When I get new shoes it always seems like the first thing to start looking worn is the shoelaces. Maybe it’s because I commute by bike. Maybe it’s because I like to exercise outdoors. Or maybe tall guys just never see puddles and mud on the ground ahead of them.
In any case, I used to simply buy new shoelaces over and over again, until I realized how easy it was to wash shoelaces quickly and easily at home.
I’ve found that the two best methods to use for restoring shoelaces to their original condition are:
- Washing shoelaces in the washing machine
- Washing shoelaces by hand
Both methods are simple and extremely effective. Follow the steps outlined below so that you can clean your shoelaces properly, without having to buy a new pair every few weeks or months.
Table of Contents
Supplies & Tools
- Washing machine
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Mesh laundry bag
Total Time: 1 hr 45 min
Cost: $0.53 (one tide pod)
- Buy Tide Pods for $55
- Buy mesh laundry bag for $5.99
How To Wash Shoelaces
The two best ways to wash shoelaces is either by using the washing machine, or by using your hands.
Follow the instructions below to learn how to do both methods so that you can keep your shoelaces looking fresh and clean, no matter how dirty they become.
1. Remove the shoelaces
Remove the shoelaces from the shoes.
2. Clean initial dirt off your shoelaces
If the shoes have dirt or debris on them, use a brush or rinse them under water in the sink in order to remove (how to wash shoes).
3. Spot treat stains on shoelaces
Spot treat any stubborn stains with bleach or Oxiclean before using the washing machine.
4. Put in mesh bag for washing
Place the shoe laces in a mesh laundry bag. If you don’t do this they will wrap around the washing machine parts and potentially ruin your machine.
5. Put mesh bag in with other laundry
Place the laundry bag into the washing machine with other types of laundry.
6. Add detergent to the shoelaces
Add laundry detergent to the wash.
7. Run regular wash cycle for shoelaces
Run a regular washing cycle (how long does a washer take?) and wash with cold water.
8. Air dry the shoelaces
Once the spin cycle is complete, allow the laces to air dry instead of using the dryer. Hanging them from anywhere will work due to how thin they are. Your shoelaces will dry in a short time.
How To Wash Shoelaces By Hand
Total Time: 60 min
Cost: $0
- Remove the shoelaces from the shoes.
- Fill a sink, bucket, or basin with warm water.
- Add laundry detergent, dish soap, or bleach if your shoelaces are white. (Tip: You may want to wear gloves, especially if you are using bleach)
- Submerge the shoelaces in the water.
- Allow the laces to soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Use your hands to agitate and scrub the shoelaces while they are in the water.
- Once finished, remove the shoelaces and allow them to air dry. (Tip: If you have white shoelaces, air dry them in the sun as the sun’s ultraviolet light helps to brighten whites)
FAQ
The easiest way to wash shoelaces is by using the washing machine. Remove the laces from the shoes, place them into a mesh laundry bag, and run the washer on regular wash cycle. Once finished, air dry the laces instead of using the dryer.
To machine wash shoelaces remove the laces from the shoes, place them into a mesh laundry bag, and place them into the washing machine along with detergent, and run a regular cycle.
Fill a sink with warm water and mix in a few drops of bleach. Allow the laces to soak for 20 minutes before using your hands (you should wear gloves) to agitate and wash the laces. Once finished, remove the laces and allow them to air dry in the sun.
Clean white shoelaces by using the washing machine or using your hands. If your white shoelaces are badly stained I would recommend filling a sink with warm water and mixing it with bleach. Place the laces into the water and allow them to soak for 20 minutes before scrubbing the rest of the dirt out with your hands or a brush.
