How to Clean Beanies (Fast, Safe, and Without Shrinking)

[Updated 11/18/2025]: Beanies are workhorses in cold weather, but they need the right care to keep their shape, softness, and color. Use this quick guide to clean wool, acrylic, cotton, and blends the right way—plus grab fresh backups from our Beanies collection if yours is past saving.

Quick Answer (TL;DR)

• Read the label: Wool = hand wash. Acrylic/cotton = gentle machine or hand wash.
• Use cold water + mild detergent: Avoid bleach and fabric softener.
• Never wring or twist: Press water out gently.
• Lay flat to dry: Reshape while damp. No dryer, no direct heat.

Need a new favorite? Check out the cozy Richardson 145 Scrunch Beanie or the classic R18 Cuff Beanie.

Step-by-Step: Clean Your Beanie the Right Way

1) Check the care label

The label tells you the fiber and the safest method. When in doubt, treat unknown fibers like wool (hand wash only).

2) Pick the method by material

• Wool / Wool blends: Hand wash only.
• Acrylic / Polyester: Hand wash or gentle machine cycle in a mesh bag.
• Cotton: Gentle machine or hand wash; can stretch if hung wet.

Shopping by feel? Our Beanies collection spans soft scrunch, classic cuff, slouch, and waffle knits so you can rotate while one dries.

3) Hand wash (safest for all)

• Fill a basin with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent.
• Submerge and gently swish for 3–5 minutes. Don’t scrub.
• Rinse in cold water until it runs clear.
• Press water out between your palms or in a towel. No wringing.

4) Machine wash (for sturdy acrylic/cotton)

• Place beanie in a mesh laundry bag.
• Use cold water, delicate cycle, and a mild detergent.
• Avoid bleach and fabric softeners; both can weaken fibers.

5) Dry it correctly (this is where most damage happens)

• Lay flat on a clean towel; reshape the crown and edges while damp.
• Air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. Do not tumble dry.

Rotating a second beanie helps. Try the relaxed 147 Slouch Beanie or the textured 146R Waffle Knit while your go-to dries.

Spot Cleaning & Stain Tips

• Sweat/salt rings: Dab with a 1:10 mix of white vinegar and cold water, then rinse and lay flat.
• Oils/makeup: Pre-treat with a drop of gentle dish soap, blot, then hand wash.
• Mud: Let dry, brush off solids, then spot clean.

How Often Should You Wash?

Every 6–10 wears in normal use. After workouts or heavy sweat, rinse and lay flat the same day. Over-washing leads to pilling and stretch.

Storage That Keeps Shape

• Store flat in a drawer or on a shelf—don’t hang.
• Keep away from direct sun to prevent fading.
• Off-season: zip pouch with a cedar block to deter moths (for wool).

Quick Picks: Our Most-Loved Beanies

• Richardson 145 Scrunch — soft, easy comfort.
• Richardson R18 Cuff — classic fit, everyday staple.
• Richardson 147 Slouch — relaxed silhouette.
• Richardson 146R Waffle Knit — textured and warm.

FAQs

Can I put my beanie in the dryer?

No. Heat shrinks fibers and warps shape. Always lay flat to dry.

What detergent is best?

A mild, dye-free detergent. For wool, use a wool-safe formula.

How do I stop pilling?

Turn inside out before washing, avoid friction, and use a fabric shaver gently if needed.

Will my beanie shrink?

It can if exposed to hot water or heat. Stick to cold water and air dry.

Wrap-Up

Clean beanies last longer and feel better. Follow the quick steps above, and keep a second in rotation so you’re never without a warm, ready-to-go lid. Browse all styles in our Beanies collection, or keep exploring our full leather patch hat collection if you’re building out cold-weather gear.