Can You Wash a Hat in the Dishwasher?

Your go-to baseball cap or favorite gardening hat is stained with sweat and who knows what else — but what's the best way to clean it?

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You might have heard that washing hats in dishwashers is possible, but how safe is this option, and how do you do it?

Can You Wash a Hat in the Dishwasher?

A good dishwasher scrubs the greasy, stuck-on food from pots, pans and plates, so there's no question that it has the capability to get sweat or dirt out of a hat. So, you certainly can wash a hat in the dishwasher.

In fact, you can wash a lot of other things besides dishes in the dishwasher. Bathroom accessories, such as soap dishes and toothbrush holders, get squeaky clean in the dishwasher, as do many kids' bath toys. Kitchen brushes and sponges, vacuum cleaner attachments and the loofah you use in the shower can also typically go through a cycle in the dishwasher.

You might not want to wash hats and other nonfood items alongside very dirty dishes, though. That red tomato sauce from the spaghetti plates could stain your hat, for example.

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Should You Wash a Hat in the Dishwasher?

Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. It's important to consider the effect very warm water, dishwasher detergent, and other factors in a dishwasher may have on your hats.

Dishwashers can use very high heat. That alone can cause damage to the parts or fibers of your hat. The result might be a change in shape or an impact on the function of straps. And if you wash the hat with your dishes, you may use harsh, abrasive dishwashing detergent that can also damage your hat.

You may want to keep vintage, fragile or favorite hats out of the dishwasher for this reason. At the very least, take some precautions when washing your hats in the dishwasher.

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How Do You Wash a Hat in the Dishwasher?

Still want to give this hat-cleaning tip a go? Here are some tips for how to wash a hat in the dishwasher to reduce damage to the item.

• Pretreat the hat if necessary. If the hat is very dirty or has specific dirt spots or stains, pretreat it before you wash it in the dishwasher. Use a product designed for pretreating laundry stains and leave it on for 30 minutes or more before you wash the hat.
• Use a bowl or hat frame. Place your hat in a frame designed for this purpose, or arrange it on a bowl in the dishwasher. This will help the hat keep its shape as it's washed. One good tip is to use a rounded mesh straining device or colander that will allow some water to flow through.
• Remove any super dirty dishes. Wash your hats alone without dishes or without any dishes with sauces or other food particles on them.
• Use the right dishwashing detergent. Use a detergent that doesn't contain harsh chemicals, such as bleach or citric acid. This can reduce how much wear and tear the wash causes for your hats.
• Use a standard wash cycle without heat. Use warm (not hot) water, and skip the heat sanitation or dry cycle.
• Remove the hat for drying. Remove the hat and let it air dry. This can take up to 24 hours. Arrange the hat on a bowl or other item that will help it maintain its shape during the drying process.

You can also use hat frames and other tools to easily wash some hats in the washing machine. And if you love your hat a lot or it's vintage or fragile, you may want to stick to hand and spot cleaning to prevent damage.