Hair ribbons are worn by women of all ages. From the time they are babies and right through adulthood, some women love wearing ribbons in their hair.

In addition to wearing hair ribbons, however, these same women also use various hair products. A lot of women on a daily basis apply gels, hairsprays, moisturizers, texturing solutions, conditioners and more. These products—along with regular dirt—can make these ribbons rather dirty. It’s important to clean these hair ribbons. It’s even more important to use safe cleaners when doing so.

 

How to Clean All Types of Hair Ribbons

 

Items Needed for Cleaning Hair Ribbons

Use the  following items for cleaning the various kinds of hair ribbons that make up your collection. Because the ribbons are worn close to your skin, these are all safe cleaners,  It’s important not to allow your skin contact with harsh cleaners. Safe cleaners won’t cause any kind of irritation and won’t cause harmful chemicals to seep into your skin.

Here are some items you may use when cleaning your ribbons:

  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Soft cloths or paper towels
  • White vinegar
  • Cotton swabs
  • Basin or bucket
  • Liquid dish soap
  • Clean towel
  • Iron
  • Mild laundry soap
  • Wooden clothespins

 

How to Clean All Types of Hair Ribbons by hand

 

Hair Ribbons by Type

Before cleaning your hair ribbons, it’s important to identify them by type. There are several types so you will want to identify them in order to decide the best method to use in cleaning them.

There are, of course plain fabric ribbons. Some of these—if made of cotton—may be laundered in your washing machine with your other clothes. Use a colorfast sheet (found in the laundry aisle near dryer sheets) and mild laundry soap. Toss these ribbons in a delicate load with cold water. Don’t dry them in your clothes dryer, however. Instead hang them to dry or flatten them out on a clean, white towel.

Other ribbons are part of barrettes or clips. Some are hot glued or super glued to the clips or barrettes—or even a headband. It’s imperative not to toss into your washing machine these types of hair ribbons.

 

Cleaning Hair Ribbons Attached to Barrettes, Clips, Etc.

Cleaning ribbons that are attached to clips, barrettes, etc. must be cleaned by hand. You should start by cleaning the attachment.

When cleaning, use a cotton swab dipped in either white vinegar or rubbing alcohol, gently wipe the metal or plastic clips, barrettes, or headbands that hold the ribbons in place. Both the white vinegar and alcohol will evaporate quickly, so there’s no need for rinsing. Any germs lurking on these hair accouterments will likely be killed. They will also dissolve many of the hair products that get on the clips, barrettes, etc.

Soak the hair ribbons clean if the ribbon portion is very long. Filling a small basin or bucket with warm water and a few drops of liquid dish detergent is the best way to start. Clip the ribbons by their attachments—clips, barrettes, etc., with wooden clothespins onto the side of the basin or bucket. Make sure the water reaches high enough in the bucket so the ribbons are underwater.

After they have soaked for a half hour or so, lay them flat onto clean, white towels and blot with a second towel. Allow the ribbons to remain on the towel until completely dry. This works best with sturdy ribbons made of heavy cotton or cotton-like material. To kill two birds with just one stone and soak hair ties made from fabric or covered elastic at the same time.

For silk or silk-like ribbons, follow the aforementioned process for cleaning any attached clips, barrettes, etc. Don’t soak these kinds of ribbons. Instead, blot them clean with a soft cloth dipped in a mixture of water and a few drops of liquid dish soap. After blotting, rinse the cloth with plain water, and blot the ribbons again. Dry flat on a clean, white towel.

 

Hair Ribbons—After They’ve Been Cleaned

You’ll find that after your hair ribbons have been cleaned that the ribbon part is a bit wrinkled. This may not bother some, but others will squirm until every one of those wrinkles is gone.

Leave your ribbons on the white towel where they’ve been drying. Be sure to set your iron on the correct setting for the ribbon type of fabric. Lightly iron away any remaining wrinkles. Don’t forget to clean your iron prior to starting this process.

Now your hair ribbons have been cleaned and freshened, and are ready to lend themselves to your sense of style. Completing this chore every couple of months will ensure no sticky build up or germs take hold.