How to Clean and Store Your Sim Racing Cap and Lanyard

Quick answer

Hand-wash your sim racing cap in cold water with mild detergent, air-dry it away from heat, and store your lanyard flat in a drawer to prevent tangling.

Step-by-step care routine

1. Hand-wash your cap in cold water: Fill a sink with cold water and add a drop of mild detergent. Submerge the cap and gently scrub the inside band and sweat stains with your fingers. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until no soap remains. Common mistake: using hot water or bleach can fade the logo and weaken the Flexfit elastic. Always check the care tag inside the cap first; if missing, cold water is the safest choice.
2. Air-dry the cap on a form or towel: Gently squeeze out excess water—do not wring. Place the cap on a clean, dry towel or a cap form to hold its shape. Let it air-dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Common mistake: putting a wet cap in a dryer can shrink the bill or warp the shape. Reshape the brim while damp to avoid creases.
3. Wash the lanyard by hand or in a mesh bag: If the lanyard is visibly dirty, hand-wash it in cold water with mild soap. For a deeper clean, place it in a mesh laundry bag and run a gentle cold cycle. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Common mistake: machine-washing without a bag can cause the clip to scratch other items or the strap to tangle. Air-dry the lanyard flat; it dries in minutes.
4. Store the cap on a shelf or in a drawer: Keep the cap on a shelf, in a drawer, or hanging by the brim on a hook. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top. For the lanyard, coil it loosely and place it in a small drawer or hang it on a peg. Common mistake: stuffing the cap into a tight space can crush the bill and distort the Flexfit band. If you store multiple caps, use a cap rack to maintain their shape.
5. Rotate wear to extend lifespan: If you wear your cap or lanyard daily, rotate between two or three items to let each one rest and air out. This reduces sweat buildup and gives the elastic time to recover. Common mistake: wearing the same cap every day accelerates wear and stains. A simple rotation can double the life of your sim racing accessories.

Products mentioned

• Black Flat Bill Cap: The Black Flat Bill Cap uses Flexfit technology for a comfortable, flexible fit suitable for most head sizes. The stretchy band can lose elasticity if machine-washed or dried on high heat, so hand-washing and air-drying are essential.

  

• Black Tuque: The Black Tuque is a one-size-fits-all knit hat with a small Advanced SimRacing crest. Its knit construction can shrink unevenly if washed in hot water or tossed in a dryer, so cool water and flat drying preserve the fit.

  

• Advanced SimRacing Lanyard: The Advanced SimRacing Lanyard is a simple nylon strap designed to hold your credentials or keys. Nylon is durable but can snag on zippers or Velcro; storing it flat and untangled prevents damage.