How to Wash Caps in the Dishwasher: A 2026 Step-by-Step Guide

Washing a baseball cap in a standard laundry machine often leads to a crushed brim and a lost shape. Using a dishwasher is a popular alternative because it provides a thorough clean without the aggressive tumbling action of a washing machine.

Here is how to safely refresh your favorite caps using your dishwasher.

1. Check the Material and Label

Before you begin, verify that your cap can handle the heat and water.

Look for the Tag: Most modern caps are made of synthetic fibers or cotton blends that are dishwasher-safe.
Avoid Cardboard Brims: Older caps (pre-2000s) or vintage styles often use cardboard in the brim, which will disintegrate in water.
Avoid Delicate Fabrics: Do not use this method for wool, silk, or suede caps, as the heat will cause shrinking or permanent damage.

2. Use a Cap Washing Frame (Optional but Recommended)

To ensure the cap maintains its perfect curve, consider using a plastic cap shaper or "cap cage".

How it Works: These plastic frames lock the cap in place, preventing the fabric from wrinkling and the brim from flattening during the wash cycle.
Placement: Secure the cap into the frame before placing it in the dishwasher.

Read: Choosing the Right Dishwasher Detergent in India

3. Proper Dishwasher Placement

Where you put the cap matters for both safety and cleanliness.

The Top Rack Only: Always place your caps on the top rack. The heating element in most dishwashers is located at the bottom, and placing a cap too close to it can melt synthetic fibers.
Wash Alone: It is highly recommended to wash caps separately from dirty dishes to avoid food particles getting trapped in the fabric.

4. Choose the Right Detergent

Standard dishwashing pods often contain bleach or harsh chemicals that can ruin the color of your cap.

Use Lemon-Free Detergent: Many dishwasher detergents use citric acid or lemon, which can act as a bleaching agent on dark fabrics.
Mild Liquid Soap: Use a very small amount of mild, bleach-free dish soap or a specialized laundry detergent.

5. Select the Correct Cycle

Heat is the biggest enemy of a structured cap.

Cold or Lukewarm Water: Run the dishwasher on a light or delicate cycle using the coolest water setting available.
Turn Off "Heated Dry": This is the most important step. The intense heat of the drying cycle will shrink the cap and ruin the elastic.

"How Old Is My Appliance?"

If you’re not sure how old your dishwasher is, you can find this information by analyzing the tag or sticker that shows the serial number. These tags are often located inside the door of an appliance, on the back, or under an easily removed panel. The serial number tag on most modern appliances lists the manufacture date clearly.

If you can’t find the date, you’ll need to decode the serial number to find out the appliance’s age. Search for this “appliance date code” based on the brand of your appliance, or simply determine the appliance age by typing the brand and serial number itself in an online search. Often, the first few numeric characters simply line up with a month and year.

Regular maintenance can help extend your appliance's working age to the maximum. If it breaks, sometimes it’s more economical to replace an old appliance than it is to repair it. How can you tell? Our appliance repair professionals are happy to advise if you’re unsure about your appliance’s condition.

Not ready to give up on your appliance? Call us or schedule your repair service online.