Having clean, bright white shoelaces can really make a pair of sneakers pop. However, keeping those laces looking crisp and new can be a challenge. Shoelaces tend to attract dirt, grime, and stains easily. Luckily, there are some simple methods you can use to clean white shoelaces and restore them to their original bright white color.
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How Often Should You Clean White Shoelaces?
How often you need to clean your laces depends on how frequently you wear the shoes and what conditions they are exposed to. If you wear the same pair of sneakers daily, especially for activities like running or hiking, you’ll likely need to clean the laces every couple of weeks. If the shoes just get occasional wear, you may only need to clean the laces every few months.
You should also clean the laces immediately if they get excessively dirty from exposure to mud, dirt, grass stains, etc. Don’t let the stains set in or they will become harder to remove. A quick cleaning as soon as possible is best.
Can You Put White Shoelaces in the Washing Machine?
You can wash white cotton or polyester shoelaces in the washing machine, but take care to use a gentle cycle and cool water setting. Add a mild detergent and either wash the laces by themselves or with other delicate items like undergarments.
Make sure to lace the shoelaces through the holes of a mesh garment bag before washing. This will prevent the laces from getting tangled up or damaging the washing machine.
After washing, air dry the laces rather than putting them in the dryer. The heat from the dryer may damage or shrink the laces over time.
How to Clean White Shoelaces By Hand
For a deep clean, hand washing can be more effective than machine washing. Here are some tips for hand washing white shoelaces:
- Fill a sink or tub with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent, like Woolite. Make sure the detergent is dissolved.
- Submerge the laces in the soapy water and let them soak for 15-20 minutes. This will help loosen any embedded dirt and stains.
- Gently scrub the shoelaces with a soft brush, toothbrush, or your fingers to work out any grime.
- Drain the dirty water and rinse the laces thoroughly with clean cool water to remove all the soap residue.
- Lay the laces flat on a towel and roll up the towel to extract excess moisture.
- Air dry the laces completely before putting them back on your sneakers.
Tips for Whitening Shoelaces
If your white shoelaces have become dingy or yellowed from wear and tear, try these tips for whitening and brightening them up:
- Bleach – Add 1⁄4 cup bleach to a sink or bucket full of cool water. Soak the laces for 5-10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Bleach may damage delicate lace fabrics, so spot test first.
- Hydrogen peroxide – Mix a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 4 parts water. Soak the laces overnight, then rinse. The peroxide will help break down staining compounds.
- Lemon juice – The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent. Add 1⁄4 cup lemon juice to a bowl of cool water. Soak the laces for 30 minutes, then rinse.
- Baking soda – Make a thick paste with baking soda and just enough water to moisten. Apply it to the shoelaces and let sit for 15 minutes before rinsing. Baking soda lifts discoloration.
- Sunlight – Wet the laces and spread them out in direct sunlight for 2-3 hours. The sun’s UV rays will help naturally whiten the fabric.
How to Keep White Shoelaces Clean
Once you’ve cleaned your laces, here are some tips to help keep them looking crisp and new:
- Spray with a waterproofer like Scotchgard to repel dirt and moisture.
- Use a soft-bristled brush on the laces periodically to remove surface debris.
- Stuff the shoes with tissues when not being worn to absorb moisture and maintain shape.
- Consider having designated “indoor” and “outdoor” shoelaces so your nice white laces don’t get ruined.
- When laces start looking dingy, replace them with a fresh set instead of waiting until they are badly discolored.
Cleaning Different Materials
Most modern shoelaces are made of cotton, polyester, or nylon. Here are some specific tips for cleaning white laces of different materials:
Cotton
- Machine wash cool, gentle cycle
- Can bleach but may weaken fibers over time
- Air dry
Polyester
- Spot clean with mild detergent and cool water
- Air dry
- Avoid high heat from machine drying
Nylon
- Hand wash only
- Air dry
- Do not bleach or use fabric softener which can cause friction damage
When to Replace Your Laces
With consistent cleaning and care, white shoelaces can last quite a long time. However, there comes a point when no amount of washing will restore them to like-new condition. Signs it’s time to replace your laces include:
- Fraying or unraveling ends
- Visible tears, snags or rips
- Elasticity is gone and laces won’t stay tied
- Discoloration that won’t come clean
- Noticeable thinning or stretchiness of material
For optimal performance and appearance, most experts recommend replacing your laces every 6 months to 1 year depending on usage. Investing in new laces regularly can make old sneakers look like new!
Conclusion
Dirty shoelaces can really detract from the look of an otherwise clean pair of sneakers. Thankfully, it’s easy and inexpensive to clean white cotton, polyester or nylon shoelaces at home with simple washing, soaking, scrubbing and whitening techniques. Get into the habit of cleaning your laces regularly and replacing them periodically. Your kicks will look fresh and stay securely tied during all your adventures.