How to Clean White Shoelaces: Easy DIY Methods

Why clean white shoelaces?

The answer is obvious, shoes and sneakers gets dirty from time to time. Shoelaces are the dirtiest part of your sneakers, and as a result, they can make your shoes look dingy and unappealing. Unlike no-tie shoelaces, the traditional laces drag on the ground and pick up dirt and germs, which can then spread to your hands and other surfaces. Additionally, as you walk around your home or office, your dirty shoelaces can transfer germs to carpets and floors. By cleaning your shoelaces regularly, you can maintain the appearance of your shoes and help keep your surroundings clean.

Your Ultimate Guide to Cleaning White Shoelaces Like a Pro

Cleaning white shoelaces is a simple and straightforward process, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve the best results. Here are some expert tips to help you clean your white shoelaces like a pro:

Avoid using hot water: 

While warm water is effective for cleaning, hot water can damage the material of your shoelaces, causing them to shrink or lose their shape. Stick to cool or warm water when cleaning your laces.

Use a soft brush: 

When scrubbing your shoelaces, use a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging the fibers of the material. A toothbrush or nail brush works well for this.

Be gentle with stain removers: 

If you need to use a stain remover, be sure to choose a product that is gentle on your shoelaces. Apply the product sparingly and avoid using too much pressure when scrubbing the stain.

Hang dry your shoelaces: 

While it may be tempting to speed up the drying process by putting your shoelaces in the dryer, this can cause them to shrink or become misshapen. Instead, hang them up to air dry.

By following these tips, you can clean your white shoelaces like a pro and keep them looking bright and fresh for longer.

Now that you know the different ways to clean white shoelaces, let's take a closer look at each method and provide additional tips to help you achieve the best results.

Method 1: Machine washing

Shoelaces come in a variety of materials, including cotton, synthetic fibers like textured polyester, spun polyester, nylon, and elastic no-tie laces. Fortunately, shoelaces made from any material are machine washable, which can save you time and effort in cleaning them. Here's what you'll need to clean your shoelaces in the washing machine:

Steps:

1. Remove the shoelaces from your sneakers.
2. Dip them in cold water or hold the laces under cool water and use a soft brush to remove any dirt or stains.
3. If you see any stains, treat them with a stain remover and let them sit for half an hour.
4. Insert the laces in a mesh laundry bag, zip it up, and toss it in the washer with your regular laundry load. Set the washer to "cold" and, if you're washing only white items, add a small amount of bleach to brighten the fabric even more.
5. Once the washing cycle is complete, remove the shoelaces and air dry them on a drying rack. Avoid putting them in the dryer.

Method 2: Manual cleaning

If you don't have a washing machine or prefer to clean your shoelaces by hand, you can still restore their whiteness with a bit of effort. Here's what you'll need:

Steps:

1. Remove the shoelaces from your shoes and hold them under running cold water.
2. Use a toothbrush to remove any obvious dirt or stains.
3. Spray any stained spots with a stain cleaner.
4. Fill a bowl with mild hot water and detergent, and stir the solution. Dip the laces in the water and let them soak for 30 minutes.
5. Use the toothbrush to gently scrub the stains.
6. Rinse the laces thoroughly under clean running water and hang them on a drying rack to dry.

Method 3: Cleaning with bleach

If your shoelaces are extremely dirty or have yellow stains, a laundry detergent may not be sufficient to restore their whiteness. In this case, you can use a strong bleach solution to clean them. Here's what you'll need:

Steps:

1. Remove the shoelaces
2. If necessary, rub the dirt patches with a toothbrush to remove muddy stains.
3. Fill a sink with warm water and add 3 tablespoons of bleach solution.
4. Wear rubber gloves and dip the laces in the bleach water. If washing in the machine, put the laces in a mesh bag and dip the bag in the bleach water. To keep the mesh bag submerged, place a plate on top of it.
5. Let the laces soak in the bleach solution for no more than 5 minutes. Even if the stains are stubborn, don't keep the laces in the bleach solution for too long as the fibers can become vulnerable due to bleach.
6. Remove the laces from the bleach solution and wash them manually or toss the mesh bag with the laces into the washer. If the laces still look stained, add a small amount of bleach to the washer to brighten the fabric even more.
7. Dry the shoelaces in the air.

Method 4: Cleaning without bleach

If you prefer not to use bleach, there are still some easy methods to whiten your shoelaces. Here are some alternatives:

White vinegar: 

Mix one part vinegar and one part water to create a solution. Remove the shoelaces and use a toothbrush to gently remove dried dirt. Wet a microfiber cloth with the solution and dab it on the shoelaces, scrubbing the plastic tips gently. Air-dry the shoelaces to remove any remaining moisture. White vinegar will not affect the white color of the laces and won't damage the material.

Baking soda: 

Make a paste by mixing 4 oz. of water with 4 tablespoons of baking soda. Remove the shoelaces and use a toothbrush to gently remove dried dirt. Rub the paste on the shoelaces and let it sit for 15 minutes in a small bowl. Rinse the laces thoroughly and dry them in direct sunlight.

Peroxide: 

Remove the shoelaces and use a toothbrush to gently remove dried dirt. Mix 8 oz. of peroxide with 32 oz. of water and soak the shoelaces for one hour. After soaking, rinse the laces thoroughly and air-dry them.

Cleaning shoelaces with household kitchen ingredients is a safe and effective way to wash them. These methods are less corrosive and are great for those who prefer to wash by hand.

In conclusion 

keeping your shoelaces clean and bright is an easy way to maintain the appearance of your shoes and keep them germ-free. Whether you choose to machine wash or hand wash, bleach or go bleach-free, it's important to take the time to clean your shoelaces regularly. By following these simple steps, you can make your shoes look like new again!