Sweat lines, makeup on the brim and a hat that just smells worn: most caps can be cleaned at home with a little care, and some hats are better left to a cleaner. Here is how to clean a hat safely, what to avoid, and what professional hat cleaning costs at Top Hat Cleaners.
Check the label and the material first
Look inside the hat for a care label. Cotton and polyester caps usually handle gentle water cleaning. Wool, felt, straw, leather and suede hats can shrink, lose their shape or stain from water, so treat them differently. If there is no label, test any cleaner on a hidden spot first. Our laundry care symbols guide explains what each symbol means.
How to clean a baseball cap by hand
- Spot-treat stains. Dab a little mild detergent on sweat lines or marks and work it in gently with a soft brush or cloth.
- Soak briefly in cool water with a small amount of mild detergent, for about 15 to 30 minutes. Use cool water to protect colors and the brim.
- Rinse with cool, clean water until no soap remains.
- Blot, do not wring. Press out water with a towel so the crown and brim keep their shape.
- Air-dry on a form, such as a rolled towel or a bowl, out of direct heat and sun. Do not use the dryer.
What to avoid
- Hot water and the dryer, which can shrink the fabric and warp the brim.
- Bleach, unless the label allows it.
- Soaking hats with a cardboard brim. Older caps sometimes have one, and water can ruin it.
- Scrubbing hard, which can fuzz the fabric or loosen embroidery.
Hats by material
| Hat | At home |
|---|---|
| Cotton or polyester cap | Spot-clean or hand-wash in cool water, then air-dry on a form. |
| Wool cap or beanie | Spot-clean gently; avoid soaking and heat, which can shrink wool. |
| Felt hat | Brush off dust in the direction of the nap; keep it dry. Ask a professional about stains. |
| Straw hat | Wipe with a barely damp cloth; do not soak. |
| Leather or suede trim | Keep water off the trim; see our leather care guides. |
When to use a professional hat cleaner
A professional clean is worth it for a hat you care about, a stain that will not come out, a hat with delicate trim, or a material you are not sure about. At Top Hat Cleaners, cap and hat cleaning is $10.99, and the final price is confirmed after inspection. Bring it in or ask us first whether your hat can be cleaned, especially for felt, straw or leather. See all prices and our guide to how dry cleaning works.
Leather or suede hat or trim? See leather cleaning and how to clean leather.
Hat cleaning near you
Pickup and delivery is free on qualifying orders of $45 or more in participating areas, so a hat can go in with the rest of your dry cleaning. You can also drop off at a Top Hat Cleaners store; in Dallas, the store is at 8517 Ferndale Rd. Find every address on our locations page, or see dry cleaning in Dallas.
Ready to book? Schedule a pickup or call 214-348-0666.
Related guides
Skip the DIY. We'll clean it for you.
Top Hat Cleaners picks up and delivers across Dallas-Fort Worth. Dry cleaning, wash & fold laundry, pressing, and specialist saree care, with free pickup and delivery on qualifying orders.
Find dry cleaners near you: Dry cleaners in Dallas · Dry cleaners in Bedford · Dry cleaners in Flower Mound · Dry cleaners in Irving · Dry cleaners in Colleyville · Dry cleaners in Bartonville · Dry cleaners in Cleburne
Also see our dry cleaning, laundry service, leather cleaning, comforter cleaning, wedding dress cleaning and all locations.