Scrunchie Care: How to Wash and Store Hair Accessories

Quick answer

Wash scrunchies by hand in cool water with a drop of mild detergent, squeeze gently, and air dry flat away from direct heat. Store them loosely in a small pouch or divided box so the elastic can relax between wears. This routine keeps scrunchies like new and prevents stretched, faded fabric.

Scrunchies are small, but they take a beating. They stretch around hair, pick up oils and product, and get tossed into bags where they snag on zippers and keys. A little scrunchie care goes a long way toward keeping them soft, colorful, and elastic.

This guide walks through how to wash scrunchies, how to dry them without ruining the stretch, and how to set up hair accessory storage that actually works. It also covers what to check when you buy new ones, so your favorites last longer from day one.

Why scrunchie care matters more than you think

Scrunchies are usually made from fabric wrapped around an elastic band. When that fabric gets oily or product-heavy, it can stiffen and lose its soft feel. When the elastic is stored stretched or exposed to heat, it loses snap. Both problems are preventable with a simple wash-and-store routine.

You do not need special products. A mild detergent, cool water, and a little patience are enough. The goal is to clean the fabric without stressing the elastic or causing color bleed, then let everything dry fully before it goes back in your drawer.

• Wash after every few wears if you use hair oil, gel, or dry shampoo.
• Never wring or twist a scrunchie to remove water.
• Keep a small mesh bag near your laundry so scrunchies do not get lost.

How to wash scrunchies without stretching them

Hand washing is the safest method for scrunchie cleaning tips because you control the temperature and agitation. Fill a bowl with cool water and add a tiny amount of mild detergent. Submerge the scrunchies and gently squeeze the suds through the fabric for about 30 seconds. Do not scrub them against each other or use a brush.

Rinse in cool water until no suds remain. If a scrunchie is heavily soiled, let it soak for five minutes, then squeeze again. Skip bleach and fabric softener, which can break down elastic over time and leave a residue that attracts lint.

• Test a new scrunchie in a small bowl first if the color is deep or bright.
• Wash similar colors together to avoid dye transfer.
• If a scrunchie has a metal charm or bead, spot clean around it instead of soaking.

Drying and reshaping

After rinsing, press the scrunchie between a clean towel to remove excess water. Do not wring it. Lay it flat on a dry towel or a mesh drying rack, reshaping the fabric so it is not twisted. Air dry away from radiators, direct sun, and hair dryers, since heat weakens elastic and can fade color.

Most scrunchies dry within a few hours. If one still feels damp at the elastic, give it more time. Storing a damp scrunchie encourages mildew and a musty smell that is hard to remove later.

• Hang small scrunchies on a plastic hanger clip if you are short on flat space.
• Flip thick scrunchies over once halfway through drying.
• Never put scrunchies in a tumble dryer, even on low.

Hair accessory storage that protects shape

The best hair accessory storage keeps scrunchies relaxed, not stretched around a bottle or hook. A small fabric pouch, a divided drawer organizer, or a clean jar works well. If you use a jar, do not cram it full; the elastic needs room to sit without tension.

Keep scrunchies away from sharp objects like keys, hairpins, and zippers. A dedicated pouch inside your bag prevents snags and keeps them easy to find. For a larger collection, sort by color or fabric type so you can grab one without digging.

• Store scrunchies loosely, not wrapped tightly around each other.
• Keep them out of direct sunlight to slow fading.
• Rotate your favorites so no single scrunchie gets overstretched.

What to check when buying new scrunchies

A well-made scrunchie has a covered elastic that feels snug but not tight, and fabric that is securely sewn. Loose threads or a thin elastic mean it will likely lose shape quickly. If you are shopping for accessories, look for pieces that match your routine: easy to wash, easy to store, and soft enough to wear all day.

Brandy Melville scrunchie options and other small accessories are often final sale, so it helps to know your fabric preferences before buying. A quick check of the material and stitching saves you from replacing favorites too soon.

• Choose smooth fabrics for everyday wear and textured fabrics for gentle hold.
• Buy a small set in colors you actually wear.
• Check the return policy before buying final-sale accessories.

Scrunchie care steps

1. Sort and pretreat: Separate scrunchies by color and check for charms or beads. Spot clean around hard pieces with a damp cloth instead of soaking. Common mistake: tossing everything in together and causing dye transfer.
2. Hand wash in cool water: Fill a bowl with cool water and a drop of mild detergent. Squeeze suds through each scrunchie for about 30 seconds, then rinse until the water runs clear. Checkpoint: no suds left and no color running in the rinse water.
3. Press and air dry flat: Roll scrunchies in a clean towel to absorb water, reshape them, and lay flat on a drying rack away from heat and sun. Common mistake: wringing or hanging them wet, which stretches the elastic.
4. Store loosely: Once fully dry, place scrunchies in a pouch, divided box, or jar with room to spare. Keep them away from keys and sharp edges. Checkpoint: scrunchies should sit relaxed, not stretched around anything.
5. Rotate and inspect: Cycle through your collection and check for loose stitching or stretched elastic every few weeks. Next step: retire any scrunchie that no longer holds, and replace it with a similar fabric.

Accessories that pair well with a care routine

• Hair Claw Clip: Mocha hair claw clip, plastic, 1.5 inches (4 cm) full length, final sale. A small claw clip is a low-tension alternative to a tight hair tie, so you can give your scrunchies a rest and reduce stretch.
• Tassel Scarf: Cozy long plaid scarf with tassel details, 100% acrylic, 64 inches (163 cm) length, final sale. Acrylic accessories like this scarf need the same cool-water, air-dry care as synthetic scrunchies, so you can wash them together.
• Faux Leather Buckle Belt: Red faux leather thin belt with gold buckle, 100% polyurethane, 39 inches (99 cm) length and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) width, final sale. A thin belt is easy to store on a hook or rolled in a drawer, and keeping it separate from hair accessories prevents snags.
• Mini Backpack: Navy Blue faux leather mini backpack with adjustable straps, snap closure, and drawstring, 10 inches (25.5 cm) length, 10 inches (25.5 cm) width, 32 inches (81 cm) straps, final sale. A small backpack with a secure closure gives you a dedicated spot for a scrunchie pouch so hair accessories do not get crushed or lost.

Scrunchie care is mostly about avoiding heat, tension, and harsh products. Wash by hand, dry flat, and store loosely, and your hair accessories will stay soft and stretchy for far longer. A few minutes of care after each wear is all it takes.