Cleaning Golf Hats in a Dishwasher
← Golf Equipment | Golf Accessories & Apparel
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Quick Answer
- Toss your golf hat on the top rack.
- Use mild detergent, skip the bleach.
- Run a gentle cycle on low heat. Easy peasy.
Who This Is For
- Golfers who want a quick, no-fuss way to freshen up their lids.
- Anyone tired of scrubbing sweat stains by hand. Seriously, who has the time?
What to Check First for Dishwasher Hat Cleaning
- Care Label: Always check the tag. If it says “hand wash only” or “do not machine wash,” bail on the dishwasher. Some hats just aren’t built for it.
- Material: Stick to hats made of cotton, polyester, or blends. Wool or straw hats? Nope. Those are a one-way ticket to disaster.
- Construction: Look for cardboard in the brim. Many older or cheaper hats use this, and water will turn it into mush. Modern hats usually have plastic inserts, which are fine.
- Embellishments: Any fancy patches, embroidery, or plastic bits? Make sure they can handle a wash cycle. If in doubt, hand wash.
Step-by-Step Plan for How to Clean a Hat in the Dishwasher
1. Pre-Treat Stains: Got a tough sweat stain? Hit it with a dab of stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water. What to look for: The stain lifting. Mistake to avoid: Scrubbing too hard, which can fray the fabric.
2. Secure the Hat: Place your hat on the top rack. I like to use a hat cage or form if I have one, but you can also wedge it between tines so it doesn’t flip. What to look for: The hat staying put. Mistake to avoid: Letting it tumble around, which can warp the shape.
3. Add Detergent: Put a small amount of mild, color-safe dishwasher detergent in the dispenser. What to look for: Just enough to clean. Mistake to avoid: Using too much detergent, which can leave a residue and make your hat feel weird.
4. Choose Your Cycle: Run the dishwasher on a gentle or normal cycle with low heat or no heat for drying. What to look for: A mild wash. Mistake to avoid: High heat, which can shrink or warp your hat.
5. Air Dry: Once the cycle’s done, take the hat out and let it air dry completely. Stuff it with a clean towel to help it keep its shape. What to look for: A fully dry hat. Mistake to avoid: Putting it in the dryer, which is a recipe for shrinkage and damage.
Common Mistakes in Dishwasher Hat Cleaning
- Using Bleach — Why it matters: Bleach will fade colors and can weaken fabric fibers. — Fix: Opt for a color-safe, mild dishwasher detergent.
- Bottom Rack Placement — Why it matters: The bottom rack is hotter and the spray arm is more aggressive, which can damage your hat. — Fix: Always use the top rack.
- High Heat Settings — Why it matters: Intense heat can warp the brim and shrink the hat. — Fix: Stick to low heat or, better yet, air dry.
- Washing Hats with Cardboard Brims — Why it matters: Cardboard disintegrates in water, ruining the brim’s shape. — Fix: Check the brim material before washing. If it’s cardboard, hand wash only.
- Overloading the Dishwasher — Why it matters: Too many items can prevent proper water circulation around the hat. — Fix: Give your hat some breathing room.
FAQ
- Can all golf hats be cleaned in a dishwasher?
No. Only hats made of durable, colorfast fabrics like cotton or polyester, and without cardboard brims or delicate embellishments, are good candidates. Always check the care label first.
- What kind of detergent should I use?
Use a mild, color-safe dishwasher detergent. Avoid anything with bleach or harsh chemicals.
- Will the dishwasher damage my hat’s shape?
It can, if you’re not careful. Using the top rack, a gentle cycle, and low heat, plus air drying, minimizes the risk. Using a hat form or cage helps even more.
- How do I deal with stubborn sweat stains?
Pre-treat them with a stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water before washing. Gently work it into the fabric, let it sit for a bit, then wash as usual.
- Can I put my baseball cap in the dishwasher?
Yes, if it meets the same criteria as a golf hat: durable fabric, no cardboard brim, and no delicate decorations. The process is the same.
Michael Reeves is a PGA Professional with over 20 years of experience in competitive golf and instruction. A former Division I collegiate player at the University of Texas, he competed on the mini-tours before transitioning to full-time coaching and golf journalism. He has been a certified PGA teaching professional since 2005 and has worked with players at every level, from absolute beginners to collegiate champions.
His writing has appeared in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and The Left Rough. At GolfHubz, Michael leads the editorial team, overseeing fact-checking and ensuring every answer meets the same standard he demands on the lesson tee: clear, evidence-based, and immediately useful.
When he’s not writing or teaching, Michael plays to a +1.4 handicap at his home club in Austin, Texas. He has attended over 40 major championships as a journalist and fan, and has played more than 200 courses across 15 countries.
You can reach Michael at [email protected] or follow his occasional swing analysis posts on the site.