The Simplest ‘How To Clean Shoelaces’ Guide You’ll Ever Need!

From their humble beginnings to the high-tech wonders of self-lacing, shoelaces have come a long way. They’re the silent heroes of the sneaker game, holding your kicks together & keeping your style on point. Yet, when these mini marvels gather grime, the fresh look of your expensive shoes is at risk. Unfortunately, due to their absorbent materials, laces often get dirty faster than the rest of the shoe. But don’t worry! With some household magic, you can breathe new life into those old laces, without having to buy new ones. Let’s check out the easiest & best methods of how to clean shoelaces.

More Sneaker Care Guides:

• Cleaning Jordans Guide
  
• Cleaning Dunks Guide
  
• Cleaning White Shoe Guide
  
• How To Fix Squeaky Shoes
  
• Shoe Trees For Sneakers

How To Clean Shoelaces: Nailing The Hand Method

When it comes to cleaning shoelaces, one of the simplest methods is the manual approach, using tools readily available in most homes.

For colored shoelaces, follow these 6 easy-peasy steps:

1. Remove the laces from the shoes. It’s much easier and more effective to clean them when they’re not attached.
2. Brush off any loose dirt or grime from the laces with your hands or a toothbrush. Dried-on dirt should come off with a little scrubbing.
3. Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap or laundry detergent. Soak the laces in the soapy water for a few minutes to loosen dirt.
4. Then, gently scrub again the laces, paying attention to any stubborn spots.
5. Rinse the laces thoroughly with fresh water. Repeat steps 2 through 5 if necessary until the laces are clean.
6. Finally, hang the laces to air dry over a sink or towel. Allow several hours for the laces to dry completely.

Warning: Avoid using a dryer, as it can damage the laces and aglets. 

Cleaning Shoe Laces With a Washing Machine

Another great option to clean your shoelaces perfectly is using a washing machine. Here’s how:

1. Remove the shoelaces from the shoes and use a spare toothbrush to brush off any stuck-on debris.
2. Place the shoelaces in the washing machine along with a load of like-colored laundry.
3. Run the washer through a regular wash cycle.
4. Again, avoid accidentally putting them in the dryer. Instead, allow them to air dry naturally.

Now, Solving The Trickiest Dilemma: How To Clean White shoelaces?

White shoe laces are real stain and grime magnets. So, follow these steps for sparkling results:

1. Take the laces out of the shoes.
2. Use your hand or a toothbrush to brush off any loose dirt.
3. Mix 3 tablespoons of bleach with 1 gallon of water in a sink or basin to create a cleaning solution. You can also add a small amount of soap or laundry detergent for better cleaning.
4. Place the laces in a small mesh laundry bag and soak them in the cleaning solution for several minutes. Stir the laces in the water using a spoon or spatula, and use a dishwasher-safe plate to weigh them down and prevent floating.
5. Wash the laces in the washing machine using hot water, detergent, and 1/2 cup of bleach. Keep the laces inside the laundry bag during the wash cycle.
6. Hang the laces over a sink or towel to air dry.

Note: Make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the bleach solution.

However, if you’re not keen on using bleach, here are some top alternatives to clean white shoes:

• You can try making a solution with vinegar or baking soda, both of which are effective cleaning agents. But note that they require a bit more manual effort.
• For a vinegar solution, mix water and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Instead of soaking your laces, apply the vinegar mixture to your shoelace stains using a cloth or toothbrush. Then, rinse them thoroughly and let them air dry.
• To use baking soda, create a paste by combining four tablespoons of baking soda with four ounces of water. Apply the paste generously to the shoelaces and let them sit for 15 minutes. Afterward, rinse them thoroughly and hang them up to dry.

How Often to Wash Shoelaces?

As soon as white laces start showing grime, it’s time for a wash. Meanwhile, for colored laces, you can clean ‘em whenever they lose their vibrancy or during your usual shoe-cleaning spree.

How to Clean Leather Shoelaces?

To clean leather laces, start by removing any debris with a brush. Next, gently wash them with saddle soap and warm water. After that, air dry them away from direct sunlight. Once they’re dry, apply a natural oil like olive or coconut oil. Let it soak in, then wipe off any excess. Finally, wait for them to dry completely before lacing them back. And if you’re a leather lover, our guide on how to clean leather shoes will come in handy!

Now That You Know How To Clean Shoe Laces

Aside from learning how to clean shoelaces, as sneakerheads, you gotta know how to lace your sneakers right. Mess up one knot, and you could kiss your favorite kicks goodbye.  Now, since Jordans are all the rage, here’s a guide on lacing ‘em in the coolest ways. And if you’re more into Dunks, learn how to lace up your Nike Dunks right here! For more stories, cleaning guides, or repair guides on sneakers, be sure to check out our ultimate blog. Catch you later, fam!