How to clean and care for your cap: the complete guide

Your New Era cap is built to perform, but sweat, dust, and everyday wear take a toll on any hat. Knowing exactly how to clean your cap, based on its specific material and silhouette, is the difference between a hat that lasts seasons and one that loses its shape, color, and structure. This guide breaks down care instructions by material, covers the cleaning methods worth using, and walks you through visor shaping, storage, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you own a structured 59FIFTY® Fitted or a relaxed 9TWENTY® Adjustable, start with the quick-reference chart below, then find the method that fits your cap. First rule: check the care label inside your cap; if it provides specific instructions, follow those over any general advice.

Quick-Care Guide

Use this chart to find the recommended cleaning method for your cap based on its silhouette and material. Structured caps require gentler treatment than unstructured ones, and material dictates water temperature and product choice.

Silhouette	Wool blend	Polyester	Cotton	Nylon
59FIFTY® (structured, fitted)	Spot clean only, cool water, no soaking	Spot clean only, cool water	Spot clean only, lukewarm water	Spot clean only, cool water
9FIFTY®, 9FORTY®, 9SEVENTY® (structured, adjustable)	Spot clean, gentle hand wash if unstructured version	Hand wash safe, cool to lukewarm water	Hand wash safe, lukewarm water	Hand wash safe, cool water
9TWENTY®, Casual Classic (unstructured, adjustable)	Gentle hand wash, cool water only	Hand wash safe, cool to lukewarm water	Hand wash or gentle machine wash in mesh bag	Hand wash safe, cool water
39THIRTY® (stretch fit)	Spot clean or gentle hand wash, cool water	Hand wash safe, cool to lukewarm water	Hand wash safe, lukewarm water	Hand wash safe, cool water

Key takeaway: Structured fitted caps like the 59FIFTY® should be spot cleaned only, never submerged or machine washed. Soft, unstructured caps with plastic visors can tolerate a more thorough hand wash.

Material-specific care instructions

Every material responds differently to water, heat, and cleaning products. Here is what you need to know for each.

Wool blend

Wool-blend caps demand the most careful handling of any material in the New Era lineup. Always use cool water, never hot, because agitation and heat cause wool fibers to mat and shrink. Avoid enzyme-based cleaners, which can break down wool proteins. A mild, pH-neutral detergent or a dedicated wool wash is the safest choice.

For drying, lay the cap flat on a clean towel and reshape the crown while the cap is still damp. Artificial heat sources, including hair dryers, can cause wool to lose its shape permanently. Store wool caps stuffed with acid-free tissue paper inside a breathable cloth bag, never in plastic, which traps moisture and promotes mildew.

Polyester

Polyester is the most forgiving cap material when it comes to cleaning. It resists shrinking and handles moisture well. Use cool to lukewarm water with a mild liquid detergent. Polyester dries relatively quickly, so air drying in a shaded, ventilated area is usually sufficient. Place the cap over an upturned bowl or a balled-up towel to hold its shape while drying.

Cotton

Cotton caps can be hand washed in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. For sweat stains along the headband, a paste of baking soda and water works well. Apply the paste, let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes, then gently scrub with a soft brush. For oil-based stains, dab a small amount of dish soap onto the spot before washing.

High heat can shrink cotton fabric, so always air dry. Reshape the cap while it is still damp by placing it on a form, bowl, or even an inflated balloon. For the first few washes, separate dark and light cotton caps to prevent dye transfer.

Nylon

Nylon caps are lightweight and dry fast, making them popular for athletic and outdoor wear. Clean them with cool water and a mild detergent. Nylon does not absorb much water, so hand washing is quick and effective. Air dry in a ventilated spot away from direct sunlight, which can cause nylon to yellow or fade over time.

Step-by-step cleaning methods

How to hand wash a cap

Hand washing is the safest full-cleaning method for most modern caps with plastic visors.

1. Fill a clean basin or sink with cool to lukewarm water (never hot).

2. Add about a teaspoon of mild liquid detergent.

3. Before washing a multi-color cap, test for colorfastness by dabbing a wet cloth with detergent on an inconspicuous interior spot. If dye transfers to the cloth, skip the full wash and spot clean instead.

4. Submerge the cap and gently agitate the water around it. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the sweatband and any stained areas. Avoid applying pressure directly on embroidered logos or patches.

6. Rinse the cap thoroughly under cool running water until all soap residue is gone. Leftover detergent attracts new dirt over time, so complete rinsing matters.

7. Gently squeeze excess water from the crown only. Never twist or wring the visor.

8. Pat the cap dry with a lint-free towel.

9. Place the cap on a round form, a bowl, a balled towel, or a cap form, and let it air dry in a shaded, ventilated spot.

How to spot clean a cap

Spot cleaning is the required method for structured fitted caps like the 59FIFTY® and for any vintage cap with a cardboard visor.

1. Dampen a clean cloth with cool water and a small drop of mild detergent.

2. Gently blot or dab the stained area, do not rub aggressively.

3. For stubborn sweat stains, apply a baking soda paste to the spot and let it sit for 15 minutes before dabbing it away.

4. Wipe the area with a fresh damp cloth to remove soap residue.

5. Allow the cap to air dry completely before wearing.

Treat stains and spills as quickly as possible—fresh stains lift far more easily than set-in ones. For a purpose-built option, the New Era Cap Spot and Stain Eraser is specifically formulated to remove small, non-caked-in stains from most cap fabrics, including polyester and wool. Test on a small section first, use gently, and brush off residue with the New Era Cap Brush. The Cap Brush is specially designed to lift dust, dirt, and lint without altering the texture or color of the fabric.

When machine washing is an option

Machine washing is only appropriate for unstructured cotton or polyester caps with plastic visors, and even then, hand washing preserves shape longer. If you choose to machine wash:

• Place the cap inside a mesh laundry bag or a dedicated cap washing frame.

• Use the gentle or delicate cycle with cold water.

• Add a small amount of mild detergent. Skip bleach entirely.

• Remove the cap immediately when the cycle ends.

• Reshape and air dry on a form. Never put a cap in the dryer.

Structured caps, wool-blend caps, and any cap with a cardboard visor should never go in a washing machine. New Era recommends hand washing when possible to preserve fit and finish.

What not to do

Avoiding common mistakes is just as important as following the right steps. Here are the practices that damage caps most often:

• Never use a dryer. Direct heat warps visors, shrinks cotton, mats wool, and can melt adhesive on logos and patches.

• Never use bleach on wool-blend caps. Bleach breaks down wool fibers and causes irreversible discoloration.

• Never submerge a structured fitted cap. Structured caps like the 59FIFTY® are designed to hold a specific shape. Soaking them can compromise the internal buckram and warp the crown.

• Never soak a cardboard visor. If the visor feels paper-like or slightly compressible when you squeeze it, it is a cardboard visor. Keep water away from it entirely.

• Never wring or twist the visor. Squeeze water from the crown gently, twisting the visor can permanently bend or crack it.

• Never use enzyme cleaners on wool. Enzyme-based detergents are designed to break down proteins, which is exactly what wool fibers are made of.

Visor shaping, flat visor maintenance and curving techniques

How to maintain a flat visor

A flat visor stays flat when you store it properly. Keep the cap on a flat surface or in a cap carrier when not in use. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of it, and never store it visor-down, which can create unwanted bends over time. If your flat visor develops a slight warp, flatten it by placing it under a few heavy books overnight on a flat surface.

How to curve a flat visor

If you prefer a curved look, you can use these methods to reshape a flat visor without damaging it.

The New Era Visor Curve

For a precise, tool-assisted curve, the New Era Visor Curve is a dedicated shaping tool designed specifically for New Era caps.

1. Start with a flat visor on your cap.

2. Carefully place the Visor Curve along the edge of the visor.

3. Adjust the curve to your liking.

4. Secure the tool in place using the adjustable snapback fastener.

5. After one hour, remove the Visor Curve from your cap.

This method delivers a consistent, even curve without the guesswork of DIY techniques and poses no risk of over-curving from heat or excess pressure.

The rubber band method

Bend the visor to your desired curve, then wrap a thick rubber band around the visor to hold it in place. Leave it overnight, or for 24 to 48 hours for a more pronounced curve. Check periodically and adjust the rubber band position to fine-tune the shape.

The steam method

Hold the visor over steam from a kettle or pot of boiling water for 15 to 30 seconds. The moisture and heat soften the visor material, making it pliable. While the visor is warm and slightly damp, bend it to your preferred curve and hold it in place until it cools. You can secure it with a rubber band while it sets. This method works especially well for stubborn visors.

The hand-rolling technique

For a subtle, natural-looking curve, roll the visor gently between your hands, applying even pressure along the length. Repeat over several days, gradually increasing the curve. This technique takes patience but produces the most organic result and carries the least risk of over-curving.

Hat storage and protection

Proper storage extends the life of your cap as much as proper cleaning does. Caps left piled in a closet or tossed in a gym bag lose their shape, collect dust, and develop creases.

Cap carriers and travel cases

For travel and everyday transport, a dedicated cap carrier is the best investment you can make. Cap carriers hold your hat's shape, protect the visor, and keep the crown from getting crushed in a bag or suitcase. New Era's cap carriers collection offers purpose-built options designed to fit New Era silhouettes precisely. For those just starting out, our 2 and 6-pack cap carriers are the perfect size, and large collections can be easily protected with a 24-pack cap carrier.

Hat racks and hooks

At home, a wall-mounted hat rack or individual hooks keep caps off surfaces where they can be flattened or dusty. Hang caps by the back strap or closure, never by the visor. If you display your caps on a shelf, store them crown-up with the visor facing forward to prevent warping.

Long-term storage tips

• Stuff the crown with acid-free tissue paper or a clean cloth to maintain its shape.

• Store caps in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which causes fading.

• Use breathable cloth bags or dust covers for long-term storage. Avoid sealed plastic containers, which can trap humidity and promote mildew or odor.

• For wool-blend caps, consider adding a cedar block nearby to deter moths.