How To Clean An Embroidered Ball or Trucker Cap

Hats can get dirty and sweaty with repeated wear and embroidered caps are no exception. Cleaning a hat isn’t always as simple as throwing it in the laundry like you would with other embroidered clothing, and depends on both the type of hat and how dirty it is.

Beanies and knit caps can typically be washed in the washing machine with a garment bag. Custom trucker, structured or unstructured hats should be hand washed to avoid risking damage to the shape, shrinkage, or fraying the custom embroidery. Read on to learn our two favorite cleaning methods for embroidered caps!

How to Wash a Trucker Hat: the Quick Clean Method

Sometimes daily wear can cause slight dirt or other build up that leaves your hat looking dingy or feeling uncomfortable. No sweat! Follow these simple steps for a quick clean that will leave your hat looking as good as new:

    1. Fill a clean sink or a small tub with cool water and add a drop or two of mild laundry detergent. Dunk the hat and swish it around to create some suds.
    2. Let the hat soak for just 5 to 10 minutes.
    3. Remove the hat and rinse it thoroughly with cool water.
    4. Gently squeeze excess water out of the hat, but avoid twisting the brim of the hat so it doesn’t lose shape.
    5. Then, use a clean towel to dry off the hat. Either hang up the hat or reshape the hat and set it on a towel to dry.

    The Deep Clean Method:

    If you wear your hat day after day or are super active while wearing it, you are bound to get some deep sweat and dirt stains. We understand that there isn't always time to do spot cleans and sometimes you have to really work to get a stain out. Try this method to get your hat back to looking fresh and clean!

    Supplies Needed:

    • small tub
    • color-safe oxygen bleach
    • towel
    • gloves
    • toothbrush
    1. Before you get started, put on gloves to protect your hands. Fill a clean sink or tub with cool water, then add a color-safe oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean, as directed. Using color-safe is very important for your hat to maintain its color.
    2. To target specific stains, dip the hat into the water, then apply a small amount of detergent to the spot. You can use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the area.
    3. Let the hat soak in the solution for about one hour. Check the hat, and you should be able to see if the stains have been removed.
    4. Rinse the hat in cool, clean water.
    5. Gently squeeze excess water out of the hat, but avoid twisting the brim of the hat so it doesn’t lose its shape.
    6. Use a clean towel to dry off the hat. Gently reshape the hat and then either hang it up or set it on a towel to dry.

    Find the Perfect Custom Embroidered Cap for Your Team at Thread Logic

    Thread Logic offers a variety of baseball and trucker caps with free logo embroidery. With so many options, it can be hard to narrow down your favorites. With our no minimum order requirements, you are free to mix and match styles and colors to ensure you find the perfect selection of hats to meet your needs! Please call us at 1-800-347-1612 to talk to one of our helpful customer service staff.

    HatStructured capUnstructured cap

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    About Jeff Taxdahl

    With over 20 years’ experience in embroidery and business ownership, Thread Logic owners Jeff and Wenda Taxdahl, and the Thread Logic team, know what it takes to make custom logo embroidered apparel that people are proud to wear.