Shoe laces can take a beating. They’re getting stepped on, scraped against sidewalks, and regularly dragged through mud and dirt. It’s no wonder they end up looking grimy and discolored so quickly!

While you may be tempted to throw them out and replace your laces whenever they start looking bad, with the proper washing techniques, you can restore them to looking like new again. Washing laces regularly can also help extend their lifespan, so you don’t have to keep buying new ones.

In this article, I’ll review everything you need to know about keeping your shoelaces clean. We’ll cover how to wash shoe laces. Let’s get into it!

How Often Should You Wash Shoelaces?

A good rule of thumb is to wash your shoelaces every 1-2 months. However, if you frequently wear your shoes in messier conditions, you may need to clean them more often.

Signs it’s time to wash your laces include:

• Visible dirt, grime, or stains
• A foul odor coming from the laces
• The laces feel stiff or crunchy
• The color looks dull and faded

Washing them regularly before they get too dirty will help prevent stains from setting in and extend the life of the laces. It’s much easier to clean dirt and grime off fresh than baked-on gunk.

Washing Shoelaces by Hand

Hand washing is a simple, effective way to clean your shoelaces and only requires a few basic supplies. Here are the steps:

What You’ll Need

• Shoelaces removed from shoes
• Bowl or sink filled with warm water
• Gentle liquid detergent or soap
• Soft-bristled cleaning brush (a toothbrush works!)
• Clean towel

Steps

1. Fill a bowl or sink with warm water and add a small amount of liquid detergent. The water should be warm but not hot enough to damage the laces. Swirl the water to incorporate the soap.
2. Submerge the laces in soapy water and let them soak for 15-30 minutes so the detergent can break down dirt and oils.
3. Scrub the laces with a soft brush. Focus on any visibly dirty areas and stains. The brush helps lift grime from the fabric.
4. Rinse the laces thoroughly with clean water. Keep rinsing until all the soap residue is gone, which prevents detergent from being left behind.
5. Lay the laces flat on a clean towel to air dry. Don’t wring them out or twist them, which can damage the fibers.

The handwashing method allows you to target problem spots and scrub the laces clean. It also lets you control the detergent used, unlike a washing machine, which doesn’t allow you to regulate how much soap is dispensed.

Washing Shoelaces in the Washing Machine

A washing machine is a convenient, easy way to wash multiple pairs of laces simultaneously. Here are some tips for machine washing:

• Use a gentle cycle and cold water. Hot water could potentially damage the laces. A delicate or permanent press cycle is ideal.
• Place laces in a mesh bag or lingerie bag. This prevents tangling and knotting during the wash cycle.
• Use a small amount of mild detergent. Liquid detergent works better than powder for machine washing shoelaces, but too much can leave residue.
• Allow extra rinse cycles. Rinse the laces thoroughly to remove all soap. If possible, set your machine for an extra rinse.
• Lay flat or hang to dry. Don’t put laces in the dryer, as the heat can deteriorate elastic fibers.

First, check that your laces are colorfast by washing one in cool water to test for dye bleeding before washing a full set.

The washing machine works great if you need to clean multiple pairs quickly and easily. Just take care not to use hot water or overdo the detergent.

Tips for Getting Shoelaces Extra Clean

If your laces are especially dirty or stained, here are some tips for getting them even cleaner:

• Soak in vinegar. Add 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water and soak laces for 30 minutes before washing. The vinegar will help cut through the gunk.
• Use laundry booster or stain remover. Ensure the ingredients are safe for your lace material, then apply them to stains before washing.
• Spot clean with dish soap. Rub diluted dish soap on tough stains using an old toothbrush before washing.
• Repeat wash cycles. For really stubborn dirt, wash the laces twice with a rinse to remove all traces of grime.
• Increase agitation. If washing your hands, vigorously swish and scrub the laces together to help knock off dirt. Machine wash on a higher agitation setting.

Don’t give up if your laces don’t come perfectly clean on the first wash. It may take a few cycles to get deeply ground-in stains out.

Whitening Dingy or Discolored Shoelaces

Over time, white shoelaces can start to look dingy and gray. Luckily, you can brighten them up again using some simple whitening methods:

Baking Soda and Vinegar Soak

Make a paste with three parts baking soda and 1 part water. Coat the laces with the paste and let sit for a few hours. Then, soak the laces in 2 cups warm water, 1⁄4 cup vinegar, and 1 tsp baking soda for 30 minutes. Rinse clean. The acids in the vinegar and abrasiveness of the baking soda will break down discoloration.

Hydrogen Peroxide Soak

Mix 1⁄2 cup warm water, 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide, and 1 tsp baking soda. Submerge laces and soak for 30 minutes up to a few hours, then rinse. The peroxide will lift stains.

Lemon Juice and Sunlight

Squeeze lemon juice onto the laces and place them in direct sunlight for 1-2 hours. The lemon’s acidity and the sun’s UV rays will naturally whiten the laces. Rinse the laces clean afterward.

White Vinegar Rinse

Add 1⁄2 cup white vinegar to a sink or bucket full of warm water. Soak the laces for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Vinegar helps remove yellowing.

Be careful using bleach or other harsh chemicals to whiten laces, as these could damage the fibers. Stick to gentler homemade whitening methods.

How to Dry Shoelaces After Washing

It’s essential to properly dry your shoelaces after washing to prevent mildew smells and help the fibers last longer. Here are some tips:

• Lay flat to air dry. Arrange the laces in a single layer on top of a clean towel. Reshape the laces so they lie flat.
• Hang up with clothespins. Attach clothespins or clips along the length of the laces, then hang them on a clothesline or drying rack.
• Stuff with newspaper. Place balled-up newspaper pieces inside the laces to help absorb moisture faster. Replace as needed.
• Use a fan. Position the laces in front of a fan on a low setting. The air circulation will speed up drying time.
• Tumble dry on low. If drying by machine, use the lowest heat setting possible and remove immediately when dry to avoid overdrying.

Always check that the laces are completely dry before putting them back on your shoes. Wet laces can breed bacteria and cause odor issues.

Recommended Cleaning Products and Materials

Having the right supplies on hand makes washing your shoelaces easier. Here are some recommended products:

• Mild liquid detergent: Sensitive skin formulas like Seventh Generation Free & Clear are ideal for hand-washing laces.
• Delicate laundry detergent: Look for a gentle cleanser like Woolite or The Laundress Delicate Wash for machine washing.
• A toothbrush or lingerie wash bag helps agitate the laces to get them cleaner without snagging or tangling.
• Vinegar and baking soda: Keep some on hand for extra cleaning power and whitening.
• Drying rack: A collapsible rack lets you quickly air dry multiple pairs of laces.
• Laundry clips: Clothespins come in handy for hanging laces up to dry.

Investing in the right gear makes washing your laces a quick, easy routine!

Summary of Key Points:

• Wash shoelaces every 1-2 months or whenever they look dirty. Signs they need washing include visible grime, foul odors, stiffness, and faded color.
• Handwashing allows you to target clean problem spots but takes more time. Soak in soapy water, scrub with a brush, rinse, and air dry.
• Machine washing is faster for multiple pairs but uses gentle settings and low heat. Place laces in a bag first to prevent tangling.
• To get laces extra clean, soak them in vinegar, use laundry boosters, spot-clean with dish soap, or repeat wash cycles.
• Whiten dingy laces by soaking them in baking soda and vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, and sunlight. Avoid harsh bleach.
• Always thoroughly dry laces after washing to avoid mildew smells. Lay flat, hang up, fan, or tumble dry on low.
• Have supplies like mild detergent, a toothbrush, vinegar, and a drying rack to make washing easier.
• Check laces after initial washing to see if stains remain. It may take several cycles to remove built-up grime entirely.
• When hand washing, vigorously swish the laces in the water to increase agitation and knock off dirt.
• If machine washing, use the highest agitation setting suitable for the material. This boosts cleaning power.
• Lay laces in the sun for a few hours after soaking in lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide for extra whitening power.
• Replace your shoelaces every 6-12 months with average use. Washing can extend their lifespan, but they do wear out over time.

And those are the critical tips for keeping your shoelaces looking like new! Proper cleaning and care will help them last longer and stay fresh. Let me know if you have any other shoelace-cleaning questions!

In Summary

Cleaning your shoelaces regularly is an easy way to make them last longer and look new. Use gentle settings and mild detergent when washing by hand or machine. Always air dry thoroughly after to avoid damaging materials. Proper care and cleaning methods will keep your laces fresh and bright for many years.

FAQs

FAQ 1: Can I put shoelaces in the dryer after washing?

It’s best to air-dry shoelaces to prevent heat damage. If needed, you can put them in the dryer in a no-heat or air-fluff setting. Avoid high heat, as it can deteriorate the fibers.

FAQ 2: What temperature water should I use to wash laces?

Always use cold water when washing shoelaces. Warm water can work for handwashing, but make sure it’s not hot. Heat can cause the materials to shrink or warp.

FAQ 3: Is it okay to wash leather and suede laces?

Genuine leather and suede laces need to be cleaned more gently. Spot clean by hand with a small amount of mild soap and brush the dirt off. Avoid submerging them thoroughly in water.

FAQ 4: How can I soften stiff shoelaces after washing?

If your laces come out of the wash stiff, soak them in a mixture of 1 cup water with 1 tbsp hair conditioner or fabric softener for 5 minutes. It will relax the fibers.

FAQ 5: What’s the best way to dry long shoelaces quickly?

Wrap each end around a towel rod or drying rack poles with long laces for faster drying. This suspends more surface area to dry rather than laying flat in the air.