Nina Caldwell
Golf hats are an essential accessory for any golfer, providing shade and completing an outfit. However, they can quickly become stained and dirty from sweat and grime. This raises the question: how do you clean them? The best method depends on the type of hat. Wool, leather, and silk hats need to be handled differently than cotton or polyester hats. For example, you should refrain from using detergent soap if your hat is made of wool, leather, felt, silk, or satin and refer to the manufacturer's instructions instead. Before cleaning, it is important to test if the hat is colourfast. To do this, apply a small amount of cleaner to the bottom of the hat with a rag; if the cloth retains colour, refrain from using soap. If the hat is colourfast, you can use laundry detergent or a stain remover to pre-treat any stains before hand-washing or machine-washing the hat.
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What You'll Learn
Hand washing in the sink with laundry detergent
To hand wash your white golf cap in the sink with laundry detergent, start by filling your sink with warm or cold water. Avoid using hot water as this may damage the cap. Add a small amount of mild laundry detergent to the water and mix it in.
Before submerging your cap, use an old toothbrush to spot clean any visible stains. Gently scrub the stains with the toothbrush and detergent. Once you are done spot cleaning, place your cap in the sink and leave it to soak for at least one hour. If your cap is only mildly dirty, a quick soak of around 15 minutes may be enough.
After soaking, remove the cap from the water and rinse it thoroughly with warm or cold water. Gently pat the cap dry with a towel, being careful not to damage the fabric. To reshape the cap, stuff the inside with a clean, dry hand towel or place it on top of a ball or bowl. Leave it to air dry completely before wearing or storing it.
Hand washing is the safest method for cleaning golf caps, but it is important to note that different materials require different care. Wool, for example, is a delicate fabric that requires a detergent specifically designed for wool. Silk and leather should also be handled differently from cotton or polyester caps.
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Using the dishwasher
Pre-Treatment:
Firstly, identify the material of your golf cap's bill. Older caps may have cardboard bills, which should only be spot cleaned and not submerged in water as moisture will damage them. Modern caps typically have plastic bills and are more durable and machine-washable. If your cap is heavily soiled or stained, consider pre-treating it with a liquid or paste to boost the wash cycle's effectiveness. You can use a stain remover like Shout, or a paste made from baking soda and warm water, applied with a soft-bristled brush.
Choosing the Right Cycle and Detergent:
When using the dishwasher, opt for a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water to minimize wear and tear on the fabric. Avoid harsh detergents and regular dishwasher detergent as they can damage the fabric, cause discolouration, and produce too many suds. Instead, use a mild or delicate dish soap or a detergent designed for delicates. Remember to use only a small amount to prevent excessive sudsing.
Placement and Accessories:
Place your golf cap in the top rack of the dishwasher, which is farthest from the heating element. To preserve its shape, use a dishwasher-safe hat rack or cage designed to protect both the bill and the cap. These accessories are available online or at stores.
Drying:
After the cycle, remove the cap and set it aside to air-dry overnight. Place it in an area with adequate airflow and ensure it is positioned to maintain its shape while drying. You can set the cap on an overturned bowl that matches the interior size of the cap for support if the fabric is flimsy. Avoid using a dryer as it can damage the cap and cause shrinkage.
Additional Considerations:
While the dishwasher is convenient, it may not always yield the desired results. Some people prefer handwashing as the safest method, although it is more time-consuming. If you decide to handwash, use warm water, a small amount of mild soap or detergent, and an old toothbrush for spot cleaning. Always let your golf cap air-dry, regardless of the cleaning method.
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Soaking in oxyclean
Soaking your white golf cap in Oxyclean is an effective way to clean it. Oxyclean is particularly good at removing stains from bodily fluids, oil, and grease.
To start, fill a sink, large bowl, or washing machine with water. The water should be warm, not hot. Add a small amount of Oxyclean to the water and stir it through. You can also add a small amount of laundry detergent to the mix. Next, place your golf cap in the water and ensure it is fully submerged. Leave the cap to soak for at least an hour, or a few hours if it is particularly soiled.
Once the cap has soaked, you can either run it through a rinse cycle in the washing machine or remove it from the water and rinse it under a tap. After rinsing, gently squeeze any excess water from the cap, being careful not to wring it out, as this could affect the shape. Finally, allow the cap to air dry. Do not put it in the dryer, as this could also affect its shape.
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Using a washing machine
If your golf cap is made of wool, leather, or silk, it will need to be handled differently than a cap made of cotton or polyester. Before cleaning your cap, check the label for the manufacturer's guidance. If your cap is made of cardboard, avoid submerging it in water as the moisture will damage it. Most caps made in recent years tend to have a plastic insert, which means they are more durable and usually machine-washable.
If you decide to use a washing machine, be careful with the other items you include in the load. You can put your cap in a pillowcase or a reusable mesh bag to protect it. Alternatively, you can buy a cap washer or a dishwasher hat rack to protect the shape of your hat during its cleaning journey. These "hat racks" are relatively inexpensive and can be used in the washing machine and the dishwasher.
When using a washing machine, opt for a gentle detergent and water that is not too hot. Do not use bleach, as this may damage your hat. Instead, use an appropriate amount of detergent as recommended by the manufacturer. Wash your cap on a cold, gentle cycle.
Once the cycle is complete, reshape the hat while it is still damp, then leave it to air dry. Do not put the cap in the dryer, as this may shrink or warp it. Instead, place your hat on a container to ensure it dries in its true shape. You can speed up the drying process by facing a small fan towards it or using a hairdryer on a low setting.
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Air drying
When hand-washing a golf cap, it is important to use lukewarm or warm water, rather than hot water, and a mild detergent or laundry soap bar. A soft-bristled brush or cloth can be used to gently scrub the hat, paying particular attention to the brim and headband where sweat tends to collect. After scrubbing, the hat should be rinsed thoroughly and then left to air dry.
If using a washing machine to clean a golf cap, it is recommended to use a delicate bag to protect the hat from other items in the machine and prevent it from being crushed. A gentle cycle with cold water is best. Once the cycle is finished, the hat should be removed from the washer and rinsed thoroughly before being allowed to air dry.
For machine-washing compatible hats, the dishwasher can be used. However, this requires careful consideration of the materials and cycle used. A hat rack or cage designed for dishwashers can help protect the shape of the hat. It is important to use a non-bleach, mild detergent and set the dishwasher on a cold water cycle with any heated dry option turned off. After cleaning, the hat should be removed and allowed to air dry naturally.
There are also methods to neutralise odours and remove stains from golf caps without the need for a thorough wash. Baking soda can be sprinkled inside the hat and left for 10-15 minutes before being brushed or shaken out. Vinegar can also be used as a natural cleaner; mix equal parts vinegar and water, and apply the solution to stained areas using a soft cloth or sponge. Leave the solution for 5-10 minutes before rinsing and allowing the hat to air dry.
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Frequently asked questions
Hand washing is the safest method. Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Gently scrub the cap with a soft-bristled brush or cloth, focusing on the brim and headband. Rinse and air dry.
Yes, but only if your cap is made of cotton, jersey mesh, or a blend of polyester fabrics. Use a hat cage or rack to protect its shape and set the dishwasher to a gentle cycle with cold water.
Mix a small amount of laundry detergent or stain remover with warm water and use an old toothbrush to scrub the stains. Alternatively, use a natural cleaner like vinegar or an enzyme treatment.
Sprinkle baking soda inside the cap, on the sweatband, or wherever odours have accumulated. Leave for 10-15 minutes, then brush or shake off any remaining powder.
Air drying is recommended. Do not put your cap in the dryer, as this may damage its shape. You can wear the cap while it's still slightly damp to help it retain its shape.
