Admit it. Your beanie isn't just for winter sports. Sure, you wear it to keep your head warm while you hit the slopes. But you also wear it to hide your bed hair and look good doing it. Unfortunately, all that beanie-wearing leads to dirt, sweat, and oils. The good news is, you can wash that old friend to keep it looking (and smelling) like a million bucks. Here's how to wash a beanie so you can leave the house looking your best.

How to Wash a Beanie

There are two ways to wash a beanie (or knit hat). The best method is washing by hand, as it cleans the beanie while minimizing damage. Some beanies can be washed in a machine on a gentle cycle. Either way, air dry your beanie to avoid shrinking, stretching, and color fading. Follow these steps to keep your Summit beanie looking its best.

How to Wash a Beanie by Hand

Most beanies made with natural fibers (like cotton, wool, silk, or hemp) should be hand washed. If you're unsure how to clean your beanie, err on the side of caution and wash it by hand. Follow these steps to wash your beanie by hand, so it looks brand new again.

What You’ll Need:

1. A sink or bucket
2. Cold water
3. Mild detergent
4. Two dry towels

Steps for How to Hand Wash a Beanie

1. Fill a sink or bucket with cold water. For wool or cashmere, use lukewarm water.
2. Add mild laundry detergent. For wool, use a special detergent (like Woolite). Add one teaspoon of detergent for every gallon of water.
3. Use your hand to mix the soap and water.
4. Fully submerge your beanie into the soapy water.
5. Clean the beanie by swirling it around and gently squeezing it. Do this for at least five minutes. 
6. Drain or pour out the soapy water. 
7. Refill your sink or bucket with clean cold water. 
8. Rinse the beanie by gently swirling it around in the water.
9. Remove excess water by pressing the beanie against the side of the sink or bucket, or by pulling it out of the water and gently squeezing it.
10. Repeat steps six through nine until the beanie is clean and the water remains clear.
11. Set the beanie on a dry towel.
12. Roll the beanie into the towel, like a fruit roll-up. Press down a few times, so the towel absorbs excess water.
13. Set the beanie on another towel to air dry. You can gently reshape the beanie with your hands.

Things to Avoid

1. Don't scrub the beanie or rub it against itself, as it can lead to pilling.
2. Don't rinse the beanie under running water. The pressure from the water can damage the shape of the beanie.
3. Don't wring, twist, or stretch the beanie. 
4. Don't wash the beanie with warm or hot water (above 85 degrees Fahrenheit). Hot water will shrink the beanie or cause the colors to bleed.
5. Don't put the beanie in a dryer; it will shrink or fade colors.
6. Don't place the beanie in direct sunlight while air drying, as it can fade the colors.

How to Wash a Beanie in a Washing Machine

Most synthetic fibers (and some natural fibers) can be washed in a washing machine. Always check the care label on your beanie to make sure it's machine washable. If you're unsure how to clean your beanie, opt to wash it by hand. Follow these steps to wash your beanie using a washing machine.

What You’ll Need:

1. A washing machine
2. Mild detergent
3. A mesh laundry bag
4. A dry towel

Steps for How to Machine Wash a Beanie

1. If your beanie has any stitching or decals, turn it inside out.
2. Place your beanie inside of a mesh laundry bag (or knotted pillowcase) to prevent stretching. 
3. Drop the beanie into the washing machine.
4. Add a small amount of mild detergent to the machine. If your beanie is wool, use a special detergent (like Woolite). 
5. Select the gentlest cycle appropriate for your beanie (probably "delicate"). 
6. Select the temperature appropriate for your beanie (cold water, under 85 degrees Fahrenheit). 
7. Start the cycle.
8. When the beanie is clean, pull it out of the washing machine.
9. If the beanie is still soaking wet, roll it into a dry towel (like a fruit roll-up). Press down a few times, so the towel absorbs excess water.
10. Set the beanie flat on a dry towel or drying rack.
11. Gently reshape the beanie with your hands and leave it to air dry.

Things to Avoid

1. To avoid stretching, wash your beanie with a load of similarly-colored laundry. Washing the beanie by itself increases damage, as it's being thrown around the machine more.
2. Don't add detergent directly to the beanie. Add it using the exterior door or pour it into the prewash water.
3. Don't use hot water; it will shrink the beanie.
4. Don't put the beanie in a dryer; it will cause the beanie to shrink or fade.
5. Don't wring, twist, or stretch the beanie when you pull it out of the washing machine.