How to Clean a New Era Hat?

[saskflames69]

I bought a New Era snapback off a friend today for $10. It's a bit dirty, and I would like to get it cleaned. It's mostly dust, but the brim has a small pink stain which I'd like to rid. However, my experiences when cleaning hats have not been so good. Two years ago, my Montreal Expos hat got really dirty and stained, so I threw it in the washing machine and popped it in the dryer. NEVER, EVER CLEAN A HAT IN A WASHING MACHINE.

Needless to say, it's pretty warped. I now know not to do that. So is there any other way to clean a hat? Thanks in advance.

The Deformed Expos Hat ...............................The Dirty Hat

[JonDuke]

Spray it with "Shout" or equivalent, soak it in the sink in some hot water overnight, then chuck it in the washing machine and let it air dry. I've done it with quite a few caps and haven't had a problem at all.

Your problem with warping was from the dryer, not the washer.

[saskflames69]

Originally Posted by JonDuke

Spray it with "Shout" or equivalent, soak it in the sink in some hot water overnight, then chuck it in the washing machine and let it air dry. I've done it with quite a few caps and haven't had a problem at all.

Your problem with warping was from the dryer, not the washer.

Does it wreck the brim?

[ricoFlame]

Originally Posted by saskflames96

I bought a New Era snapback off a friend today for $10. It's a bit dirty, and I would like to get it cleaned. It's mostly dust, but the brim has a small pink stain which I'd like to rid. However, my experiences when cleaning hats have not been so good. Two years ago, my Montreal Expos hat got really dirty and stained, so I threw it in the washing machine and popped it in the dryer. NEVER, EVER CLEAN A HAT IN A WASHING MACHINE.

Needless to say, it's pretty warped. I now know not to do that. So is there any other way to clean a hat? Thanks in advance.

The Deformed Expos Hat ...............................The Dirty Hat

I'm absolutely blown away that you'd put a hat in the washer and the dryer...wow bigtime mistake.

Can't help you with a snap back...but for an older wool new era, just hop in the shower, shampoo and rinse that bad boy, and let it air dry on your melon.

also, love the tag "i am an idiot"...too funny.

[frinkprof]

Your hats are missing their stickers.

[moncton golden flames]

i wash mine on the top rack of the dishwasher with let it air dry.

[JonDuke]

Originally Posted by saskflames96

Does it wreck the brim?

I've never had a brim get ruined, but I also throw it in alone or with a VERY light load. I would suspect your brim got trashed from being smothered by too many other items in the washer. I've also done what Rico did and brought it in the shower after spraying shout on it. Extra points if you lather it up while it's on your head.

[TopChed]

Originally Posted by moncton golden flames

i wash mine on the top rack of the dishwasher with let it air dry.

I've heard this works, but never done it myself.

[Frank MetaMusil]

Dry clean fitted hats, it's the best method.

[Stranger]

I soak it in warm water for an hour and then scrub it with a little soap on an old toothhbrush. I then rinse it and hang it to dry.

[saskflames69]

So its the dryer that warped it, not the washing machine?

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by moncton golden flames

i wash mine on the top rack of the dishwasher with let it air dry.

This. Times a million. That's the only way I ever wash mine. Works like a charm. Just don't put dishes on the bottom rack while you're doing it.

Originally Posted by saskflames96

So its the dryer that warped it, not the washing machine?

Yes. The dryer shrinks the cloth (just like drying a t-shirt, but the cardboard/plastic that forms the brim stays the same size.

[MRCboicgy]

I got a wool baseball cap dry cleaned once, and it made the brim very malleable

[BlackArcher101]

Dishwasher. No joke.

[redforever]

Originally Posted by moncton golden flames

i wash mine on the top rack of the dishwasher with let it air dry.

This actually does work, and it works very well. I have used this method multiple times.

Once the hat is washed but still wet, I stuff the inside of the hat with washcloths or other soft small pieces of cloth to help hold the shape, and then let it air dry.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by moncton golden flames

i wash mine on the top rack of the dishwasher with let it air dry.

I second this.

I did this with one of my hats and it worked good. Just put it in the dishwasher with NO soap. The brim doesn't warp if you do that.

Then just put it outside to dry for a day or so.

[afc wimbledon]

Cleaning a ball cap? christ even round assed farmers don't do that.
You wear it until you cant see the design for grease and dirt then head down the co-op or Massey dealer and cadge another one.

[8sPOT]

I've got a hat protector thing that you put your hat into and throw it into the washer. Keeps the hat intact and comes out super clean, no need to use the dryer. Can't remember where I got it but it looks like this:

[Hockeyguy15]

I clearly do not care about my hats as much as most of you.

[Bean]

Bought one of these from Golf Town, No more than $10, use the dishwasher/air dry method as discussed FTW.