Quick answer

Hand-wash your Buffalo Bisons cap in cool water with a mild detergent. Avoid the dishwasher, washing machine, and hot water—these can warp the brim, fade the colors, and damage the structured fit of a 5950 cap. Spot-clean stains first, then rinse gently and air-dry away from direct heat.

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works well), a bowl of cool water, a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap, and a clean towel. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and any abrasive cleaners—they can strip the color and weaken the fabric of your cap.

Understanding Your Cap's Materials

Buffalo Bisons caps like the Copa 26 Cap 5950 and the Reverse Retro OTC 5950 Cap are made with structured wool-polyester blends and a stiff brim. The 5950 style is a fitted, high-crown cap that holds its shape through careful construction. Heat and agitation are its enemies: the brim can warp, the embroidery can fray, and the teal or royal blue panels can fade unevenly. Knowing this helps you treat stains gently and avoid shortcuts that ruin the cap's structure.

Step-by-Step Cap Cleaning Process

  1. Step 1: Spot-clean stains first: Dip a soft brush in a mild detergent solution and gently scrub any visible stains—focus on sweatbands, brim edges, and embroidery. Work in small circles. Do not soak the entire cap. Checkpoint: If the stain is stubborn, let the detergent sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing again. Avoid using bleach or stain removers with harsh chemicals.
  2. Step 2: Hand-wash in cool water: Fill a bowl with cool water and add a drop of mild detergent. Submerge only the fabric part of the cap—keep the brim out of the water to prevent warping. Gently swish the cap for 2-3 minutes. Common mistake: Using hot water or scrubbing the brim. Both can ruin the cap's shape permanently.
  3. Step 3: Rinse thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill the bowl with fresh cool water. Rinse the cap by gently pressing the fabric until no suds remain. Do not wring or twist the cap. Checkpoint: Residual detergent can attract dirt and cause discoloration. Rinse until the water runs clear.
  4. Step 4: Shape and air-dry: Gently squeeze out excess water with a clean towel. Reshape the crown and brim with your hands. Place the cap on a towel or a cap form and let it air-dry away from direct sunlight, radiators, or hair dryers. Common mistake: Drying on a heater or in the sun can shrink the fabric and fade the colors. Patience is key—drying can take 24 hours.

Products Mentioned in This Guide

  • Buffalo Bisons Copa 26 Cap 5950: Official COPA 'Luces de Buffalo' On Field cap. Cap colors are teal, yellow, and black. The teal color in product images may appear more blue, but actual product the teal is more green. Officially licensed MiLB product New Era 59fifty on field hat. Additional decorated embroidery on top of visor. Under visor color: Grey. The structured 5950 fit and embroidered details mean you need to be extra careful with cleaning to avoid warping the brim or damaging the embroidery. Spot-cleaning is safer than full submersion for this cap.
  • Buffalo Bisons Reverse Retro OTC 5950 Cap: Officially licensed MiLB product New Era 59fifty on field hat. Panel Colors: Dark Royal Top Visor + Eyelets + Button Colors: Red. Undervisor color: Grey. Design to be worn by the Buffalo Bisons for select Reverse Retro 'Throwback Thursday' games. The dark royal and red color combination can bleed if soaked in hot water. Stick to cool water and gentle blotting to preserve the vibrant panel colors.