Quick Answer

Hand wash your Hickory Crawdads corduroy cap in cool water with a mild detergent, reshape it, and let it air dry. Avoid the washing machine and dryer to prevent crushing the corduroy's ridges.

Why Hand Washing Beats Machine Washing

Corduroy's distinctive ridges, or wales, are delicate. The agitation of a washing machine can crush or distort them, leaving the fabric flattened and rough. Hand washing gives you control and keeps the cap's shape intact.

The plastic snap closure on the Hickory Crawdads Outdoor Cap is also more durable when kept out of the machine. Heat and tumbling can stress the plastic, leading to cracks or warping.

What to Avoid with Corduroy

Do not use bleach or fabric softeners; they can discolor the fabric and break down the fibers. Also, skip the dryer entirely—high heat will shrink the cap and ruin the corduroy texture.

When drying, never wring out the cap. Wringing twists the fabric and can permanently distort the crown and visor.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

  1. Spot Clean Stains First: Mix a small amount of mild detergent with cool water. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution and gently dab stained areas on the corduroy. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can crush the ridges. Always test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure the color doesn't bleed.
  2. Hand Wash the Cap: Fill a basin with cool water and add a teaspoon of mild detergent. Submerge the cap and gently swish it for a few minutes. Pay extra attention to the sweatband, using your fingers to lightly rub the fabric. Do not soak for more than 5 minutes. Never use hot water—it can shrink the cap and damage the corduroy.
  3. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean cool water. Submerge the cap and swish it to remove all detergent. Repeat if necessary until no suds remain. Residual detergent can attract dirt and leave a dull film on the fabric.
  4. Dry Flat and Reshape: Gently press the cap between two clean towels to remove excess water. Do not wring. Place the cap on a dry towel, reshape the crown and visor with your hands, and let it air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Stuff the crown with a small towel or plastic bag to help maintain its shape while drying.
  5. Brush to Restore the Nap: Once completely dry, use a soft-bristled brush (like a clean toothbrush) to gently brush the corduroy in one direction. This lifts the fibers and restores the soft, ridged texture. Brush only when dry—brushing wet corduroy can stretch the fabric.

About the Hickory Crawdads Outdoor Cap