In this blog I am going to share with you a handful of ways you can clean your shoelaces, exspecially the white ones. How you choose to clean your shoelaces will depend on the type of shoelace you’re working with and how thorough a clean your shoelaces require.
Table Of Contents
Supplies & Tools
- Laundry Detergent
- Bleach
- Baking Soda
- Mesh Laundry Bag
How To Clean Shoelaces
Total Time: 1 hr 30 min
There are two main ways to clean your shoe laces. One being with a washing machine, if you do this I suggest you put the laces into a washing machine safe bag so the laces don’t get tangled in the machine. The second method is to wash the laces by hand.
While washing your shoelaces you can also wash your shoes in the washing machine or by hand. If your in a wash, here is how you dry your shoes in the dryer.
When the sprays and wipes don’t cut it, and your shoelaces aren’t shining as bright as they once did, you can clean by hand or machine wash.
1. Take a photo
Take a quick picture to help you remember how your shoelaces were tied .
2. Remove shoelaces
Remove shoelaces from shoes
3. Gently remove debris
Gently remove debris with a soft, dry toothbrush .
4. Rinse with water
For any leftover debris, rinse with water .
5. Spot treat stains
Spot treat stains by applying detergent directly and let it sit for 20 minutes before cleaning.
6. Place shoelaces in laundry bag
Place your shoelaces in mesh laundry bag, or knotted pillowcase to prevent laces from getting tangled with other items .
7. Place bag in washing machine
Place mesh laundry bag or pillow case with shoelaces in washing machine.
8. Add laundry detergent
Add laundry detergent to washing machine and run a regular wash cycle (How long does a washer take ?).
9. Remove from washer
When cycle is complete remove shoelaces from laundry bag or pillowcase and hang to dry.
How To Clean Shoelaces By Hand
Total Time: 45 min
Cost: $0
1. Wear gloves
Always wear gloves, as bleach and other detergent can cause harm to skin .
2. Grab a bucket
In a bucket add 4 cups of warm water and ½ teaspoon of laundry detergent .
3. Submerged shoelaces
Place shoelaces in bucket, ensuring they are fully submerged, and let them soak for 20-30 minutes .
4. Remove shoelaces
Remove Shoelaces from the solution .
5. Rinse shoelaces
Rinse shoelaces with clean water .
6. Hang shoelaces
Hang shoelaces on drying rack.
How to clean shoelaces: quick tips
Drying laces in a dryer may cause the shoelaces to shrink and can melt the plastic tips (also known as aglets). We suggest using the tumble dry low option and be sure you understand how to use a dryer & how long does a dryer take.
DO NOT twist, squeeze or wring shoelaces as this can stretch or warp the shape of the laces. Try placing laces in a folded towel to absorb excess water before hanging to dry.
Are you not sure what is tumble dry and all its settings? Learn about this specific setting on your washing machine with us (its also good to know how hot does a dryer get?)
The best option for drying your shoelaces is to dry them without a dryer. Choose to dry flat or line dry, and the the air wick the moisture out.
If your shoelaces are too far gone then buy a new pair. Read our article, what size shoe laces do I need? To get the perfect size.
While your cleaning your shoelaces, take the time to clean your shoes.
FAQ
There are many ways to get white shoe laces clean again, sometimes it’s as simple as hand washing them with soapy water. You can also try washing them with bleach or putting them into the washing machine in a mesh bag and use detergent and hot water.
Yes shoe laces can be washed. The simple way of washing them is to use soapy water and your hands, or you can put them in a mesh bag and wash them in the washing machine.
There are many ways to clean your shoelaces without ruining them. To make sure they don’t get ruined, always wash them inside a machine safe mesh bag.
