How to Wash a JUNK Headband: Complete Care Guide

JUNK headbands, Ear Warmers and Winter Neck Gaiters are machine washable. For the best long-term care, wash them in cold water with similar lightweight sportswear, avoid fabric softener and bleach, then hang or lay flat to air-dry.

Regular cleaning helps remove perspiration, salt, sunscreen, conditioner, makeup and styling-product residue from the fabric. This keeps your headband feeling fresh and may also help it retain the comfortable, secure fit you expect during running and workouts.

This guide explains how to machine wash or hand wash a JUNK headband, how often to clean it, how to remove unwanted smells and how to dry and store it correctly.

Always check and follow any care instructions supplied with your individual product if they differ from the general guidance below.

JUNK headband care at a glance

Can JUNK headbands go in the washing machine?

Yes. JUNK confirms that its headbands, Ear Warmers and Winter Neck Gaiters are machine washable.

For a straightforward machine wash:

1. Check the care instructions supplied with the product.
2. Place the headband with similar lightweight or performance fabrics.
3. Use cold water and a gentle washing cycle.
4. Add a small amount of mild detergent.
5. Do not add fabric softener or bleach.
6. Remove the headband promptly when the cycle finishes.
7. Reshape it gently and hang or lay it flat to air-dry.

A small mesh laundry bag can provide extra protection, particularly when the washing load contains other items with fasteners, seams or hardware.

As a general precaution, avoid washing a headband alongside exposed hook-and-loop fasteners, sharp zips or rough items that could catch or snag the fabric. Fasten or cover these items before washing whenever possible.

How to hand wash a JUNK headband

Hand washing is useful when you only need to clean one or two headbands, want to refresh one between training sessions or prefer not to run a complete machine cycle.

1. Fill a clean bowl or sink with cold water.
2. Add a small amount of mild detergent and mix it through the water.
3. Place the headband in the water and gently move it around.
4. Pay particular attention to areas that sit against the forehead, hairline and back of the head.
5. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, twisting or stretching.
6. Drain the water and rinse the headband thoroughly in clean cold water.
7. Continue rinsing until no visible detergent remains.
8. Gently press out excess water without wringing the fabric.
9. Hang or lay flat to air-dry completely.

If the headband is very wet, place it between two clean towels and press gently to remove some of the excess water before air-drying. Do not twist it tightly inside the towel.

Should you rinse a headband after every workout?

A cold-water rinse after a particularly sweaty run or workout is a useful habit, even when the headband does not yet require a complete detergent wash.

Perspiration contains water and salts, while the fabric may also pick up sunscreen, makeup, conditioner, skin oils and styling products. Rinsing promptly helps remove some of this build-up before it dries into the fabric.

After rinsing:

• gently press out the excess water
• hang or lay the headband flat in a ventilated area
• allow it to dry fully before wearing or storing it

Do not leave a damp headband rolled inside a gym bag, pocket or washing basket. Damp, enclosed storage can allow unwanted smells to develop and makes the headband less pleasant to wear again.

How often should you wash a sports headband?

How often a headband needs a complete wash depends on how it is used.

Consider washing it after each use when:

• it has become heavily soaked with perspiration
• you trained in hot or humid conditions
• you wore it during a particularly long session
• it has visible sunscreen, makeup or styling-product residue
• it has developed an unwanted smell
• it was worn during muddy, dusty or dirty outdoor activity

A headband worn briefly for walking, light training or everyday use may not require a complete wash every time. Allow it to air out and dry fully, then use its feel, appearance and smell to decide when it needs cleaning.

Rotating between several headbands makes it easier to allow each one to wash and dry properly before its next use.

Why should you avoid fabric softener?

Fabric softener is not recommended for JUNK headbands.

Softeners can leave a coating on performance fabrics. This residue may affect the fabric’s feel, breathability, moisture management and its contact with your skin and hair.

That coating can also make the surface feel more slippery, which is unhelpful if you rely on the headband remaining securely positioned during running or exercise.

If fabric softener has accidentally been used, wash the headband again without softener and rinse it thoroughly. It may take more than one wash to remove all remaining residue.

For more help with fit and movement, read our guide on how to stop a headband slipping during exercise.

What detergent should you use?

A mild everyday detergent is normally sufficient. You do not need a large amount of detergent to clean a small performance headband.

Using too much detergent may make it harder to rinse the fabric completely and can leave its own residue behind.

When choosing a detergent:

• follow the detergent manufacturer’s dosage instructions
• use only the amount needed for the size of the washing load
• avoid combining it with fabric softener
• avoid bleach or aggressive bleaching agents
• rinse thoroughly when washing by hand

If you have sensitive skin or are changing detergent, make sure the headband is rinsed completely before placing it against your forehead.

Can you use bleach on a JUNK headband?

Avoid using bleach on JUNK headbands, including light-coloured or predominantly white designs.

Bleach may affect colour, printed designs and stretch fibres. It may also shorten the useful life of the fabric.

For visible marks, start with cold water and mild detergent rather than a strong bleaching treatment. Test any unfamiliar stain-removal product on an inconspicuous area and follow the product’s instructions carefully.

How to dry a JUNK headband

JUNK recommends hanging or laying its headbands flat to dry.

After washing:

1. Gently press out excess water.
2. Return the headband to its normal shape.
3. Lay it flat on a clean dry towel or hang it in a ventilated area.
4. Keep it away from radiators and other sources of direct high heat.
5. Allow the entire headband to dry before wearing or storing it.

Double-layered products and thicker cold-weather styles may naturally take longer to dry than a single-layer Big Bang Lite.

Make sure folds, tied ends and thicker sections are also dry. A headband can feel dry on the outside while retaining some moisture between layers or within gathered fabric.

Can you tumble dry a JUNK headband?

For longevity, air-drying is the recommended approach.

High heat can be hard on stretch fabrics and may affect the headband’s fit, shape or printed finish over time. Hanging or laying the headband flat removes this unnecessary exposure to heat.

If the individual care label gives different drying instructions, follow the instructions supplied with that product.

How to remove sweat smells from a headband

If a headband still smells after drying, it needs a more complete wash rather than perfume, deodorising spray or fabric softener.

Try the following:

1. Rinse the headband thoroughly in cold water.
2. Wash it using mild detergent and a gentle cycle, or wash it carefully by hand.
3. Make sure the fabric is rinsed completely.
4. Air-dry it in a well-ventilated area.
5. Confirm that it is completely dry before storing it.

Persistent odours are often made worse when a damp headband is left inside an enclosed gym bag or washing basket. Cleaning it promptly and allowing unrestricted airflow while drying is generally more effective than trying to cover the smell.

How to remove sunscreen, makeup or hair-product residue

Sunscreen, foundation, conditioner, hair oil and styling products can collect around the front edge of a headband.

To clean visible residue:

1. Rinse the affected area in cold water.
2. Apply a small amount of mild detergent.
3. Gently work the water and detergent through the fabric with your fingers.
4. Avoid hard scrubbing, abrasive brushes or stretching the marked area.
5. Rinse thoroughly.
6. Repeat if necessary rather than immediately using a stronger treatment.

Do not allow stain-removal products to dry into the fabric. Always check their directions and suitability for coloured synthetic sportswear before use.

How to wash different JUNK headband styles

The same basic care principles apply across the JUNK range, but each construction has a few practical considerations.

Big Bang Lite

Big Bang Lite is a single-layer headband that is approximately 3.75 inches wide at the front and tapers at the back.

Lay it flat or hang it with the fabric opened out so that air can circulate across the full surface. Check that the tapered rear section is not folded underneath another part of the headband while drying.

Infinity

Infinity is a slimmer, double-layered and tapered style.

After washing, smooth the front and rear sections back into shape. Allow enough drying time for both fabric layers rather than judging dryness only from the outer surface.

Flex Tie

Flex Tie has long adjustable ends.

Untie it before washing and drying. Washing a tight knot may prevent water and detergent from reaching all parts of the fabric and can leave the knotted section damp for longer.

When machine washing, a mesh laundry bag can help prevent the long ends from becoming wrapped around other garments. Lay it flat or hang it fully extended to dry.

Big Bang

Big Bang is wider and constructed from two layers of fabric.

Open the headband fully after washing and smooth out any bunching. Its wider, double-layered construction may take longer to dry than Big Bang Lite, particularly in cool or poorly ventilated conditions.

Ear Warmer

JUNK Ear Warmers use a thicker cold-weather construction designed to provide warmth around the ears.

Wash using the same gentle approach, then lay flat or hang in a position that allows air to reach the thicker sections. Confirm that the entire Ear Warmer is dry before storing it.

Winter Neck Gaiter

JUNK Winter Neck Gaiters are also machine washable.

Open the gaiter out after washing rather than leaving it rolled or folded. This allows air to circulate through the inside as well as across the outer surface.

If you wear the gaiter over your mouth or nose, wash it regularly and make sure it is completely fresh and dry before its next use.

Can JUNK headbands be washed together?

Yes. Several JUNK headbands can be washed together as part of a suitable lightweight sportswear load.

For best results:

• wash similar colours together
• use cold water
• avoid overloading the machine
• keep them away from rough fabrics and exposed fasteners
• consider placing smaller headbands in a mesh laundry bag
• untie Flex Tie headbands before washing

Avoid packing so many items into the machine that the headbands cannot move or rinse properly.

How should you store a JUNK headband?

Store each headband only after it has dried completely.

A clean drawer, open basket or ventilated organiser is preferable to leaving it permanently inside a gym bag.

When storing:

• keep the fabric dry
• avoid direct heat and prolonged strong sunlight
• do not place heavy objects on top of it
• avoid storing it in contact with exposed hook-and-loop fasteners
• leave adjustable styles untied or loosely arranged
• allow thicker styles to remain open rather than tightly rolled

Rotating between several designs can also reduce repeated wear on a single headband and ensures that you always have a clean, dry option available.

Can washing help stop a headband slipping?

It can help when movement is being caused by residue in the fabric.

Perspiration, salt, conditioner, sunscreen and hair products can build up over time. This may change how the fabric feels and reduce friction between the headband, skin and hair.

Washing cannot correct every fit issue, but cleaning the headband without fabric softener is a sensible first step if a previously secure headband has started moving more than usual.

Correct positioning also matters. Read how to wear a headband properly for running and workouts for advice on the hairline, forehead and rear placement.

Common headband washing mistakes

• Using fabric softener: this can leave a coating on performance fabrics.
• Using very hot water: cold water is the safer routine for preserving stretch and colour.
• Applying bleach: bleach can affect prints, colour and stretch fibres.
• Using excessive detergent: too much detergent can be difficult to rinse completely.
• Washing with exposed fasteners: hook-and-loop fasteners and sharp zips may snag the fabric.
• Wringing or twisting: aggressive twisting can place unnecessary strain on the material.
• Applying direct high heat: air-drying is the recommended approach for longevity.
• Leaving the headband damp: storing it before it is fully dry can contribute to unwanted smells.
• Leaving a Flex Tie knotted: the knot can prevent complete cleaning and slow drying.

When should a sports headband be replaced?

Even with careful washing, all frequently used sportswear eventually shows signs of wear.

Consider replacing a headband when:

• the fabric no longer returns to its original shape
• it has become noticeably looser than when new
• the stitching or edges are damaged
• the material has become rough or uncomfortable
• marks or odours remain after thorough cleaning
• it no longer stays secure despite correct positioning and care

If the fit remains good and the fabric is undamaged, regular washing and rotation can help you continue using the headband comfortably.

Frequently asked questions

Are all JUNK headbands machine washable?

Yes. JUNK confirms that its headbands, Ear Warmers and Winter Neck Gaiters are machine washable. Always check the care instructions supplied with your individual product.

What temperature should I wash a JUNK headband at?

Use cold water unless the product’s care instructions state otherwise. Cold water is suitable for routine cleaning of JUNK performance headbands.

Can I wash my JUNK headband after every workout?

Yes. A complete wash is particularly appropriate after a hot, long, dirty or heavily perspiring session. For lighter use, a cold-water rinse and thorough air-drying may be sufficient until the next wash.

Can I use fabric softener on a JUNK headband?

No. JUNK advises avoiding fabric softener. It can leave residue on performance fabric and may affect moisture management and grip.

Can I put a JUNK headband in the tumble dryer?

JUNK recommends hanging or laying its headbands flat to dry for longevity. Air-drying also avoids unnecessary exposure to high heat.

Can I hand wash a JUNK headband?

Yes. Wash it gently in cold water with a small amount of mild detergent, rinse thoroughly and air-dry.

Why does my headband still smell after washing?

Check that you used enough water to rinse out perspiration and detergent, and confirm that the headband dried completely. Avoid leaving it damp inside a bag or washing basket.

Should I wash a new headband before wearing it?

This is a matter of personal preference rather than a requirement. Anyone with particularly sensitive skin may prefer to wash new clothing and accessories before first use, following the supplied care instructions.

Can I wash a JUNK headband with normal clothes?

Yes, provided the load is suitable for cold, gentle washing and does not contain rough items or exposed fasteners that could snag the fabric.

How long does a JUNK headband take to air-dry?

Drying time depends on the headband style, room temperature, airflow and humidity. Lightweight single-layer styles should generally dry faster than thicker or double-layered products. Wear or store the product only when it is completely dry.

Final JUNK headband care checklist

• rinse after particularly sweaty use
• machine wash cold on a gentle cycle when needed
• use a small amount of mild detergent
• avoid fabric softener and bleach
• wash with similar lightweight fabrics
• protect the headband from exposed zips and hook-and-loop fasteners
• do not wring or stretch it aggressively
• hang or lay flat to air-dry
• store only when completely dry

Correct care helps keep your headband clean, comfortable and ready for your next run or workout.

Learn more about why you should wear a headband when training, or use our guide to choosing the right JUNK headband.

Shop all JUNK headbands and accessories

Have a question?

If you have a question or query, please contact us. We are always happy to help.