How to Clean Hair Accessories: Clips, Ties and Headbands

Quick answer

Most hair accessories only need a gentle wipe with a soft damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, followed by air-drying. Metal clips and elastics can handle a slightly deeper clean, but anything with delicate fabric, pearls or glued-on decorations should never be soaked. Clean them every one to two weeks, or more often if you use styling products daily.

Hair accessories pick up oils, styling products and dust every time you wear them. Over time, that buildup makes clips slip, elastics lose their stretch and headbands look dull. A quick, regular clean keeps them working and looking better for longer.

The right method depends on what the accessory is made of. Metal, plastic, fabric and elastic all respond differently to water and soap. This guide walks you through a safe routine for each type, with checkpoints to avoid the most common mistakes.

Why hair accessory care matters

Styling products like hairspray, gel and dry shampoo leave a residue that attracts dust and makes surfaces sticky. On metal clips, that residue can trap moisture and speed up tarnishing. On fabric headbands, it can dull the color and stiffen the fibers. Regular cleaning removes the buildup before it causes damage.

Clean accessories also stay hygienic. Oils and dead skin cells from your scalp transfer to clips and ties, which can irritate your scalp or cause breakouts along your hairline. A simple wipe-down every week or two solves most of that.

• Clean daily-wear items weekly; special-occasion pieces after each use.
• If you use heavy styling products, clean more often.

What you need (and what to avoid)

You don't need a special kit. A soft microfiber cloth, a mild liquid soap (like castile or baby shampoo), a soft-bristle toothbrush, and a dry towel cover almost everything. For metal clips, a little white vinegar on a cloth can help with tarnish, but rinse it off well.

Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, acetone and abrasive sponges. They can strip finishes, melt glue and scratch plastic. Also skip the washing machine and dryer for anything with elastic or delicate embellishments; heat and agitation are the fastest way to ruin them.

• Use cool or lukewarm water, never hot.
• Test any cleaning solution on a hidden spot first.

Step-by-step: how to clean hair clips

Start by removing visible hair. Use your fingers or a toothpick to loosen strands wrapped around the hinge. Then dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap. Wipe the clip gently, working around any decorative stones or painted details. For metal clips with tarnish, a cloth dampened with white vinegar can help, but wipe it off with a clean damp cloth afterward.

Never soak clips that have glued-on pearls, rhinestones or fabric covers. Water can weaken the adhesive. If the clip is plain metal or plastic, a quick dip in soapy water is fine, but dry it immediately with a towel to prevent rust or water spots.

• Checkpoint: if the clip has a spring, make sure it still snaps after drying.
• Mistake to avoid: submerging embellished clips.

Step-by-step: how to clean hair ties

Fabric-covered elastics and scrunchies can usually be hand-washed. Fill a bowl with cool water and a little mild soap, then squeeze the tie gently through the water a few times. Rinse until the water runs clear. Roll the tie in a towel to remove excess water, then let it air-dry completely before using it again.

Plain rubber or silicone ties just need a wipe with a damp cloth. Avoid stretching them while wet, as that can weaken the elastic. If a tie has lost its stretch or the fabric is pilling badly, it's time to replace it.

• Checkpoint: the tie should return to its original shape after drying.
• Mistake to avoid: wringing or twisting wet elastics.

Step-by-step: how to wash headbands

Fabric headbands can be hand-washed in cool water with mild soap. Gently squeeze the fabric to work the soap through, then rinse. If the headband has a structured base or wire, don't bend it while wet. Lay it flat on a towel to air-dry, reshaping it as it dries.

Plastic or metal headbands only need a wipe with a damp cloth. For padded or beaded headbands, use a barely damp cloth and avoid getting the base wet. Always air-dry completely before storing to prevent mildew.

• Checkpoint: the headband should hold its shape after drying.
• Mistake to avoid: putting fabric headbands in the dryer.

How to sanitize hair accessories

Sanitizing goes a step beyond cleaning. For metal and plastic accessories, wipe with a cloth dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol and let air-dry. This kills most bacteria and evaporates quickly. Don't use alcohol on fabric, elastic or glued decorations because it can dry out or damage them.

For fabric items, a few minutes in direct sunlight can help freshen them naturally. If you're sharing accessories or recovering from a scalp infection, replace elastics and fabric ties, since they're hard to fully sanitize.

• Checkpoint: alcohol should evaporate completely before wearing.
• Mistake to avoid: using alcohol on delicate fabrics.

Drying and storing your accessories

Always air-dry accessories completely before putting them away. Moisture trapped in a drawer can cause rust, mildew and weakened elastic. Lay them flat on a clean towel or hang them on a small hook. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or hair dryers, which can warp plastic and shrink fabric.

Store clips in a small box or divided tray to prevent scratches. Hang headbands on a hook or keep them in a drawer with enough space so they don't get bent. Keep elastics in a dry pouch or compartment away from direct sunlight.

• Checkpoint: no dampness before storage.
• Mistake to avoid: tossing everything into one tangled pile.

Your 5-step hair accessory cleaning routine

1. 1. Remove loose hair: Use your fingers or a toothpick to clear strands from hinges and elastics before any water touches the accessory. Checkpoint: no visible hair left in the mechanism.
2. 2. Wipe or hand-wash by material: Metal and plastic: wipe with a damp soapy cloth. Fabric and elastic: hand-wash in cool water with mild soap. Never soak glued or beaded items. Mistake to avoid: using hot water or harsh cleaners.
3. 3. Rinse and remove excess water: Rinse with cool water until no soap remains. Press gently in a towel; never wring or twist. Checkpoint: water runs clear.
4. 4. Air-dry completely: Lay flat on a towel or hang to dry away from direct heat. Reshape headbands while damp. Checkpoint: bone-dry before storing.
5. 5. Store neatly: Keep clips in a divided tray, headbands on a hook, and elastics in a dry pouch. Next step: set a weekly reminder to wipe down daily-wear pieces.

A note on caring for delicate fabrics

• Earth Black Cheeky Panties: Made from soft recycled nylon and decorative stretch lace with seamless edges. The same gentle hand-wash approach you use for lace-trimmed hair accessories applies here: cool water, mild soap, no wringing.
• Earth Black Soft Bra v2: Half recycled nylon and half lace, with adjustable straps and a front hook closure. Shows how mixed-material pieces need spot cleaning rather than soaking, just like clips with glued details.

Cleaning your hair accessories takes only a few minutes, but it keeps them looking better and lasting longer. Match the method to the material, dry everything completely, and store pieces so they don't get bent or tangled. A simple routine now saves you from replacing clips, ties and headbands too soon.