How to Clean Shoelaces: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

Going through life with dirty shoelaces is unacceptable unless you are five years old, and even then, you should make sure your child has clean shoelaces. You may not think about such trivial matters, but knowing how to clean shoelaces can make a big difference in your overall look. There is actually a right way to rock your shoelaces, and if you’re curious to learn more about how to clean shoelaces, then keep on reading.

It is only natural for shoes and shoelaces to get dirty with all kinds of things possible. But if you think about it, it is the part connected to your footwear that you come in contact with the most. Having that thought in mind, you’d probably want them to be clean before you touch or manipulate them, right!

Nobody can go unnoticed if they have dirty shoelaces on their shoes, and besides, shoelaces are pretty durable, so if they get soiled, all you have to do is clean them up, making sure you look presentable and tidy at all times. Now that you understand how important it is to keep your shoelaces clean, grab your pen and paper and check out how to clean shoelaces, I bet you’ll also want to know how to clean white shoelaces

Different Types of Shoelace Materials

How to clean shoelaces

If you notice your shoelaces don’t seem their original color anymore, that is a pretty obvious sign that they need to be cleaned. If not too worn out, there’s no reason to get rid of them just yet if they can be washed and get them looking like new. There are two easy ways to clean shoelaces:

How to clean dirty shoelaces in a washing machine

1. Get the shoelaces off your shoes.
2. Do a little pre-treatment to get rid of any stuck-on grime. All you need to do is: Run shoelaces under a stream of water and, using a toothbrush or shoe brush, remove any debris.
3. If dealing with bad stains, do a spot treatment. You can use laundry detergent or a spot treatment to attack any noticeable stains.
4. Place shoelaces in a mesh lingerie bag. This will prevent them from getting tangled during the wash cycle.
5. Run a regular wash cycle.
6. Let the laces air dry.

How to Clean Shoelaces by hand

You can also clean your shoelaces by hand following the next steps:

1. Get the shoelaces off your shoes.
2. Do a little pre-treatment to get rid of any stuck-on grime.
3. If dealing with bad stains, do a spot treatment. You can use laundry detergent or a spot treatment to attack any noticeable stains.
4. Place shoelaces in a mesh lingerie bag.
5. Make your cleaning solution. Fill a bucket or sink with warm water. Add a little detergent.
6. Submerge the bag containing the laces into your cleaning solution. Allow the laces to soak for at least 20 minutes.
7. Remove the bag from the solution and remove the shoelaces from the bag.
8. Rinse off by placing the shoelaces under a stream of water. You can also try swishing them around in a basin of clean water. Do this until no more soapy water can be seen.
9. Hang the shoelaces and wait until completely dry. You can hang the laces over a sink or towel and allow them to air dry.

How to Clean leather shoelaces

If you own a pair of leather shoelaces, here is how you properly clean them to get them looking on point!

1. Get rid of any dirt from the lace with a toothbrush. Removing debris now can save effort and help spare the fabric. The good thing about leather laces is that these laces are not as absorbent as synthetics, so debris is easily removed.
2. Mix saddle soap and warm water and wipe gently and thoroughly to the whole shaft of the lace, using a damp cloth.
3. Allow your laces to dry on a drop cloth or old newspaper.
4. Once your laces are completely dry, apply a natural oil to bring back the leather’s sheen. Olive or coconut oil are good options. You can do this by using a drop of the oil onto a clean rag and gently applying it to the shoelace. These steps will allow the lace to soften and improve its appearance.
5. Let air dry for a while. After applying the oil treatment, you need to let them air dry once again for a few hours. You need to be patient because if you attempt to relace with laces still not dry, you can stain your shoes.

How to Clean Fabric Shoelaces

You can clean your fabric shoelaces by following these steps:

1. Remove the Shoelaces: Take the shoelaces off your shoes to avoid damaging the shoes while cleaning.
2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix warm water with a mild detergent or laundry liquid soap in a bowl.
3. Soak the Shoelaces: Submerge the fabric shoelaces in the solution for 15–20 minutes to loosen dirt and stains.
4. Scrub Gently: Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the shoelaces, focusing on stained areas.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse the shoelaces under cold running water to remove soap residue.
6. Air Dry: Lay the shoelaces flat on a clean towel or hang them to air dry completely.

How to Clean Synthetic Shoelaces

You can clean your synthetic shoelaces by following these steps:

1. Remove the Shoelaces: Detach the shoelaces from the shoes to make cleaning easier.
2. Use Warm Water and Soap: Mix warm water with a mild soap or detergent.
3. Wipe Clean: Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water and gently rub the shoelaces, focusing on dirty spots.
4. Rinse: Wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
5. Dry: Pat the shoelaces dry with a towel and let them air dry fully.

How to Clean White Shoelaces

You can clean your white shoelaces by following these steps:

1. Soak in Bleach Solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Soak the shoelaces for 5 minutes.
2. Scrub: Use a toothbrush or sponge to gently scrub the shoelaces.
3. Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse with cold water to remove all bleach residue.
4. Dry: Lay flat to air dry, ensuring they don’t touch colored fabrics during the process.

How to Clean Colored Shoelaces

You can clean your colored shoelaces by following these steps:

1. Use Color-Safe Detergent: Mix warm water with a color-safe detergent.
2. Hand Wash: Soak the shoelaces for 10–15 minutes, then gently scrub with a toothbrush or soft sponge.
3. Avoid Bleach: Ensure no bleach is used to prevent discoloration.
4. Rinse and Dry: Rinse thoroughly with water and air dry.

How to Clean Shoelaces Without Washing Them

If you want to clean your shoelaces without washing them, follow these steps:

1. Spot Clean: Use a damp cloth with a small amount of laundry liquid or mild soap to rub off dirt from the shoelaces.
2. Use a Magic Eraser: For quick touch-ups, use a magic eraser to remove surface stains.
3. Wipe Dry: Use a clean, dry cloth to absorb excess moisture.

How to Clean Shoelaces Without Removing Them

Here’s how to clean shoelaces without taking them off:

1. Spot Clean in Place: Prepare a solution of water and mild detergent.
2. Use a Toothbrush: Dip the toothbrush in the solution and scrub the visible parts of the shoelaces.
3. Rinse with a Damp Cloth: Wipe away the soapy residue with a damp cloth.
4. Dry with a Towel: Pat the shoelaces dry using a clean towel. Avoid soaking the shoes in the process.

Easy Ways To Clean Shoelaces

• If machine washing your shoelaces and in the case that you do not have mesh lingerie or laundry bag, you can try washing your shoelaces in a knotted pillowcase instead.
• Shoelaces should not go into the dryer. It can cause the shoelaces to shrink, and those plastic tips could melt.
• If cleaning solid-white laces, you can substitute a bit of bleach instead of detergent.
• Wear gloves and avoid putting your bare hands in the water when working with bleach, as it may cause your skin to become irritated.
• When cleaning leather laces, never soak the leather in the soap solution, as this can ruin the tan or discolor the leather.
• Do not expose your leather laces to the sun, as they can bleach and lose color.

When there’s nothing to be done

When laces are beyond rescue, you may want to think about getting new pairs. Check out the following cool choices.

DELELE 2Pair Oval Shoes laces 42 Colors

These are made from high-quality cotton, come in different colors, and are a great shoelace replacement for Sneakers and Converse. Find it on Amazon.

 

Converse White Shoe Laces 45 Inches

These are fantastic because they use tension and zero-memory elasticity to enable you to slip shoes on and off without ever having to tie or untie them. Find it on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your shoelaces clean might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in your overall appearance and hygiene. As an expert in this field, I’ve shared with you a variety of methods to tackle this simple yet essential task. Whether you’re dealing with fabric, synthetic, or leather shoelaces, knowing how to clean shoelaces the right way ensures they look fresh and last longer.

I’ve also covered some specialized tips, like cleaning shoelaces without washing or removing them, as well as how to handle delicate materials like leather. These practical solutions are designed to save you time and effort while achieving great results.

Now that you’ve learned how to clean shoelaces, I encourage you to apply these methods to your everyday routine. Clean shoelaces not only enhance the look of your shoes but also reflect attention to detail in your personal style. And remember, if your laces are beyond rescue, investing in high-quality replacements is always a great choice.

So go ahead—put these tips into practice and keep your shoelaces looking as good as new!

FAQ

1. What’s the best way to clean shoelaces?

The best way to clean shoelaces depends on their material. For fabric or synthetic shoelaces, soaking them in warm water with mild detergent and scrubbing with a soft brush works well. For white shoelaces, you can use bleach, but avoid it on colored laces. Always air-dry your shoelaces to maintain their quality and avoid damage.

2. Do you wash lace in hot or cold water?

It’s best to wash shoelaces in lukewarm water. Hot water can cause shrinkage or damage, especially for delicate materials like leather or cotton. Cold water may not effectively loosen dirt. Lukewarm water strikes the right balance, ensuring that dirt and stains are removed without compromising the durability of the shoelaces.

3. How long should I soak my shoelaces in bleach?

For white shoelaces, soak them in a bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water) for no more than 5–10 minutes. Prolonged exposure can weaken the fibers and discolor the shoelaces. Rinse thoroughly with cold water after soaking to remove all bleach residue and let them air dry completely.

4. Can I use bleach on colored shoelaces?

It’s not recommended to use bleach on colored shoelaces as it may cause fading or uneven discoloration. Instead, use a color-safe detergent or natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar to maintain the vibrancy of colored laces. Always spot-test a small section before using any cleaning agent on colored materials.

5. What not to use to clean shoelaces?

Avoid harsh chemicals like undiluted bleach on delicate or colored shoelaces as they can weaken fibers or cause discoloration. Strong solvents like acetone or alcohol-based cleaners should also be avoided. For leather shoelaces, steer clear of soaking or abrasive scrubbing, which can ruin their texture and appearance.

6. How Often Should You Clean Your Shoelaces?

Shoelaces should be cleaned whenever they appear visibly dirty. For frequently worn shoes, cleaning every 2–4 weeks keeps laces looking fresh. White shoelaces may require more frequent cleaning due to staining. Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of shoelaces and keeps your footwear looking presentable.

7. Is it better to hand wash or machine wash shoelaces?

Hand washing is better for delicate or high-maintenance materials like leather or elastic shoelaces, ensuring they are not damaged. Machine washing is convenient for durable materials like nylon or polyester, especially when using a mesh bag. Always choose the method that matches the material and condition of the shoelaces.

8. Is there a natural way to wash shoelaces?

Yes, you can use natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice to clean shoelaces. Baking soda works as a mild abrasive to lift stains, while vinegar acts as a natural disinfectant. Soak the laces in warm water mixed with these ingredients, then gently scrub for eco-friendly cleaning.

9. How to get blood out of shoelaces?

To remove blood stains, rinse the shoelaces in cold water as soon as possible to prevent the stain from setting. Apply hydrogen peroxide or a paste made from baking soda and water to the stained area. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly and air dry.

10. How can I prevent my shoelaces from getting dirty quickly?

To keep your shoelaces clean longer, consider applying a fabric protector or water-resistant spray. Avoid wearing shoes in muddy or dirty environments. Opt for darker-colored shoelaces in high-dirt areas as they show less grime. Regularly wipe your shoelaces with a damp cloth to remove surface dirt before it sets.