HOW TO WASH SCRUNCHIES (Without Ruining the Fabric)

The Complete Guide for Satin, Velvet, Silk, Mikado, Cotton & African Print

Scrunchies are one of the simplest and most stylish ways to manage your hair. Not only do they prevent breakage, but they also add a fun pop of color to any outfit. From everyday wear to special occasions, scrunchies have become a must-have accessory.

But here’s the thing: washing scrunchies incorrectly can ruin the fabric, stretch the elastic, or make colors fade. Over time, even your favorite scrunchies can become stiff, dull, or lose shape. The good news? With the right care, your scrunchies can stay soft, vibrant, and functional for months.

This guide will show you exactly how to wash scrunchies safely, how often to wash them, how to handle common problems, and why DeNob 4-in-1 Scrunchie Sets are designed to last longer than typical scrunchies.

Why Proper Scrunchie Care Matters

Scrunchies are more than just hair accessories. They’re tools that protect your hair from damage caused by friction and tight hair ties. However, improper washing can lead to:

Fading or bleeding colors – especially on vibrant African prints or silk fabrics.
Fraying or rough texture – worn fabric can snag hair and irritate the scalp.
Loose elastic – twisting, hot water, or harsh detergents stretch elastic.
Shrinkage or deformation – delicate fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet may shrink if exposed to heat.

Proper care ensures your scrunchies stay soft, elastic remains strong, and colors stay vibrant. You’ll not only get a longer lifespan from your scrunchies, but your hair will remain healthy and damage-free.

Can I Wash My Scrunchies in the Washing Machine?

Many people assume all scrunchies can go in the washing machine, but this isn’t true. The washing method depends entirely on the fabric:

Cotton scrunchies – safe for machine washing if placed in a mesh laundry bag and washed on a gentle cycle with cold water.
Delicate fabrics (satin, silk, velvet, Mikado, African prints) – must always be hand washed. Machine washing these can ruin the fabric, fade colors, and stretch elastic.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, hand washing is the safest option. A gentle hand wash keeps your scrunchies looking new for months.

Hand Washing: The Safest Way to Protect Your Scrunchies

Hand washing is ideal for all delicate fabrics and helps prevent damage while maintaining shine and softness.

Step-by-Step Guide for Hand Washing Scrunchies

Fill a bowl with cool water. Hot water weakens elastic and may shrink delicate fabrics.
Add a gentle soap, such as baby shampoo or mild detergent. Avoid bleach or strong chemicals.
Soak the scrunchies for 5–10 minutes. This loosens dirt, oils, and hair product residue.
Gently swish the scrunchies in the water. Do not twist or wring, as this can stretch the elastic.
Rinse thoroughly in cool water until no soap remains.
Lay flat on a towel to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent color fading.

Pro Tip: Hand washing is especially important for satin, silk, velvet, mikado, and African prints, as it preserves elasticity, shine, and softness

Machine Washing Cotton Scrunchies

Cotton and other thick woven fabrics are durable enough for machine washing. To avoid ruining the fabric:

Place scrunchies in a mesh laundry bag.
Use cold water on a gentle cycle.
Skip the dryer and air dry flat.

Even though cotton scrunchies are machine washable, air drying is recommended to prevent elastic from stretching out prematurely.

Fabric-Specific Care Tips

Different fabrics require slightly different care to maintain their texture, color, and elasticity.

1. Satin Scrunchies

Hand wash only.
Pat dry with a towel.
Keep away from heat and sunlight.
✨ Maintains smoothness and shine.

2. Velvet Scrunchies

Hand wash or spot clean.
Lay flat to air dry.
Avoid crushing the fabric pile.
✨ Keeps velvet soft and fluffy.

3. Silk Scrunchies

Use cool water only.
Gentle soap recommended.
Dry in the shade.
✨ Preserves delicate fibers and prevents color loss.

4. African Print Scrunchies

Hand wash in cold water.
Mild detergent.
Lay flat to air dry, no twisting.
✨ Protects vibrant colors.

5. Cotton Scrunchies

Machine or hand wash.
Air dry preferred.
✨ Durable and can withstand frequent washing.

6. Mikado Scrunchies

Hand wash recommended.
Avoid twisting or wringing.
Lay flat to air dry.
✨ Maintains shape and structure.

How to Clean Dirty Scrunchies Without Ruining Them

Over time, scrunchies accumulate oils, hair product residue, and sweat. Here’s how to clean them safely:

Spot-treat stains using gentle soap.
Hand wash in cool water.
Rinse thoroughly.
Air dry flat.

Pro Tip: For stubborn buildup, add ½ teaspoon baking soda to the wash water. This gently removes odors and oils without harming the fabric.

How Long Does It Take for a Scrunchie to Dry?

Drying time depends on the fabric:

Satin & silk → 2–6 hours
Velvet & cotton → 6–12 hours

Always lay scrunchies flat on a towel to dry. Avoid dryers or hanging them in direct sunlight to prevent elastic stretching and color fading.

Why Does My Scrunchie Smell Bad?

A scrunchie can develop a bad odor due to:

Sweat buildup
Hair product residue (gel, mousse, edge control)
Not drying completely after washing
Humid storage conditions

Solution: Hand wash scrunchies, rinse thoroughly, and air dry completely. Adding a small amount of baking soda can help remove persistent odors.

Can Hair Ties Go in the Washing Machine?

Elastic hair ties can go in the washing machine if placed in a mesh laundry bag, but heat and twisting can damage the elastic. Always air dry to preserve shape.

Can I Put My Scrunchies in the Dryer?

No. Heat from the dryer can:

Weaken elastic
Shrink delicate fabrics
Fade colors

Air drying is the safest option for all scrunchie fabrics.

How Often Should You Wash Your Scrunchie?

Daily wear: Once a week
Occasional wear: Every 2–3 weeks
Kids or active use: Weekly

Rotating scrunchies prevents overstretching and helps maintain elasticity.

How Often Is It Healthiest to Wash Your Hair To Keep Scrunchies Longer?

Clean hair helps scrunchies stay fresh longer:

Natural/curly hair → every 1–2 weeks
Fine/straight hair → every 2–4 days
Thick/coarse hair → every 7–10 days

Keeping both your hair and scrunchies clean ensures optimal hair health and scrunchie longevity.

Does Water Ruin Silk Scrunchies?

Cool water is safe for silk, but hot water, wringing, or sun drying can ruin the fibers. Always hand wash gently and air dry.

Troubleshooting Common Scrunchie Problems

Stretched elastic: Soak in warm (not hot) water for 2–3 minutes.
Faded colors: Use mild detergent and cold water only.
Stains: Spot-treat with gentle soap before washing.
Odor: Add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to wash water.

How I Wash My DeNob Scrunchies

I personally hand wash all my DeNob scrunchies, especially the Signature 4-in-1 Sets, which include:

Satin scrunchies
African print scrunchies
Velvet Matching scrunchie set
XXL Scrunchie sets

Why it works:

Elastic stays tight and functional
Fabrics remain vibrant and soft
Accessories last months longer than typical scrunchies

FAQs About Scrunchie Care

Q: Can you machine wash velvet or satin scrunchies?
A: No hand wash only.

Q: Can scrunchies go in the dryer?
A: No heat damages elastic and fabric.

Q: Do DeNob scrunchies last long?
A: Yes premium fabrics and strong elastic ensure long-lasting quality.

Q: Are they safe for kids?
A: Absolutely soft and gentle for all hair types.

Upgrade to Long-Lasting, High-Quality Scrunchies

If your scrunchies fade or stretch quickly, try DeNob Handmade 4-in-1 Scrunchie Sets, designed to last:

Premium Satin , Velvet & African print fabrics
Strong, durable elastic
Matching headband, wristband, and earrings

Shop now:
Website: https://denobcreations.com/product-category/our-signature-set/
Amazon: amazon.com/s?me=A2OU64N7M0Y2GP