Refreshing Your Shoelaces: Simple Methods to Restore Their Original Look

Clean shoelaces can instantly enhance the appearance of your favorite shoes. Whether it’s a pair of sneakers, boots, or casual kicks, dirty laces can make footwear look neglected—even if the shoes themselves are spotless. Luckily, bringing your laces back to life is easy with a few common household supplies and a bit of your time. Instead of buying new laces every time they get dingy, consider these efficient cleaning techniques that will help you maintain a fresh look without spending extra.

Machine Washing Method: The Easiest Route

Using your washing machine is perhaps the most straightforward way to tackle grimy laces. It’s fast, hands-free, and requires minimal effort beyond a bit of prep work.

Start by removing the laces from your shoes and knocking off any dried mud or surface debris. A soft brush, like an old toothbrush, works well for this. You can also run them under lukewarm water to loosen embedded dirt. If the laces are particularly stained, a pre-treatment with stain remover will enhance the results.

Next, place the laces into a mesh laundry bag to prevent tangling or damage during the wash. Throw the bag in with a normal load of laundry and use your standard detergent. Choose a gentle cycle with cold or warm water—hot water isn’t necessary for most stains and may degrade delicate fibers.

Once clean, skip the dryer. Instead, hang the laces up or lay them flat to air-dry. This prevents shrinkage and keeps the plastic aglets (those small tips at the ends) from melting or deforming.

Hand Washing with Dish Soap: A Sink-Friendly Solution

If you don’t have access to a washing machine or just prefer to take a more controlled approach, washing by hand with dish soap is another excellent option.

Fill a basin, bowl, or your sink with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Swish the water until it becomes soapy, then immerse the laces fully. Let them soak for 15 to 20 minutes to loosen dirt and discoloration. Occasionally stir the laces or press them between your fingers to encourage the dirt to lift out.

After soaking, use a brush to scrub away remaining stains. Rinse the laces thoroughly under clean water until no soap residue remains. Hang them up or lay them out on a towel to dry naturally.

Create Your Own Cleaning Mix for Deeper Stains

Some shoelaces—especially white ones—might need something a little more powerful than soap. You can create your own DIY cleaning solution using either a small amount of laundry detergent or bleach (for whites only).

To make a cleaning mix, dissolve three tablespoons of your chosen cleaner in a gallon of warm water. Use detergent for colored laces or mild bleach for white ones. Avoid harsh bleach concentrations that might damage the fabric or cause yellowing.

Before soaking, brush off any loose dirt. Then place the laces in the cleaning solution and let them sit—around 20 minutes for detergent, and only 5 minutes if using bleach. Be sure not to exceed these times, as prolonged exposure to bleach can weaken the fibers.

After soaking, rinse the laces thoroughly with cold water to eliminate all traces of cleaner. Once rinsed, let them dry completely before re-lacing your shoes.

Natural Alternatives to Harsh Chemicals

For those who prefer eco-friendly or non-toxic alternatives, two kitchen staples—white vinegar and baking soda—can be surprisingly effective.

Vinegar: A Gentle Cleaning Agent

White vinegar is an excellent stain remover that’s safe on most fabrics. Rather than soaking the laces, dampen a cloth or toothbrush with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Gently scrub the stains or discolored areas. Rinse under warm water and leave the laces to dry in a well-ventilated space.

Baking Soda: A Deep-Clean Paste

To use baking soda, mix four tablespoons with a few ounces of water until it forms a thick paste. Coat the shoelaces with the paste and let it sit for about 15 minutes. During this time, the baking soda will lift away dirt and odors. Afterward, rinse the laces clean under running water and hang to dry.

Things to Keep in Mind When Cleaning Shoelaces

Not all shoelaces are created equal, and certain materials need special attention. Here are a few tips to ensure you’re treating your laces the right way:

• Check the Material: Cotton laces are durable and can handle most cleaning methods. However, synthetic or decorative laces may require gentler care.
• Avoid Hot Water: High temperatures can shrink laces or break down elastic fibers.
• Don’t Skip the Rinse: Whether you’re using bleach, vinegar, or detergent, rinsing thoroughly is crucial to prevent residue from irritating skin or damaging your shoes.
• Dry Naturally: Always air-dry laces. Direct heat sources like radiators or dryers can warp or weaken them over time.

Care Tips Based on Lace Color

When it comes to colored laces, the cleaning method matters even more. While bleach is effective for white laces, it can strip or discolor vibrant hues.

For colored or patterned laces, it’s best to wash them by hand or in a machine using cold water and regular detergent. Bleach alternatives like vinegar and baking soda are safe options, though always do a patch test if you’re unsure about the dyefastness.

Preventative Tips to Keep Laces Cleaner Longer

Once your shoelaces are clean, here are a few habits to help keep them that way:

• Avoid Muddy Areas: When possible, steer clear of puddles and muddy trails to reduce buildup.
• Tuck in the Ends: Laces often get dirtiest at the tips. Tucking them in or double-knotting them can reduce dragging.
• Clean Shoes and Laces Together: When giving your shoes a deep clean, remove the laces and wash them at the same time for a fully refreshed look.
• Use Protective Spray: A fabric protector spray can help repel stains and water, keeping both shoes and laces cleaner for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Shoelaces Be Machine Washed?

Absolutely. Most shoelaces, especially those made from cotton or polyester, are machine washable. Just remember to put them in a mesh laundry bag and use cold or warm water to avoid damage.

Is It Safe to Use Bleach?

Yes, but only on white laces and in very small amounts. A heavily diluted bleach solution (about 3 tablespoons per gallon of water) works well to remove stubborn stains. Avoid using bleach on colored laces, as it may cause fading or discoloration.

What’s the Best Way to Dry Shoelaces?

Air-drying is always the safest method. Hanging them up or laying them flat helps maintain their shape and protects the aglets from heat damage. Never place them in a tumble dryer.

How Do I Wash Laces With Patterns or Logos?

For printed or decorative laces, always use the gentlest cleaning method—usually hand washing with mild detergent. Avoid bleach and hot water, which can distort patterns or fade printed text.

Final Thoughts

Clean shoelaces make a surprisingly big difference in how your shoes look and feel. Whether you’re sprucing up sneakers for a casual outing or freshening your favorite running shoes, keeping your laces tidy is an easy and effective way to extend their life. With just a bit of soap, water, and patience, you can restore their color, remove stains, and keep your whole footwear game looking sharp.

Did You Know?

• The small plastic tips on shoelaces are called aglets, and they can melt or warp if exposed to high heat like a dryer.
• Baking soda not only whitens shoelaces but also neutralizes odors trapped in the fibers.