How to wash a cap in a washing machine?

A baseball cap is a popular headwear item, loved by both adults and children. Its daily use in the summer requires frequent washing. The question of whether or not to machine wash a baseball cap is a pressing one for many. Let's explore how to effectively and gently clean a baseball cap without damaging it.

Machine washing rules

The main rule, well known to everyone, is to carefully study the information on the product label before choosing a cleaning method. Every manufacturer includes basic care recommendations, the optimal washing cycle, and the preferred washing temperature on the label. These parameters will vary depending on the fabric and materials used to make the baseball cap.

If the manufacturer does not allow machine washing of a cap with a visor, you should avoid loading the product into the washing machine.

When washing with a washing machine, exercise caution. It's important to choose a detergent suitable for the fabric the garment is made of. It's also important to maintain the correct temperature—avoid overheating the water. If you're washing a baseball cap, select a wash cycle that includes a low heat setting and a low spin speed. It's best to skip the spin cycle altogether and simply remove the cap while it's still wet and place it on a drying rack to dry. This will help the cap retain its shape.

However, if your cap has a thick brim, it's best to play it safe and hand wash it. Machine washing can fray the brim's edges, significantly ruining the baseball cap's appearance.

Care depending on the material

Before washing your cap in the washing machine, find out what material it's made of. Basic care instructions will vary depending on the fabric type. So, let's look at how to clean hats based on the fabric type.

Leather baseball cap. A stylish piece that complements both sporty and casual looks. It is not advisable to wash caps made of genuine leather frequently, and cleaning should be done by hand. The sequence of actions will be as follows:

• Whip up a thick lather with shavings of laundry soap. Apply it with a brush over the entire surface of the baseball cap. Wait a few minutes, then remove the lather and any remaining dirt with a damp cloth and wipe the cap dry.
• If you have particularly problematic areas, rub them with fresh onion juice. To do this, cut an onion in half and rub it over the affected areas;
• Wipe the surface of the cap with a piece of flannel cloth soaked in lemon juice. This procedure will eliminate the unpleasant onion smell;
• Dry the baseball cap in a dark, ventilated place.

After a few simple steps, your leather headdress will look like new.

Wool cap. Wool items require special, careful care. Constant exposure to moisture can cause a baseball cap to become misshapen, shrinking or stretching. It's recommended to treat the cap with products specifically designed for wool. It's also a good idea to use a softener to add softness to the material.

If you notice your cap has stretched slightly during use, soak it in hot water. Afterward, place the hat in a container of cool water for 10 minutes.

Do not wring out a wool item; simply lay the baseball cap on a horizontal surface to dry naturally.

Synthetic cap. Wash a synthetic baseball cap at a temperature no higher than 30°C. Avoid using harsh detergents to avoid damaging the cap. If you don't follow the temperature guidelines and choose the right detergent, you risk leaving the cap looking unattractive.

Fur hats. It's not recommended to wet insulated winter caps. Dry cleaning is preferred. If funds permit, it's recommended to take the item to a dry cleaner so professionals can remove stains as gently and effectively as possible. When cleaning an item with a fur visor yourself, you can use one of the following products:

• salt;
• semolina;
• baby powder;
• soda.

Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cap's surface. Then, using a clothes brush, comb the mixture out of the lint.

Machine washing will inevitably cause the fur hat to lose its shape.

It's acceptable to soak a fur hat in soapy water. Soaking should not exceed ten minutes. Otherwise, the item may become misshapen.

A mixture of ammonia and rubbing alcohol will help remove serious, old stains. Pour equal parts of the solutions into a container and rub the stained area with the resulting mixture. Sprinkle the treated areas with semolina, which acts as an absorbent. The final step is to thoroughly comb out any semolina from the cap's nap.

We'll wash it in the dishwasher

An unusual, but more gentle option for washing caps. Thanks to the dishwasher's operating principle, the baseball cap will lie in one place during cleaning, rather than spinning like in a washing machine drum. Since the initial position of the product will be preserved, it will not lose its shape.

To wash a cap in the dishwasher, place the item in the dishwasher, add detergent, and select the desired water temperature. The cleaning process will be gentle and won't damage the cap. If one cycle doesn't remove the stains, treat the stains manually and run the dishwasher again.

The ideal place to place the baseball cap is on the top shelf of the machine's chamber, which is designed for mugs and glasses.

The integrity of the cap's visor will be ensured by gently washing it with water. To protect the cap from color fading, you can purchase a special cap-shaped washing bag. A bag will also prevent the cap from wrinkling and bending, so after purchasing a protective bag, you can also try machine washing.

How to dry?

After effectively cleaning your hat, it's crucial to dry it properly. Certain cap care guidelines apply not only to the washing process but also to the drying process. Here's what you need to remember:

• the item must not be wrung out or hung on a rope with clothespins;
• The baseball cap must be dried strictly horizontally;
• It's important to give the product the correct shape. The cap can be placed on a can, a mannequin's head, or an inflated balloon. If there's no object that perfectly fits the headdress, you can simply stuff it with white paper;
• It's best to avoid exposing the item to direct sunlight. Exposure to sunlight will not only cause fading but also creasing. Dry the garment in the shade, in a well-ventilated area.

Keeping these recommendations in mind can prolong the life of your cap. Properly caring for your hat will ensure its appearance stays in good condition for a long time.

   

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