Who doesn’t LOVE scrunchies?
If you wear hair bands or scrunchies, you’re well aware of the need to clean them… right? You most certainly do, my dear.
Go on, I dare you to go smell your oldest scrunchies… GROSS RIGHT!
Everything needs cleaning in the end but a lot of people don’t know how to clean their hair bands and scrunchies.
It can be difficult because you have to make sure not to get the fabric wet or else it will ruin, and if you do then there’s a chance that it won’t dry out properly. But with these easy methods, anyone can learn how!
So how do you clean your hair bands and scrunchies?
Our favourite method is to use a mild soap and a toothbrush. Simply wet the toothbrush and add a little bit of soap to it.
Gently brush the bristles over the fabric of the hairband or scrunchie, taking care not to scrub too hard. Rinse with clean water and allow it to air dry.
Continue to read our guide to learn all our recommended methods to clean your hair bands and scrunchies!
Which Hair Bands Should Be Hand Washed?
There are different types of hair bands materials, and each one has its own cleaning method. There are a few materials that should be hand washed such as –
- Wool
- Linen
- Silk
- Rayon
- Cashmere
- Leather
- Sequins
- Beads
Wool
However, due to its durability, it should not be immersed in water. Instead, use a lint roller or tape to remove any hair. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a Wool and Cashmere Shampoo.
Linen
Like wool, linen is a sturdy fabric that can withstand a little bit of water. Use a lint roller or tape to remove any hair, then dampen a cloth with cool water and blot the stain.
If the stain persists, use a mild soap and a toothbrush to work it out. Rinse with clean water and allow it to air dry
Silk
If your hairband is made of silk, you’ll want to be extra careful when cleaning it. Silk is a delicate fabric that can be easily damaged. Use a lint roller or tape to remove any hair, then dampen a cloth with cool water and blot the stain.
If the stain persists, use a mild soap and a toothbrush to work it out. Rinse with clean water and allow it to air dry
Rayon
Like silk, rayon is a delicate fabric that can be easily damaged. Use a lint roller or tape to remove any hair, then dampen a cloth with cool water and blot the stain.
If the stain persists, use a mild soap and a toothbrush to work it out. Rinse with clean water and allow it to air dry
Cashmere
Wash cashmere in a mesh laundry bag in the washing machine on the delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent. You can also hand wash it using a Wool and Cashmere Shampoo.
Leather
Wipe down leather with a damp cloth, then apply a leather conditioner.
Sequins
Sequins can be hard to wash and should never be put in the washing machine. Use a lint roller or tape to remove any hair, then dampen a cloth with cool water and blot the stain. If the stain persists, use a mild soap and a toothbrush to work it out. Rinse with clean water and allow it to air dry
Beads
Beads can be very delicate, so you’ll want to take care when cleaning them. Use a lint roller or tape to remove any hair, then dampen a cloth with cool water and blot the stain.
If the stain persists, use a mild soap and a toothbrush to work it out. Rinse with clean water and allow it to air dry
How To Hand-Wash Scrunchies
If you have a hairband that is made of delicate fabric or has beads or sequins, you’ll want to hand-wash it.
To hand-wash your scrunchie, you’ll need –
- A mild soap
- A toothbrush
- A bowl of cool water
Start by using a lint roller or tape to remove any hair from the scrunchie.
Next, dampen a cloth with cool water and blot the stain. If the stain persists, add a small amount of mild soap to a toothbrush and gently brush the bristles over the fabric of the scrunchie. Rinse with clean water and allow it to air dry.
Which Hair Bands Can Be Machine Washed?
There are a few types of hair bands that can be machine-washed such as –
- Cotton
- Nylon
- Polyester
- Spandex
- Acetate
- Acrylic
Cotton
Cotton is a sturdy fabric that can withstand a little bit of water. Use a lint roller or tape to remove any hair, then put the cotton hairband in a mesh laundry bag and wash it on the delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
Nylon
Nylon is a durable fabric that can be machine-washed. Use a lint roller or tape to remove any hair, then put the nylon hairband in a mesh laundry bag and wash it on the delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
Polyester
Polyester is a durable fabric that can be machine-washed. Use a lint roller or tape to remove any hair, then put the polyester hairband in a mesh laundry bag and wash it on the delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
Spandex
Spandex is a durable fabric that can be machine-washed. Use a lint roller or tape to remove any hair, then put the spandex hairband in a mesh laundry bag and wash it on the delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
Acetate
Acetate is a sturdy fabric that can be machine-washed. Use a lint roller or tape to remove any hair, then put the acetate hairband in a mesh laundry bag and wash it on the delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a durable fabric that can be machine-washed. Use a lint roller or tape to remove any hair, then put the acrylic hairband in a mesh laundry bag and wash it on the delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
How To Machine Wash Scrunchies
If you have a scrunchie made of a sturdy fabric such as cotton, nylon, polyester, spandex, acetate or acrylic, you can machine wash it.
To machine wash your scrunchie, you’ll need –
- A mesh laundry bag
- Coldwater
- Mild detergent
Start by using a lint roller or tape to remove any hair from the scrunchie.
Next, put the scrunchie in a mesh laundry bag and wash it on the delicate cycle with cold water and mild detergent.
Tumble dry on low or lay flat to air dry.
When To Throw Out Your Hair Bands
Hairbands can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so it’s important to clean them regularly and replace them when they start to show signs of wear and tear.
If your hairband is stretched out, fraying, or otherwise damaged, it’s time to toss it and get a new one.
You should also replace your hair bands if you notice any redness, irritation, or itching on your skin where the hairband comes into contact.
This could be a sign of an allergic reaction or infection, so it’s best to err on the side of caution and get a new hairband.
Tips on How to Clean Your Scrunchies
Here are a few tips on how to keep your scrunchies clean –
- Wash them after each use.
- Store them in a clean, dry place.
- Do not wear them while sleeping.
- Replace them every few months.
How Often Should You Wash Hairbands and Scrunchies?
It’s best to wash your hairbands and scrunchies after each use. If you wear them daily, you may need to wash them more than once a week.
Storing Your Clean Hair Bands and Scrunchies
Once your hair bands and scrunchies are clean, store them in a clean, dry place. A zip-top bag or container will work well.
You can also put them in a mesh laundry bag and wash them with your other delicates.
Do Not Wear Hair Bands and Scrunchies While Sleeping
Wearing hair bands and scrunchies while you sleep can cause tangles, breakage, and damage to your hair. It can also lead to bacteria and sweat buildup, so it’s best to avoid it.
If you must wear a hairband or scrunchie while sleeping, make sure it’s clean and dry first.
Conclusion
Keeping your hair bands and scrunchies clean is a quick, easy way to avoid bacteria build-up and keep your locks looking luscious.
We’ve shown you our favourite method for doing just that, but if you have another way that works better for you, go for it!
Just be sure to give them a good scrub at least once a week to keep them free of gunk and grime.