How often should scrunchies be washed?
If you’re like most people, your scrunchies go with you everywhere—from the gym to the office to a night out. But have you ever stopped to wonder how often they should be washed? Scrunchies, like any fabric accessory that touches your skin and hair regularly, can accumulate oil, sweat, hair products, and bacteria over time. According to Healthline, hair accessories that are worn frequently should be washed at least once a week to avoid buildup and potential scalp irritation [1].
Of course, how often you wash your scrunchies also depends on how often you wear them and in what conditions. If you’re using a scrunchie during workouts or hot summer days, weekly washing is ideal. For occasional wear—such as a silk or rhinestone scrunchie worn only on evenings out—washing every two to three weeks is typically sufficient. Dermatologists interviewed by Allure note that keeping hair accessories clean is part of a broader hair and scalp hygiene routine, especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts where your hair touches your face [2].
When it comes to how you should wash your scrunchies, the answer depends on the material. Upscale scrunchies made from delicate fabrics like mulberry silk or merino wool—as well as those embellished with rhinestones—require extra care. We recommend soaking them in lukewarm water with a few drops of gentle, sulfate-free laundry detergent for five to ten minutes. After rinsing thoroughly, lay them flat on a clean towel to air dry. Avoid wringing them out, which can distort their shape or damage the fabric. The Laundress, a company known for fabric care expertise, suggests always air-drying delicate accessories and using mesh bags when machine-washing less fragile ones [3].
If you’re dealing with multiple types of scrunchies—say, a workout cotton blend and a special-occasion silk—consider keeping a separate care routine for each. Bustle points out that tossing all your scrunchies into a wash cycle can shorten their lifespan significantly, especially for luxury materials [4]. A little gentle attention goes a long way in preserving both the beauty and hygiene of your favorite hair accessories. After all, just like your hair, your chouchous deserve care that’s both thoughtful and stylish.
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References:
Healthline – “How to Clean Hairbrushes and Hair Accessories”
Allure – “The Clean Hair Accessories Guide: Why You Should Wash More Than Just Your Hair”
The Laundress – “How to Wash Silk, Wool, and Delicate Fabrics”
Bustle – “You’re Probably Washing Your Hair Accessories All Wrong”