How to Wash Golf Hats Without Ruining Them

Last year, I ruined ten branded tournament hats just 12 hours before tee-off. They went from structured and sharp to soggy little pancakes—all thanks to a hotel washing machine and my overconfidence.

Don’t make my mistake.

Whether you’re wearing your favorite Travis Mathew cap, sourcing custom golf hats for your brand, or washing your dad’s lucky cotton hat before Father’s Day, this is the definitive guide to washing golf hats the right way—without shrinking, warping, or wrecking embroidery.

Quick Answer: What’s the Best Way to Wash a Golf Hat?

The safest way to clean a golf hat is by hand. Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Scrub the sweatband gently, rinse thoroughly, and air-dry over a bowl or mold to keep the shape. Avoid hot water, dryers, and bleach.

Now let’s break down the best methods, cleaning tools, product tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

Method 1: Machine Washing (Use With Caution)

This works for:

• Polyester hats
• Performance mesh caps
• Lightly soiled structured hats

Avoid machine washing if:

• Your hat is cotton, wool, or vintage
• It has sentimental or collector’s value
• It features intricate embroidery

How to do it properly:

1. Place hat in a hat cage or pillowcase
2. Use cold water on a gentle cycle
3. Use mild detergent only
4. Air dry over a rounded surface like a bowl or balled towel

According to Sunday Golf, machine washing can work for modern performance hats, but hand washing is always safest.

Method 2: Hand Washing (Best for Most Hats)

Titleist officially recommends hand washing to protect hat structure and logo integrity.

You’ll need:

• Warm water
• Mild dish soap or Woolite
• Soft brush or sponge
• Clean towel
• Bowl or can for drying

Steps:

1. Mix warm water and a small amount of soap
2. Gently scrub sweatband and stained areas
3. Rinse thoroughly
4. Pat dry with a towel
5. Air dry over a rounded surface to maintain crown shape

Perfect for custom or private label golf hats with embroidery or cotton fabric.

Method 3: Dishwasher Cleaning

This method works for:

• Polyester structured caps
• Performance mesh-back hats
• Hats needing light cleaning

How to do it:

• Use the top rack only
• Place in a hat cage
• Run a cold or warm water cycle
• Avoid heated dry
• Use dishwashing detergent, not laundry soap
• Wash hats alone, not with dirty dishes

This method is widely discussed in the GolfWRX forums and used by team coaches and golfers with performance caps.

How to Remove Sweat Stains and Odor

DIY solution:

• 1 tbsp baking soda
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1 cup warm water
  Apply the mixture to stains, let sit for 30 minutes, scrub lightly, rinse, and air dry.

Recommended products:

Especially useful for athletic hats or hot-weather golfing conditions.

Cotton vs Polyester Golf Hats: Which Cleans Better

Always check the label. When in doubt, hand wash.

Top 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Golf Hats

1. Using hot water
   Warps the hat and fades logos.
2. Drying flat
   Makes the crown collapse. Dry over a bowl or mold.
3. Using bleach or harsh detergent
   Can damage embroidery, discolor fabrics, and reduce lifespan.

Are Custom or Private Label Golf Hats Washable

Yes. At JoinTop, we manufacture hats specifically designed to be worn, washed, and reworn.

Our team works with golf brands, tournaments, and retailers to produce hats that hold up in real-world use, and look good after every clean.

Our hats are:

• Pre-tested for machine and hand wash safety
• Made with durable embroidery and breathable fabric
• Produced using OEM and private label manufacturing
• Available in structured, unstructured, and performance styles

About JoinTop

JoinTop is a global leader in manufacturing custom golf hats for brands, clubs, and distributors. Our goal is to help you create caps that not only look great—but also survive the elements and laundry.

Our capabilities include:

• Full-service OEM and private label hat production
• Factories in Vietnam, Bangladesh, and China
• Sweat-resistant, breathable, and easy-clean materials
• Fast lead times, flexible MOQs, and global export

Contact Us

Ready to build golf hats that clean well, wear better, and help your brand stand out?

Email us at: info@jointopcap.com
Or request a sample and quote through our contact form.

We’ll help you design a golf hat that performs on the course—and in the wash.