2 Ways to Clean Shoelaces: A Simple Step to Make Your Shoes Look New Again

Keeping your shoelaces clean can make a significant difference in the overall appearance of your shoes. Over time, laces can become stained, dirty, and even lose their shape, making your footwear look worn out. Rather than replacing dirty laces, you can easily clean them at home using a few simple methods. Here are two effective ways to clean your shoelaces: machine washing and hand washing.

Why Clean Shoelaces Matter

Shoelaces are often overlooked when it comes to shoe care. However, clean laces can significantly improve your shoes’ overall look, extending their lifespan. Whether you have white, colored, or even leather laces, cleaning them regularly helps maintain a polished appearance. Here’s how to clean your shoelaces and keep them looking new.

How to Machine-Wash Shoelaces

Machine washing is one of the most convenient ways to clean your shoelaces. This method is quick and effective, especially for those with busy schedules. Follow these steps to ensure your laces come out looking fresh and clean:

Step 1: Remove and Rinse

Start by removing the laces from your shoes. Hold them under a running faucet of cold water to rinse away loose dirt, mud, or dust. This initial rinse will help remove surface debris, making the washing process more effective.

Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains

Next, pre-treat the laces using a heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent or an enzyme-based stain remover. Apply the detergent directly to the laces, focusing on any stained or dirty areas. Use an old toothbrush or a small soft-bristled brush to scrub the detergent into the laces. This step is crucial, especially if the laces are heavily soiled, as it helps break down the stains before the main wash.

Step 3: Place in a Mesh Laundry Bag

To prevent the laces from getting tangled in the washing machine, place them in a mesh laundry bag. This bag will keep the laces contained, ensuring a thorough clean without causing damage.

Step 4: Wash with Similar Colors

Add the mesh bag containing the laces to a load of similar colored laundry. Set the washing machine to a normal cycle with warm to hot water, depending on the fabric of the laces. Use a high-performing detergent that will effectively clean the laces and remove any stubborn dirt.

Step 5: Air Dry

After washing, remove the laces from the mesh bag and hang them to drip dry. Avoid using a dryer, as the heat can melt the plastic tips (aglets) of the laces. Instead, hang the laces over a drying rack or a towel rod. For faster drying, you can roll the laces in a thick, absorbent towel to remove excess water before hanging.

Special Tips for Machine-Washing Shoelaces

• Use Bleach for White Laces: For white cotton laces, adding a small amount of chlorine bleach to the wash can help whiten and brighten them. For colored laces, opt for oxygen-based bleach to avoid color fading.

• Avoid Overloading the Machine: Wash shoelaces with small loads of laundry to prevent them from getting crushed or tangled.

• Check for Stains: If any stains remain after washing, repeat the pre-treating and washing steps before drying.

How to Hand-Wash Shoelaces

Hand washing is an excellent alternative for those who prefer a more controlled cleaning method, especially for delicate or colored laces. Here’s a step-by-step guide to hand-washing your shoelaces:

Step 1: Prepare the Laces for Washing

Begin by removing the shoelaces from your shoes and rinsing them under cold water to remove any loose dirt. Pre-treat the laces by applying a small amount of heavy-duty liquid detergent or enzyme-based stain remover directly to stained areas. Scrub gently with an old toothbrush to work the detergent into the fabric.

Step 2: Mix a Cleaning Solution

Fill a sink, bucket, or bowl with four cups of hot water. Add 1/2 teaspoon of heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent and mix well to create a cleaning solution. If you are washing multiple pairs of laces, double the amount of water and detergent accordingly.

Step 3: Submerge and Soak the Laces

Submerge the laces in the detergent solution, ensuring they are fully covered. Gently swish them around for a few minutes to saturate the laces thoroughly. Allow the laces to soak for at least 30 minutes. For heavily soiled laces, soaking for up to an hour can help loosen stubborn dirt and stains.

Step 4: Rinse and Check Cleanliness

After soaking, give the laces a final swish through the detergent solution, then rinse them under cool running water. Check to see if the laces are clean and bright. If any stains remain, soak them in a separate solution of chlorine bleach (for white laces) or oxygen-based bleach (for colored laces). Rinse thoroughly afterward.

Step 5: Air Dry

Hang the laces over a drying rack or towel rod to air dry. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can cause fading or damage to the fabric. For faster drying, roll the laces in a towel to remove excess water before hanging.

Special Tips for Hand-Washing Shoelaces

• Leather Laces: Wash leather laces with saddle soap and warm water. Allow them to air dry away from direct sunlight and condition them with leather oil to keep them soft and pliant.

• Avoid Hot Water: For colored laces, use cool or lukewarm water to prevent dye bleeding.

• Store Laces Properly: Keep clean laces with their corresponding shoes to avoid mix-ups.

Treating Stains on Shoelaces

Stubborn stains can make even the cleanest laces look dingy. Here are some tips to remove tough stains:

• For White Cotton Laces: Soak the laces in a solution of one teaspoon chlorine bleach mixed with two cups of warm water. Let them sit for five minutes before rinsing with cool water.

• For Colored Laces: Mix one tablespoon of oxygen bleach with two cups of warm water. Submerge the laces, and let them soak for two to eight hours before rinsing well.

How Often to Wash Shoelaces

How often you wash your shoelaces depends on their color and use. White laces tend to show dirt quickly and should be cleaned as soon as they appear soiled. Colored laces, on the other hand, can be washed when they look dull or whenever you clean your shoes.

Conclusion

Cleaning shoelaces is a simple but effective way to keep your shoes looking fresh and new. Whether you prefer the convenience of machine washing or the control of hand washing, these methods ensure that your laces remain in top condition. Regular cleaning helps extend the life of your laces and enhances the appearance of your footwear. So, next time your laces look a little worse for wear, give them a good clean instead of tossing them out—you’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it makes!