hat's shape. For the best results, wash the entire load with cool or cold water on the gentle cycle. Remove the hat from the rest of the laundry before putting anything in the dryer. All hats, regardless of style or material, should be air-dried to prevent damage and shrinkage.

Should I Use the Dishwasher?

Although you may have seen suggestions to clean hats in the dishwasher instead of the washing machine, this is not recommended. The high heat, extreme agitation, and chemicals in dishwashing detergent can ruin hats. The washing machine or hand-washing is a much safer option. 

Wash your hats and the rest of your laundry in clean, well-maintained, and efficient machines at City Laundry in Lincoln, NE. This local laundromat has plenty of coin-operated washers, including high-capacity and heavy-duty machines, to help you tackle even the biggest, dirtiest loads. For added convenience, the machines allow you to pay with cash or with your mobile device. Call (402) 483-2113 with questions, or visit their website to learn more about the machines, hours, and services.