Sustainability made simple

How to Clean Shoelaces (White and Other Colors)

how to clean shoelaces
Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / scarecrow72

Are your shoelaces looking a little worse for wear? No problem – simply follow this guide on how you can clean your shoelaces easily and naturally, at home.

Easy Ways to Clean White or Colored Shoelaces At Home

Dirty shoelaces stick out like a sore thumb on a pair of shoes. Because shoelaces can drag on the ground and are generally made of cotton, they tend to get dirty before the rest of the shoe does.

Learning how to clean your shoelaces is a really handy trick to keep your sneakers looking clean and new for longer. This guide on how to clean your shoelaces will also save you from having to buy a new pair of laces every time, which reduces waste and supports the environment.

Read on: How to Wash Dirty Sneakers and Other Shoes in the Washing Machine

How To Clean Shoelaces By Hand

Dirty shoelaces are a sure way of making the rest of your shoes dirty too.
Dirty shoelaces are a sure way of making the rest of your shoes dirty too.
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Free-Photos)
  1. Remove the shoelaces from the shoes.
  2. Remove any debris and wash the shoelaces under running water to remove grime. Use an old toothbrush to tackle trickier areas.
  3. Treat any noticeable stains by rubbing the affected areas with a lemon slice. 
  4. In a large bucket, combine hot water and a few drops of dish soap. If your shoelaces are white, add a little hydrogen peroxide to the solution.
  5. Submerge the shoelaces in the water fully. Let them soak for 25 to 30 minutes.
  6. Rinse your clean shoelaces under running water.
  7. Hang them out to air dry.

Read on: Shoe Odor Remedies: How to De-Stink Smelly Shoes

How to Clean Shoelaces in the Washing Machine

  1. Follow steps 1 to 3 above to remove loose dirt and treat stains.
  2. Place the shoelaces in a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase. This will stop them from getting tangled up and separated.
  3. Add the pillowcase with the shoelaces to a load of regular laundry and run the washing machine on an eco cycle.
  4. Dry your laundry naturally by hanging it out to dry. 

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