You know the feeling: Your white sneakers look as good as new, but the shoelaces? Not so much. Those once-pristine laces are now a dingy, off-white shade that’s downright sad.
But don’t despair! There’s no need to replace your shoelaces just yet.
With the right cleaning techniques, you’ll be able to breathe new life into your worn-out white laces.
In this article, I will go over everything you need to know on how to wash and clean white shoelaces. I’ll also share some of my favorite tips to keep them clean and bright.
How to Handwash White Shoelaces
Handwashing your white shoelaces is an excellent option if you’re looking for a gentle and effective way to get them clean. With more control over the process, you can focus on removing dirt and stains while preserving the integrity of the laces.
Below are the steps to follow:
Gather Your Supplies
To handwash your white shoelaces, you’ll need the following items:
- A small bowl or container
- Warm water
- Mild detergent or hand soap
- An old toothbrush or a soft-bristle brush
- A clean towel
Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Fill the bowl with warm water (not hot, as it can weaken the fibers in your shoelaces).
Add a small amount of detergent or hand soap to the water. You can also use a gentle laundry detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics.
Stir the water until the detergent or soap is fully dissolved. This will create a gentle yet effective cleaning solution.
Soak and Scrub Your Shoelaces
Remove the shoelaces from your sneakers.
Submerge the laces in the soapy water, ensuring they are fully covered.
Allow the laces to soak for at least 30 minutes. This will help loosen dirt, grime, and stains, making it easier to scrub them away.
Use the toothbrush or soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the shoelaces. Focus on heavily stained areas and work in a back-and-forth motion. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fibers.
Rinse and Dry Your Shoelaces
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the laces thoroughly under running water to remove all soap and dirt.
Gently squeeze out excess water from the laces, being careful not to twist or wring them, as this can damage the fibers.
Lay the laces flat on a clean towel and roll the towel up, pressing down gently to remove more water.
Unroll the towel and hang the shoelaces to air dry, preferably in a well-ventilated area or under the sun. This will help the laces dry faster and may aid in the whitening process.
The Washing Machine Method: A Convenient Approach
If you’re looking for a more convenient way to clean your white shoelaces, the washing machine can do the job efficiently without compromising their condition.
By using a gentle cycle and protecting your laces in a laundry bag, you can achieve great results with minimal effort.
Below are the steps you will need to take:
Gather Your Supplies
- Before you start, make sure you have the following items:
- Mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
- Mild laundry detergent
- Optional: white laundry items (socks, towels, etc.) for a combined wash
Prepare Your Shoelaces for Washing
Remove the shoelaces from your sneakers.
Place the laces inside a mesh laundry bag or a pillowcase to prevent them from getting tangled during the wash cycle.
Secure the opening of the bag or pillowcase to keep the laces contained.
Set Up the Washing Machine
Add the bag containing the laces to a load of similarly colored laundry, like white socks or towels. This will help you save water and energy while ensuring that your laces are washed with items that won’t cause color bleeding.
Use a mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics to protect your shoelaces from damage.
Set the washing machine to a gentle cycle with warm water to preserve the integrity of the laces. Avoid using bleach, as it can weaken the fibers.
Dry Your Shoelaces
After the wash cycle is complete, carefully remove the laces from the laundry bag or pillowcase.
Hang the shoelaces to air dry in a well-ventilated area or under the sun. Avoid using a tumble dryer, as the heat can damage the fibers and cause shrinkage.
Tips for Maintaining White Shoelaces
Sometimes, even after washing, your white shoelaces may still look a bit dingy. Here are a few of my favorite tips to get them whiter and keep them clean!
- Make a paste using baking soda and water, then apply it to the shoelaces with a toothbrush. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse and let them dry.
- Soak the shoelaces in a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar for about an hour, then rinse and let them dry.
- Try using a [non-bleach whitening product](https://washguides.com/how-to-use-clorox-wipes-to-clean-white-shoes/) specifically designed for fabrics. Follow the instructions on the product label for the best results.
- Wipe down your shoelaces with a damp cloth after wearing them in muddy or dirty conditions. This can help prevent stains from setting in.
- Avoid wearing white shoelaces during activities that could expose them to heavy dirt or staining, such as hiking, sports, or gardening.
- Treat your shoelaces with a fabric protector spray to help repel dirt and stains.
Final Thoughts
With the proper care and cleaning techniques, you can restore your white shoelaces to their former glory and avoid having to replace them prematurely.
Whether you choose to hand wash or use the washing machine, these methods are sure to help you keep your laces looking fresh and clean. And by taking preventive measures, you can keep them that way for longer, too.
So, say goodbye to dingy, discolored shoelaces, and hello to a fresh, clean look for your sneakers! For more washing and cleaning tips, check out our other articles on WashGuides.com.