There’s something about white hats, whether it’s a beanie, a panel hat, or even your favorite baseball cap. The color shouts freshness and boldness — no one wears a white hat expecting to go unseen.

The hat makes you look sharp, turning heads until it’s dirty and stained. But, how do you clean a white hat? Read on for a stepwise guide on how to get your favorite hat to its glamor. It’s time to add a skill to your hat maintenance repertoire.

How to Clean A White Hat

Before Washing

Getting your hat cleaned up is the ultimate aim. But before you dip it and start washing, here are a few things you should do.

Read the Labels

Before you start washing, check the labels for any washing advice or even restrictions. These will tell you how to take care of and maintain your hat.

Check what material the hat is made of and the recommended washing methods. While some hats are made of a single material, others may be a mixture of different materials.

That means washing methods will be different. For instance, some baseball caps have visors made from cardboard which should not touch the water.

The labels also tell you the temperature to use, the drying method, and sometimes, even sun protection. Follow the instructions on the label, or else you risk damaging your cap.

If for whatever reason, the label is missing, you can research online for the washing instructions for that particular hat. Alternatively, contact the shop where you bought it but if that’s impossible, look for a fabric professional. Most of them can identify different materials and advise you on how to wash them.

Leave Dishwasher for Dishes

You probably might have read that you can clean your hat in the dishwasher. While it might be an easier option than handwashing, it’s not a wise decision.

Dishwashers are meant for dishes. They use extremely hot water and drying cycles that can shrink, discolor, or even warp your hat.