For many people, hats are a regular staple in their wardrobe. Whether they are running errands, doing yard work or requiring sun protection, a cap will become sweat-stained and dirty over time. Before throwing your cap into the washer and dryer, use this guide to better understand which items may need special care and which can be washed without damage. 

Determining Factors for Washing 

While most clothing you wear can go through the washer and dryer, hats can be a notable exception.There are multiple factors that determine whether or not a hat can be washed. The type of material, quality of the hat, stitching, and brim. 

Hats made out of polyester, cotton, twill or synthetic materials such as acrylic or mesh, are typically durable enough to withstand a washing machine without losing their shape. For baseball caps, only those with a plastic brim can be washed with water. Straw hats, no matter how durable, can never be washed in a washing machine. 

Best Way to Wash a Hat

Once you've ensured your hat can be washed, it's critical you wash it with care. Never opt to use the dishwasher in lieu of a washing machine. 

The temperatures get extremely hot, easily ruining the fibers of your cap. If you decide not to hand wash your garments, the preferred method for delicate or vintage caps, put them in the washer in cold water on the gentle cycle with similar colors. 

If you are worried about a hat losing its shape, secure it in a garment bag or pillowcase for the wash cycle. For deeply soiled hats, be sure to pre-soak to help remove stubborn stains. Rather than putting your washed hats in the dryer, air dry them in a well-ventilated outdoor space on a clean towel.

Laundry may not be everyone's favorite chore. However, City Laundry in Lincoln, NE, makes this necessary task a breeze. Their self-service machines and large capacity washers and dryers mean your clothes come out of the wash as good as new without a long wait or multiple loads. Whether you've got delicates or clothing that needs heavy duty stain removal, their machines are up to the task. This laundromat makes payment easy with coin or mobile payment options. For questions about their facility, call (402) 483-2113 or visit the website.