5-Panel vs 6-Panel Hat: Differences and Use Cases
A 5-panel and 6-panel hat have subtle differences that can affect…
A good cap is like a loyal friend, shielding your head from the sun, standing up to the elements, putting up with your sweat and taking an all-around beating with frequent usage. If your favorite hat is looking dirty and dingy, it’s time to breathe new life into it with a proper washing. Washing machines are famously hard on hats, which is why many people swear by cleaning their hats in the dishwasher. But is this really a good idea? We surveyed professionals to see what they had to say. Read on to learn more.
Jeneva Aaron
Jeneva Aaron is a home decor blogger living in Sacramento, CA. She is the owner and operator of TheHouseWire.
You can but…
You can wash baseball caps in the dishwasher without any problems, as long as they have a plastic frame inside the brim. If they have a cardboard brim, which some older hats do, don’t wash them in the dishwasher (you can imagine what happens to cardboard in the dishwasher).
Make sure to place a cap frame around your hat while you wash it. That will prevent it from warping when it’s wet.
A definite no-no
Washing a hat in the dishwasher is a definite no-no. The main reason is the difference in the kind of detergent used for dishwashers vs. washing machines.
If you use laundry detergent in your dishwasher, you may end up with a kitchen full of suds. Dishwasher detergent is designed not to create suds, whereas laundry detergent produces a lot of them.
If you use dishwasher detergent to wash your hat, it’s likely that the fabric will be damaged, as dishwasher detergent is much harsher than laundry detergent. It may also fade, and you’ll have to hope you can still revive the color of your ball cap.
Plamen Beshkov
Plamen Beshkov is a Tech and Gadget reviewer at 10Beasts. Plamen loves writing about technology and all the latest gadgets. He enjoys espresso, cooking, dancing, and helping people.
It is not a dish…
I love my clothes, and I take extreme care of them. Just the thought of putting one of my hats in the dishwasher sends chills down my spine.
Frankly, I would never wash a hat in a dishwasher. Why? Well because it is not a dish. But there is more depth regarding why washing hats, or any kind of clothing, in a dishwasher is a no-no.
Most dishwashers warm up the water up to 140°F to prevent any germs from spreading. However, water that hot can shrink, fade and damage some fabrics. Another thing is that the hat can get stuck around the spray arms of the dishwasher. Putting a hat in a dishwasher may not only cost [you] your hat but also your dishwasher.
Dean Davies
Dean Davies is a cleaning expert and supervisor for Fantastic Services, a UK based cleaning company with over 10 years of experience and 25+ domestic services.
Short answer: It depends.
Long explanation:
While most cotton and synthetic (like polyester) blends will be okay to wash in the dishwasher, cardboard or wool could get damaged. So, the first step you have to take is to check the tag of the hat. Be on the safe side and follow the laundry recommendations strictly.
Let’s say the hat has frayed edges or tears. Those could be easily ripped off and scattered by the powerful water jets and harsh detergents used in a dishwasher cycle. Also, depending on the materials the cap is made out of, you risk the hat losing its shape and bend.
Nowadays, baseball caps’ peak (also known as bill or brim) is stiffened by a sewn-in piece of paperboard or stiff plastic. Under prolonged water exposure and high-temperature settings during a dishwasher’s cycle, the hat’s peak might warp and curve, not to mention the risk of discolouration [if] the piece is treated with dishwasher salt. The salt solution might act as a built-in softener to vessels and cutlery, however, it can actually make the colour of your hat fade of transfer dye.
In a pinch, if not in a rush, [it is] better [to] hand wash your favorite [accessory] than [be] sorry!
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