Trying to figure out how to clean your dirty hats? Pop them in the dishwasher! This simple guide will teach you how to wash hats in the dishwasher in six easy steps.
Our hats take a lot of abuse. They protect us from the harsh elements and absorb the sweat, dirt, and natural oils from our hair and heads. Washing hats in the washing machine can cause friction, loss of shape, and damage – so we have the perfect solution!
Learn how to wash your hats in the dishwasher to keep them looking like new. If you can secure your hat to the dishwasher racks, use warm water, and turn off the drying cycle – you can definitely use this method. All you need is your dirty hats, a dishwasher, and some eco-friendly detergent to revitalize your head-gear.
How to Wash Hats in the Dishwasher: First Steps
(Foto: Denise Doherty/Utopia)
Step 1: Check
First, check your hat for any frayed edges or tears. If you find any, a gentle hand wash might be the best way to get it clean again. It is also important to check the label. Materials like cotton or synthetics are safe to put inside your dishwasher, but other materials – like wool – could get damaged. Don’t forget that your baseball cap rim might be made of cardboard, which is also unsuitable for the dishwasher. If the label says hand wash only, do what you are told!
Step 2: Pretreat
If your hat is heavily soiled, you may need to pretreat it before washing it. You can use conventional products, but why not reduce consumption and make a DIY homemade stain remover instead? Apply thirty minutes before the main wash for maximum effectiveness.
Step 3: Place the Hat in the Dishwasher
It is important that you place the hat away from the heating elements, so place it on the top rack of your dishwasher. Use the prongs to secure your hat, and make sure there are no other dishes in the machine. It is perfectly ok and more eco-friendly to wash multiple hats together.
Next Steps
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / 1643606)
Step 4: Add Detergent
Always try to select an eco-friendly detergent in nontoxic, biodegradable packaging. Finding one can be difficult and the research can be confusing sometimes. We once believed that detergent pods were the new biodegradable solution to reducing plastic waste and many of us have switched. Forbes recently revealed, however, that detergent pods may leak large amounts of untreated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) that then enter water systems and contaminate the planet and our food chain.
Why not try a natural, gentle, vegan, and eco-friendly alternative – like castile soap? This versatile favorite could go on to replace a variety of your regular cleaning products and will be gentle on your hats. And if you would really like a project, learn how to make your own laundry detergent for your clothes as well.
Step 5: Select the Correct Setting
Most detergents – natural and chemical – work well at low temperatures. Make sure the drying setting is turned off and select a low-temperature eco cycle. Switch on your dishwasher and relax.
Step 6: Allow to Dry
When the cycle is completed, remove the hat from the dishwasher and place it in a well-ventilated area to dry naturally. Do not leave your hats in a window that receives strong sunlight, as it might fade the color of the fabric. It’s important to maintain the hat’s structure and shape as it dries – place it on an upside-down bowl if you need to!
Read more:
- Washing Clothes with Vinegar: Benefits of Adding Vinegar to Laundry
- Homemade Dish Soap: DIY Dish Soap and Dishwasher Detergent
- Homemade Oven Cleaner: 3 DIY Methods Better Than Chemical Cleaners
- This Is How You Unclog Your Dishwasher in 5 Easy Steps
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