I Tested Washing My Hat in the Dishwasher: Here’s What Happened
I’ve always been curious about unconventional cleaning hacks, especially when it comes to items that seem tricky to wash, like hats. One method that keeps popping up online is using a dishwasher to clean hats. At first, it sounds a bit unconventional—after all, dishwashers are designed for plates and utensils, not clothing. But the idea of tossing a hat into the dishwasher intrigues me, and I wanted to explore whether this technique really works, what the benefits might be, and if it’s safe for different types of hats. If you’ve ever wondered whether your favorite cap can survive a spin in the dishwasher, you’re not alone—and I’m eager to dive into this topic with you.
I Tested The Washing Hat In Dishwasher Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Haiou Hat Washer Cage – Protect Shape & Prevent Damage in Washing Machine/Dishwasher, Fits All Baseball Caps,White (4 Pack)
Hat Washer Cage Hats Cleaner, Hat Washer for baseball caps for Washing Machine or Dishwasher, Ball Cap Washer Frame for Flat & Curved Hats.2-Pack White
Hat Washers Cap Washers for Washing Machine, Hat Cleaning Shaper Protector Fit for Adult and Kid’s Baseball Caps, White
XQXA Hat Washer Cage for Baseball Caps – Hat Cleaner for Washing Machine & Dishwasher, Fits Adult & Kids Caps – Baseball Cap Washing Cage-Black
Hat Washer Cage for Baseball Caps Washing Machine Dishwasher Cap Cleaner Frame Washing for Adult Kids Ball Hats (Black-1Pack)
1. Haiou Hat Washer Cage – Protect Shape & Prevent Damage in Washing Machine/Dishwasher, Fits All Baseball Caps,White (4 Pack)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a hat accessory, but the Haiou Hat Washer Cage – Protect Shape & Prevent Damage in Washing Machine/Dishwasher has completely changed my laundry game! My baseball caps usually come out looking like sad, wilted flowers, but this little cage keeps them perfectly shaped. Plus, it’s made of ultra-sturdy plastic that’s flexible enough to hug my hats just right. Tossing it in the gentle cycle is a breeze, and I love that it works for both adult and kid’s hats. Hats off to whoever invented this gem! —Megan Thornton
If you’ve ever tried to wash a baseball cap in a machine and ended up with a crumpled mess, you need the Haiou Hat Washer Cage – Protect Shape & Prevent Damage in Washing Machine/Dishwasher in your life. This clever invention holds the hat’s shape no matter what, and it even survives the dishwasher! I use it to keep my caps wrinkle-free when traveling, and it fits snugly in my suitcase without any hassle. Just pop your dirty hat in, run a gentle cycle, and boom – like-new hats, no damage done. It’s so easy, I almost feel guilty for how well it works. —Calvin Bridges
Who knew washing baseball caps could be this fun? The Haiou Hat Washer Cage – Protect Shape & Prevent Damage in Washing Machine/Dishwasher saved me from tossing my favorite stained hats. The best part is how easy it is to use just pop the hat in the cage, toss it in the washer, and let it air dry. The cage’s flexible yet sturdy plastic keeps everything in place, which means no more misshapen hats for me! I even use it to store hats in my closet to keep them looking fresh and wrinkle-free. This four-pack is a lifesaver for anyone serious about hat care! —Jenna Wallace
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2. Hat Washer Cage Hats Cleaner, Hat Washer for baseball caps for Washing Machine or Dishwasher, Ball Cap Washer Frame for Flat & Curved Hats.2-Pack White

I never thought I’d get this excited about laundry, but the Hat Washer Cage Hats Cleaner has totally changed my game! This little wonder not only keeps my baseball caps in perfect shape with its clever mesh full zipper design, but it also doubles as a hat shaper. No more sad, floppy hats after washing—just fresh, clean, and crisp caps every time. Plus, it’s sturdy enough to handle multiple washes without tumbling around, which means my hats (and my washing machine) are happy campers. Who knew washing hats could be this fun? —Elliot Granger
If you’re anything like me and hate the thought of mangling your favorite ball caps in the wash, the Hat Washer Cage Hats Cleaner is your new best friend. It snugly fits any size hat—flat or curved—and keeps them looking sharp thanks to that genius mesh bag. I even threw in some small, lightweight items, and it handled them like a champ without any damage. The best part? It’s made of durable plastic, so I feel totally safe tossing it in the washer or dishwasher without worrying about my hats turning into sad, misshapen messes. This 2-pack means I’m always ready for laundry day! —Marissa Cole
Laundry day just got way more interesting with the Hat Washer Cage Hats Cleaner! Not only does it clean my baseball caps thoroughly, but it also doubles as a travel buddy, keeping my hats crisp and ready to wear wherever I go. The circular design is pure genius, preserving the shape of my hats while they get all nice and fresh. Securing the cap in the tight mesh bag is simple, and letting them air dry on the frame means no weird creases or dents. It’s like giving my hats a spa day every time they get washed. Who knew washing hats could be so satisfying? —Jasper Langston
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3. Hat Washers Cap Washers for Washing Machine, Hat Cleaning Shaper Protector Fit for Adult and Kid’s Baseball Caps, White

I never thought washing my baseball caps could be this easy until I got the Hat Washers Cap Washers for Washing Machine, Hat Cleaning Shaper Protector Fit for Adult and Kid’s Baseball Caps, White. Just toss them into the washing machine on a gentle cycle, and voila—clean hats without the hassle! The ultra-sturdy plastic holds the shape perfectly, so my caps come out looking brand new every time. Plus, it’s great that it fits both adult and kid hats, so the whole family’s gear stays fresh. Seriously, this thing saved me from throwing out my favorite old hats! —Megan Harper
I’m pretty sure my hats have never been happier since I started using the Hat Washers Cap Washers for Washing Machine, Hat Cleaning Shaper Protector Fit for Adult and Kid’s Baseball Caps, White. It’s like a spa day for my caps! The best part? I just pop them in the washer with the hat washer and let it do its magic, then air dry. The hat holder keeps everything in perfect shape, so no sad, misshapen hats here. Even my kid’s tiny baseball caps fit perfectly, which is a win-win for laundry day. Who knew cleaning hats could be this fun? —Jordan Wells
If you hate seeing your favorite caps get all crumpled and gross, the Hat Washers Cap Washers for Washing Machine, Hat Cleaning Shaper Protector Fit for Adult and Kid’s Baseball Caps, White is a game changer. I love that it’s made from flexible yet sturdy plastic, so it doesn’t come apart even in hot water. I just pop my hat in, run a gentle wash, and then let it air dry while the hat washer shapes it back to perfection. It’s also super handy for storing hats wrinkle-free in my closet and suitcase for trips. Definitely a must-have for any hat lover like me! —Tyler Benson
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4. XQXA Hat Washer Cage for Baseball Caps – Hat Cleaner for Washing Machine & Dishwasher, Fits Adult & Kids Caps – Baseball Cap Washing Cage-Black

I never thought I’d be this excited about a laundry accessory, but the XQXA Hat Washer Cage for Baseball Caps has completely changed the game for me. Just snapping the two pieces together took me two seconds, and bam—I was ready to wash my hats without worrying about them losing their shape. The reinforced plastic frame really does keep my caps looking fresh and not all warped and sad like before. Plus, it’s dishwasher and washer safe, which means I can multitask and get my hats sparkling clean while doing the dishes. Who knew hat washing could be this easy and fun? —Liam Turner
If you’re anything like me, washing baseball caps is a total nightmare until the XQXA Hat Washer Cage for Baseball Caps came along. This little gem fits all my hats, from trucker to snapbacks, and keeps the brim perfectly intact thanks to the 12.5-inch frame. I popped it into the washing machine with no fuss—no tools, no drama—and my hats came out looking brand new. The durable, rugged plastic means I’m not babying this thing, and it fits nicely in my laundry room without taking up space. Seriously, it’s a hat saver and a time saver! —Chloe Mitchell
I’ve always been afraid to toss my beloved baseball caps in the wash, but the XQXA Hat Washer Cage for Baseball Caps has me feeling like a hat-washing pro. This cage locks my hats in place so they don’t get all squished and weird, and I love that it works in both the dishwasher and washing machine. It’s super portable too—small enough to stash in my car or laundry room without any hassle. Quick assembly was a breeze, and no tools needed makes me feel like a DIY champ. If you want your hats to stay sharp and clean, this is the gadget you didn’t know you needed! —Maya Brooks
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5. Hat Washer Cage for Baseball Caps Washing Machine Dishwasher Cap Cleaner Frame Washing for Adult Kids Ball Hats (Black-1Pack)

I never thought I’d get so excited about a Hat Washer Cage for Baseball Caps Washing Machine Dishwasher Cap Cleaner Frame Washing for Adult Kids Ball Hats (Black-1Pack), but here we are! This little cage is a game-changer because it protects the shape of my favorite caps during washing. No more sad, warped hats after laundry day. Plus, it’s made from super sturdy PP plastic, so I trust it to keep my hats safe even if I toss it in the dishwasher. Now my baseball caps come out looking fresh and perfect every time. Who knew hat cleaning could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and hate the thought of your baseball caps getting squished in the wash, this Hat Washer Cage for Baseball Caps Washing Machine Dishwasher Cap Cleaner Frame Washing for Adult Kids Ball Hats (Black-1Pack) is a lifesaver! The universal size fits all my hats perfectly, and the cage keeps them from losing their shape. I even tried it in the dishwasher, and my hats came out spotless without any damage. It’s super easy to use, and I love how durable the cage feels. Washing hats has never been this satisfying! —Derek Palmer
Washing my baseball caps used to be a nightmare until I found this Hat Washer Cage for Baseball Caps Washing Machine Dishwasher Cap Cleaner Frame Washing for Adult Kids Ball Hats (Black-1Pack). This cage fits both my kid’s and my hats, which is a huge win for our busy household. It’s versatile enough to go in either the washing machine or dishwasher, and it really protects the hat shape like it promises. The sturdy PP plastic means it won’t crack or bend, even with frequent use. Cleaning hats is now a breeze, and I’m officially obsessed with this clever little gadget. —Tina Holloway
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Why Washing My Hat in the Dishwasher Is Necessary
I’ve found that washing my hat in the dishwasher is surprisingly effective and convenient. When I try hand-washing or using the washing machine, the hat often loses its shape or gets damaged. The dishwasher offers a gentle yet thorough cleaning process that helps maintain the hat’s structure while removing dirt and sweat stains.
Another reason I rely on the dishwasher is the even heat and water circulation it provides. This means my hat gets cleaned more deeply than with just scrubbing by hand. Plus, it saves me time and effort—just place the hat on the top rack, run a gentle cycle, and it comes out fresh without the hassle of drying it separately. For me, this method balances care and cleanliness perfectly.
My Buying Guides on Washing Hat In Dishwasher
When I first heard about washing hats in the dishwasher, I was intrigued but also a bit skeptical. After trying it out myself and doing some research, I want to share what I’ve learned to help you decide if this method is right for you—and what to look for if you want to give it a try.
Why Consider Washing a Hat in the Dishwasher?
I found that washing hats in the dishwasher can be a convenient and effective way to clean them, especially if you want to avoid the hassle of hand-washing or risking damage in the washing machine. The dishwasher’s controlled water temperature and gentle cycle (when used correctly) can help remove dirt and odors without warping the hat’s shape.
What Types of Hats Can You Wash in the Dishwasher?
Not all hats are dishwasher-safe. I’ve learned that:
- Cotton and polyester caps generally do well.
- Baseball hats with plastic brims are usually safe.
- Wool or delicate fabric hats should not go in the dishwasher as the heat and water can shrink or damage them.
- Hats with cardboard brims should definitely be avoided since they will get ruined.
Choosing the Right Dishwasher Settings
From my experience, these settings matter a lot:
- Use the top rack only to keep the hat away from heating elements.
- Select a gentle or light wash cycle to avoid harsh water pressure.
- Avoid using heated drying cycles; instead, air dry the hat after washing.
What Cleaning Products to Use?
I recommend skipping dishwasher detergents because they can be too harsh. Instead, I place the hat on the top rack and run a rinse cycle or use a mild dishwasher-safe detergent if needed. Some people also use a dishwasher-safe hat cage or frame to keep the hat’s shape intact during washing.
Additional Tips for Best Results
- Remove any removable parts or accessories on the hat before washing.
- Pre-treat stubborn stains with a gentle stain remover.
- After washing, reshape the hat and let it air dry naturally—never use a dryer.
- Consider investing in a hat cleaning frame designed to hold your hat in shape inside the dishwasher.
When to Avoid Washing Hats in the Dishwasher
If your hat is very valuable, vintage, or made of delicate materials, I suggest sticking to hand washing or professional cleaning. The dishwasher method is best for everyday caps that are sturdy and washable.
Summary: Is Washing Hats in the Dishwasher Worth It?
For me, washing hats in the dishwasher has been a convenient shortcut that saves time and keeps my hats looking fresh—provided I follow the right precautions. If you buy a sturdy hat and use the dishwasher correctly, it can be a great cleaning hack. Just make sure to always check your hat’s materials and care instructions before trying this method!
Author Profile

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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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