A simple step to make your shoes look new again.

Here’s how to keep your shoelaces looking their best.

Place the laces on a flat surface.

cleaning shoelaces

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Work the detergent into both sides of the laces using the brush.

Warning

Never put shoelaces in a dryer; the heat can melt the plastic tips.

Add 1/2 teaspoon heavy-duty liquid laundry detergent.

items for cleaning shoelaces

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If you are washing several pairs of laces, double the amount of water and detergent.

Allow the laces to soak for at least 30 minutes.

Check to see if the laces are clean and bright.

removing shoelaces

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If they’re not, soak in a solution of bleach and water using chlorine or oxygen-based bleach.

Rinse and Dry

Give the laces a final rinse in cool water and hang to drip dry.

How Often to Wash Shoelaces

White shoelaces will look dirty faster than colored shoelaces.

rinsing shoelaces

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Wash white shoelaces as soon as they appear soiled.

Wash colored laces when they look dull or whenever you wash the shoes.

Mix the solution and allow the laces to soak for at least one hour.

pretreating shoelaces

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Rinse well and hang to dry.

Both cleaning processes work well for shoelaces.

Machine washing is easier; toss in a mesh laundry bag and let the machine do the work.

putting laces in a mesh laundry bag

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Hand washing is best if you don’t have a load of laundry to do.

Always remove the shoelaces from the shoes before you wash them.

Both the laces and shoes will be cleaner.

washing shoelaces with a load of white laundry

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Also, use a mesh washing bag to prevent laces from getting tangled in the washing machine.

Specialty laces include those made from leather, Kevlar, and hemp.

hanging shoelaces to dry

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removing shoelaces from sneakers

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mixing a cleaning solution for shoelaces

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submerging the shoelaces

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checking the shoelaces for cleanliness

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hanging shoelaces to dry

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soaking shoelaces in bleach

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