How to Wash Golf Hats: The Ultimate Guide

Any avid golfer knows that what you wear on your head says a lot about you. Indeed, a golf hat serves many important purposes: it’s part of your personal style, your shield from the sun or rain, and often the first thing someone notices when you hit the green or tee off. But after a few sweaty rounds, that trusty lid can start looking, well, less than fresh. Whether it’s a white performance cap stained by yellowish sweat rings or a fitted hat that’s starting to smell, keeping your golf hat clean is essential—not just for looks, but for longevity.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cleaning your golf hat, from basic prep and the supplies you’ll need to deep cleaning methods and caring for specific materials.

Extending the Lifespan of Your Golf Hats

Much like golf clothing for men or women, golf hats are often made with performance fabrics, with specialty stitching and moisture-wicking bands that can break down over time if they’re not cared for properly. Regular, gentle cleaning helps extend the life of the hat by removing grime, oils, and sweat salts that degrade these fabrics.

Avoiding Common Cleaning Mistakes

There’s nothing more annoying or disappointing than ruining a good hat by washing it incorrectly. Even if it seems like the easiest solution, simply tossing a golf hat in the wrong wash cycle or using harsh chemicals can leave it misshapen and unwearable: bleach, hot water, or machine drying can warp brims, fade logos, and shrink your favorite cap beyond recognition. How to avoid these all-too-common mistakes? Keep reading: you’re in the right place to find out.

Tools, Materials, and Preparation

Before diving into the different cleaning methods, make sure you have the right tools and that your hat is ready for the wash.

Materials You’ll Need

Here’s your go-to golf hat cleaning kit:

• Mild laundry detergent (no bleach or brighteners)
• A soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush will work well)
• Magic Eraser (for stubborn stains)
• Clean towels
• Hat form or hat cage (especially for machine or dishwasher cleaning)
• A delicates laundry bag
• A washing basin or sink
• Cold or lukewarm water

Optional but helpful:

• White vinegar (a natural deodorizer)
• Oxygen-based stain remover such as OxiClean or Vanish (for tougher stains)
• Color-safe spot cleaner

Preparing Your Hat for Cleaning

Follow these steps to ensure you preserve your hat through the cleaning process.

1. Read the Care Label: Always check the inside tag for cleaning instructions or warnings. Some hats are dry clean only; you may still wish to proceed but bear in mind the process may be more risky and results may differ.
2. Spot Test: Before applying any detergent or stain remover, test a small, hidden area for colorfastness.
3. Brush Off Loose Dirt: Use a dry brush to remove any surface dust, dirt, sand or debris—sometimes, you may even decide this is enough of a freshen up for your hat.
4. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Never use bleach or fabric softener on your hat—they’ll weaken performance materials and can damage logos.

Step-by-Step Guide: 3 Methods for Washing a Golf Hat

Here are the three best cleaning methods, ranked from safest to riskiest, so you can choose the one that best suits your hat’s condition and materials.

Method 1: How to Wash a Golf Hat by Hand

1. Fill a basin or shallow bucket with warm water and laundry detergent. This is the safest, most recommended way to clean most golf hats.
2. Spot clean stains using a Magic Eraser or soft brush. Dampen a Magic Eraser or use a toothbrush to gently scrub away any visible stains, especially around the sweatband or brim.
3. Submerge and soak the hat for 30–60 minutes. Let the hat sit in the basin: this will help loosen built-up oils and grime. Swish it around occasionally to encourage continued cleaning.
4. Rinse thoroughly and gently reshape. Rinse the hat under cool water to remove all soap residue. Gently press out excess water with a towel (don’t wring the hat), then reshape the crown and brim before setting it aside to dry.

Method 2: How to Wash Golf Hats in a Washing Machine

1. Place the hat in a delicates bag, including a hat cage or plastic hat form if possible. A mesh bag will help minimize friction with other garments in the washing machine, while the hat cage will protect the hat’s structure. One caveat: if you use both a hat cage and a delicates bag, ensure the bag is large enough to ensure the hat form itself is not squashed.
2. Use a gentle cycle with cold water. Set the machine to a delicate cycle using cold water and just a small amount of mild detergent.
3. Avoid washing with heavy items that could crush the hat. Don’t wash hats with jeans, towels, bedding such as sheets, or sneakers. Stick to soft garments like underwear, T-shirts, socks or polos.
4. Air dry to prevent shrinking. Remove the hat immediately once the wash cycle is complete and reshape it while still damp. Lay it over a rounded surface, such as a bowl, to help air dry it while maintaining its form.

Method 3: How to Wash Golf Hats in the Dishwasher

This method is surprisingly effective—if done carefully.

1. Place the hat on the top rack. Use a hat cage or secure the hat directly on the top rack, away from any heating elements.
2. Use non-bleach, mild detergent. Opt for a dishwashing pod or detergent free of bleach and dyes.
3. Run on a cold water cycle, without heat drying. If a cold water cycle isn’t available, the eco cycle also uses lower wash and rinse temperatures. Never use heated drying: it will warp your hat.
4. Remove promptly and air dry to maintain shape. Let the hat dry naturally, using a rounded object or hat form to help retain its structure.

Please note: We do not recommend washing Galvin Green hats in the dishwasher. Always follow the care instructions on the garment instead.

Tips for Cleaning Specific Types of Golf Hats

Different materials require different cleaning methods. Here’s how to clean your hat based on its type.

How to Wash a White Golf Hat Without Damaging It

White hats are magnets for dirt and sweat. Avoid bleach, as it can discolor stitching and damage logos. Instead, to keep your whites bright, follow these steps:

1. Pre-treat with an oxygen-based stain remover such as OxiClean.
2. Use distilled white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) to lift sweat stains.
3. Always air dry and avoid direct sunlight, which can cause fabric to yellow.

How to Remove Sweat Stains from Golf Hats

1. Create a paste of baking soda and water. If you don’t have any baking soda, a paste made from equal parts lemon juice and salt can also work, or you can try mixing white vinegar and water together and scrubbing stains with this solution.
2. Apply to stained areas and gently scrub with a soft brush.
3. Let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing in cool water. You can also wash the hat using a mild, bleach-free detergent (especially if you opt for vinegar, as this will help eliminate any odours from the stain treatment solution).

Cleaning Hats Made from Special Materials

Tips to follow if your golf hat is made from wool or synthetics, rather than cotton or twill.

Wool or wool blends

• Hand wash in cold water
• Use wool-safe detergent
• Lay flat to dry: do not hang

Synthetic fabrics such as polyester or spandex

• These can usually handle gentle machine washing
• Avoid high heat or dryer cycles

Maintaining the Shape of Your Golf Hat During and After Washing

Keeping your hat’s shape is just as important as cleaning it. After all, what’s the point of cleaning it if it ends up so misshapen it no longer looks good on your head?

Use a Hat Form or Hat Cage

Hat cages, which are usually made from plastic, help preserve your hat’s shape during both washing and drying. They're especially useful for machine and dishwasher cleaning. When not in use, they also double as storage aids.

Drying Tips to Maintain Hat Shape

• Avoid wringing the hat, which can warp the brim
• Pat it dry with a towel and if needed, reshape while damp
• Place it over an upside-down bowl, small ball, or a rolled-up towel to dry

Washing Your Golf Hat: Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Wash All Types of Hats?

Most modern golf hats can be washed at home, especially synthetic and cotton styles. However, vintage caps, wool hats, or those with cardboard brims should be cleaned with extra care—or left to the professionals. For branded hats like Titleist or Galvin Green, always double-check the label. Many use performance fabrics or bonded seams that benefit from gentler cycles or hand washing

How Often Should You Wash Your Golf Hat?

If you’re playing regularly, clean your hat every 3 to 5 wears or whenever noticeable stains and smells start to appear. In hotter climates or during the summer, weekly cleaning may be necessary.

What If My Hat Still Smells After Cleaning?

• Soak it in a solution of water and white vinegar for 30 minutes
• Use a detergent designed for sports gear: these will help neutralize odors more effectively than generic laundry detergents
• Air dry in a well-ventilated area

If you’ve tried all the above and odors persist, it may be time to retire your golf hat—especially if it’s also stretched or stained beyond repair.

What’s the Best Way to Store Clean Golf Hats?

• Though it may be tempting as it tends to save space, avoid stacking hats to prevent crushing the crown
• Use a hat rack, hat form, or give each hat its own section of a shelf
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight

Community Advice for Cleaning Your Golf Hat

While the above tips and tricks are common techniques amongst both amateur and professional golfers for cleaning your golf hat, community forums such as Reddit reveal a few additional pointers you can try:

• Depending on where you live and your course, some golfers swear by taking their hat for a swim—immediately after a round on the course if possible, while the sweat on your hat is still wet.
• No swimming pool or lake around? Others swear by wearing a hat in the shower and washing it with regular body soap or shampoo. Not only is this super convenient, it’s also a great way to reshape the hat and avoid it becoming crushed in the washing machine or dishwasher.
• For more delicate hats, such as those made from wool, use baby shampoo instead of a regular laundry detergent. If it’s gentle enough for a baby’s skin, it should definitely be good enough for your hat!

Summary

Cleaning your golf hat isn’t difficult, but it does require the right approach. Whether you prefer hand washing, the convenience of a dishwasher, or a gentle machine wash, taking care to follow the right steps can dramatically extend the life of your favorite cap.

Key takeaways:

• Avoid harsh chemicals and heat at all costs
• Use the right tools: think hat cages, a Magic Eraser, and mild detergents
• Prioritize air drying and be sure to maintain the hat’s shape while air drying
• Clean regularly—don’t wait until it’s too late!

With these tips and tricks, not only will you keep your golf hats looking and smelling fresh—you’ll also protect your investment and step onto the green looking like a pro.

Getting ready for a game of golf? Check out What to Wear Golfing: Golf Dress Codes and Appropriate Fashion for men’s golf attire and What to Wear Golfing for Women: Female Golf Dress Code. For additional women’s styling tips and fashion inspiration, you can also check out Cute Golf Outfits for Women.

Written by: Rebecca Tay