A wig is a hairpiece made of synthetic or human hair. Whether the wig is human hair or synthetic, it has to be maintained. Human hair wigs can be cared for just as you care for your own hair. Wig shampoo is available to wash synthetic wigs. There are alternatives to wig shampoo to keep your wig clean.

Baking soda is a good alternative to wig shampoo, especially if your wig has absorbed cigarette smoke, odors from cooking or other odors. To use baking soda as an alternative, fill your sink with 3 quarts of warm water. Add ½ to ¾ cups of baking soda. After all of the baking soda has completely dissolved, submerge your brushed out wig into the water. Dissolve the baking soda completely to avoid any chalky residue. Soak your wig for 4 hours or overnight. After soaking, rinse the wig well and proceed to dry it.

Use a mild dish soap to rid your wig cap of makeup and oil. Fill your sink with cold water and add a small quirt of mild dish soap. Put your brushed out wig into the soapy water and gently squeeze the soapy water through the wig. Avoid rough agitation to keep the wig from tangling. When the wig is clean, drain the soapy water and refill the sink with clean cold water to rinse it. Repeat this step until the water is no longer soapy. Allow your wig to dry completely before wearing it.

Woolite is a mild detergent that will safely clean your wig. After filling your sink with cold water, add 1 capful of Woolite to the water. Comb your wig out and gently swish it in the sink. Fill the sink with clean, cold water and submerge the wig into the water to rinse it Drain the water, if necessary, and repeat until all of the detergent is removed.

Baby shampoo is gentle enough to clean your wig if you do not have wig shampoo available. Fill your sink with cold water and a small squirt of baby shampoo. Gently swish the combed out wig in the soapy water to remove the oil and dirt. Rinse the shampoo from the wig by placing it in a sink of clean cold water; lightly swish it to remove any leftover soap. Repeat the rinse if necessary.