How to Clean and Store Your Indianapolis Indians Cap

Quick Answer

To clean your Indianapolis Indians cap, spot clean with a soft brush and mild detergent, then air dry away from direct heat. Store it in a cool, dry place on a cap rack or filled with tissue to hold its shape. Avoid machine washing and folding to prevent fading and structural damage.

Step-by-Step Cap Care Routine

1. 1. Spot Clean Stains and Sweat Marks: Mix a few drops of mild laundry detergent or dish soap with cool water. Dip a soft-bristled brush (like an old toothbrush) into the solution and gently scrub soiled areas on the crown and brim. Focus on the sweatband and any visible marks. Avoid soaking the cap. Common mistake: using hot water or scrubbing too hard can loosen the embroidery threads and distort the fabric.
2. 2. Rinse and Blot Excess Moisture: Dampen a clean cloth with plain cool water and blot the cap to remove soap residue. Do not run the cap under a faucet or submerge it—this can break down the structured shape and cause fading. Gently press a dry towel against the cap to absorb extra moisture. Checkpoint: if the cap still feels soapy, repeat the blotting with a fresh damp cloth. Residue attracts dirt later.
3. 3. Air Dry Away from Heat and Sun: Shape the cap by hand and place it on a clean, dry towel or a cap form. Let it air dry at room temperature. Never use a hairdryer, radiator, or direct sunlight—heat shrinks materials and fades colors. Drying can take 12–24 hours depending on humidity. Common mistake: setting the cap on a flat surface can flatten the crown. Use a rolled towel inside or a cap rack to hold the dome shape.
4. 4. Store with Shape in Mind: Once dry, store your cap on a cap rack, hook, or shelf. For fitted caps like the New Era 59FIFTY, stuff the crown with acid-free tissue paper to maintain the structured fit. Keep adjustable caps snapped closed to preserve the band shape. Avoid stacking heavy items on top. Checkpoint: storing caps in a damp basement or hot car accelerates fading and mildew. A cool, dry closet is ideal.
5. 5. Rotate Wear to Extend Life: If you wear your Indians cap often, rotate between two or three caps. This gives each cap time to air out and recover from sweat and oils. A rested cap keeps its shape longer and needs fewer deep cleanings. Common mistake: wearing the same cap every day speeds up fading and fabric wear. Alternating caps keeps each one looking newer.

Caps That Benefit from These Care Steps

• Indianapolis Indians Navy Home New Era GCP Replica 59FIFTY Cap: The Indianapolis Indians Navy Home New Era GCP Replica 59FIFTY Cap is a structured fitted hat with embroidered graphics and a 100% material composition. Structured fitted caps like this one need careful cleaning to keep the crown shape and prevent the embroidery from fraying. Spot cleaning and air drying are essential.
• Indianapolis Indians Circle City New Era White/Navy Authentic On-Field 59FIFTY Cap: The Indianapolis Indians Circle City New Era White/Navy Authentic On-Field 59FIFTY Cap features distinctive Circle City Indians graphics embroidered on the crown. White caps show dirt and sweat more easily, so regular spot cleaning and proper storage away from sunlight help maintain the crisp white fabric and prevent yellowing.
• Indianapolis Indians '47 Adult Navy Home Script Fade Hitch Adjustable Cap: The Indianapolis Indians '47 Adult Navy Home Script Fade Hitch Adjustable Cap is a two-tone structured cap with a plastic snapback closure and garment washed cotton twill material. Adjustable caps with snapback closures need gentle cleaning around the plastic parts to avoid warping. The cotton twill material can shrink if exposed to high heat, so air drying is critical.