How to Clean Shoe Strings the Easy Way

Dirty shoelaces can make even new shoes look worn out. Over time, laces pick up sweat, dust, and ground-in dirt, especially near the eyelets and tips. Cleaning them regularly not only improves the look of your shoes but also extends the life of the laces themselves. This guide covers the best way to clean both cotton and synthetic shoelaces, what to avoid, and how to fix common problems.

What You’ll Need

Mild detergent (dish soap, laundry detergent, or a stain remover)
Warm water
A small bowl or sink
An old toothbrush or soft-bristled brush
Clean towel or cloth
Optional: baking soda and white vinegar for tough stains or odor
Optional: laundry bag or pillowcase if using a washing machine

Step-by-Step

Remove the laces from your shoes. Untie them completely and pull them out of every eyelet. This prevents the laces from tangling and allows you to clean the entire length, including the parts hidden inside the shoe.
Shake off loose dirt. Hold the laces over a trash bin or sink and give them a few firm shakes. You can also gently tap them against a hard surface to dislodge dry dirt and debris. This step prevents grit from scratching the fibers during washing.
Prepare a soaking solution. Fill a small bowl or sink with warm water (not hot, as hot water can shrink or fade certain materials). Add a few drops of mild detergent and mix until it’s sudsy. For extra cleaning power, add a tablespoon of baking soda or a splash of white vinegar.
Soak the laces. Submerge the laces fully in the solution. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes. This loosens dirt and helps break down oils and grime. If the laces are very dirty, you can soak them longer, up to 30 minutes.
Scrub gently. After soaking, take each lace and rub it between your fingers or use a soft toothbrush to scrub along the entire length. Pay extra attention to the tips and the areas that go through the eyelets, as these tend to be the dirtiest. Use a gentle circular motion to avoid fraying.
Rinse thoroughly. Rinse each lace under clean running water until the water runs clear and no soap remains. Squeeze out excess water gently—do not wring or twist, as that can damage the fibers.
Dry flat or hang. Lay the laces flat on a clean towel and roll the towel to press out moisture, then let them air-dry completely. Alternatively, hang them over a shower rod or clothesline. Avoid direct sunlight or a dryer, as heat can shrink or warp the laces.

Common Mistakes

Using hot water. Hot water can cause shrinkage, fading, or even melting of synthetic laces. Always use warm or cool water.
Wringing or twisting. This can stretch or break the fibers, leaving your laces misshapen or frayed. Gently squeeze instead.
Skipping the soak. A quick rinse won’t remove ground-in dirt. Soaking is essential for a deep clean.
Using bleach. Bleach can weaken fibers and cause yellowing. Stick to mild detergents or oxygen-based stain removers.
Drying in the dryer or direct sun. High heat can damage the material and cause shrinkage. Always air-dry at room temperature.

Tips

Clean your laces every few weeks or whenever they look visibly dirty. Regular care prevents buildup.
If your laces have metal aglets (the plastic or metal tips), avoid soaking them for too long, as water can get inside and rust them. Wipe the aglets with a damp cloth instead.
For white laces, a paste of baking soda and water can help brighten them. Apply the paste, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Consider having a second pair of laces so you can wear one set while the other dries.
If you’re in a hurry, you can clean laces in the washing machine by placing them in a mesh laundry bag and running a gentle cycle with cold water. Air-dry afterward.

Troubleshooting

Laces still look dirty after cleaning. If stains persist, repeat the soaking step with a stronger solution—add a tablespoon of baking soda or a squirt of stain remover. For tough oil stains, apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the spot, let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub.
Laces have a lingering odor. Soak them in a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Vinegar neutralizes odors without leaving a strong smell once dry.
Laces are stiff after drying. This often happens if you used too much detergent or didn’t rinse well. Re-rinse them in cool water, then dry flat. Once dry, you can gently bend and flex them to soften.
Aglets (tips) are damaged or falling off. If the plastic or metal tip is loose, you can reattach it with a small amount of fabric glue or clear nail polish. If it’s completely gone, you can buy replacement aglets or use a piece of heat-shrink tubing to create a new tip.
Laces are fraying. If the edges are frayed, trim the loose threads with scissors. To prevent further fraying, you can apply a small dab of clear nail polish to the cut ends.
Color bleeding. If your colored laces bleed during washing, it means the dye isn’t colorfast. Wash them separately in cold water and air-dry away from heat. In the future, test a small section with a damp white cloth before washing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I clean shoelaces in the washing machine?

Yes, you can. Place the laces in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase, tie it closed, and wash on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Air-dry afterward—do not put them in the dryer.

How often should I clean my shoelaces?

It depends on how often you wear the shoes. As a general rule, clean them every 2–4 weeks or whenever they start to look dirty or smell. If you wear your shoes daily, you may need to clean them more frequently.

Can I use bleach to whiten white laces?

It’s best to avoid bleach, as it can weaken the fibers and cause yellowing. Instead, use an oxygen-based stain remover or a paste of baking soda and water. These are gentler and effective.

How do I clean laces with metal aglets?

To prevent rust, avoid soaking the entire lace. Instead, dip a cloth in soapy water and wipe the laces clean, then use a cotton swab to clean around the aglets. Dry them immediately with a towel.

My laces are very dirty and have ground-in dirt. What should I do?

Soak them for 30 minutes in warm water with a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of dish soap. Then scrub with a toothbrush. If that doesn’t work, try a paste of baking soda and water, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Can I dry shoelaces in the dryer?

No, it’s not recommended. The heat can shrink, warp, or melt the laces. Always air-dry them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

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