How to Clean White Shoelaces Without Damaging Them

Cleaning laces separately helps you reach the dirt trapped around the eyelets without soaking or staining the shoes. The method below works for most cotton and synthetic laces. Set aside about 15 minutes for hands-on work, plus soaking and drying time. If the laces are leather, suede, waxed, or marked as hand-wash only, follow their care instructions instead of using this soak.

What You’ll Need

A small bowl or basin
Warm water, not hot
A small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap
A soft toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush
A clean towel
Optional: baking soda for extra cleaning, or oxygen-based laundry whitener used according to its label

Step-by-Step

Check the material and care instructions. Look for a care label or the maker’s guidance, particularly if the laces have a coating, colored aglets (the plastic or metal tips), or delicate fibers. Avoid soaking leather, suede, or waxed laces. Test any cleaner on a small, less visible area first if you are unsure.
Remove and dry-brush the laces. Untie each lace and pull it out of the shoe. Brush or shake off loose dust and grit before adding water; rubbing dry dirt into wet fibers can make a muddy stain. Clean the shoes’ eyelets separately if they have visible debris.
Prepare a mild cleaning soak. Fill a bowl with enough warm water to cover the laces. Add a small squirt of mild detergent and mix it through. For a deeper clean on washable white laces, you can add a spoonful of baking soda. Do not combine cleaning products, and follow the product label if using an oxygen-based whitener.
Soak and gently scrub. Submerge the laces for 15 to 30 minutes. Then rub them gently between your fingers or brush along their length with a soft toothbrush, paying extra attention to dark marks and the areas near the tips. Use light pressure so the fibers do not fray.
Rinse until the water runs clear. Hold each lace under cool or lukewarm running water and squeeze it gently from end to end. Keep rinsing until there is no visible suds or slippery detergent residue, which can attract dirt when the laces dry.
Blot and air-dry fully. Press the laces between clean towel sections to remove excess water; do not wring or twist them. Lay them flat or hang them in a well-ventilated place away from direct heat. Let them dry completely before threading them back through the shoes.

Common Mistakes

Using chlorine bleach by default: It can weaken fibers, damage colored tips, or leave a yellow cast on some materials. Start with detergent; use a suitable oxygen-based whitener only if its label permits it for the lace material.
Mixing cleaners: Never mix bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaning products. Some combinations can produce dangerous fumes. Use one product at a time and follow its instructions.
Scrubbing too hard: Aggressive brushing can fuzz, fray, or snap the lace. Use a soft brush and repeat a gentle wash if needed.
Putting laces back while damp: Damp laces can transfer moisture and loosened grime to the shoe. Wait until they are dry all the way through.
Using heat to speed drying: A radiator, tumble dryer, or hair dryer can damage synthetic fibers or shrink some laces. Air-drying is the safer default.
Washing with laces loose in a machine: They can tangle or catch. If the care instructions allow machine washing, place them in a closed mesh laundry bag and wash with a suitable load, using a gentle cycle and mild detergent.

Tips

Clean laces before they become heavily soiled; fresh dirt is usually easier to remove.
Wash both laces together so they are more likely to finish at the same shade of white.
For marks that remain after the first wash, repeat the mild detergent soak rather than increasing brush pressure.
Keep the laces separate from strongly colored items when washing, because dye can transfer.
For an allowed machine wash, tie the laces loosely together or secure them in a mesh bag, and check the bag and machine instructions. Hand-washing gives you more control over delicate materials.
Do not use whitening products on the shoes while the laces are still threaded through them; the product may affect the shoe material or color.

Troubleshooting

The laces still look gray after washing: The dirt may be embedded in the fibers. Make a fresh mild detergent solution, soak for another 15 minutes, and gently brush the stained sections. Rinse thoroughly. If the care label allows it, try an oxygen-based whitener according to its directions.

A yellow tint appears: Stop using whitening products and rinse the laces well. Residue, unsuitable bleach, or heat may be responsible, and further harsh treatment can make the damage worse. Let them air-dry and check the material guidance before trying another cleaner.

The tips are discolored or damaged: Some aglets react differently from the lace fibers. Avoid scrubbing them with strong cleaners; dab gently with soapy water if the material permits. If a tip is cracked or coming loose, replacing the lace may be more practical than further cleaning.

The lace feels stiff after drying: It may still contain detergent. Rinse it again in clean water, blot, and air-dry. Avoid pulling hard on a stiff or weakened lace.

A stain will not come out: Do not keep escalating to stronger chemicals or prolonged soaking. Some stains can permanently change the fibers. Check the care instructions or replace the laces if they remain visibly marked or are fraying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put white shoelaces in the washing machine?

Usually, if the lace material and care instructions allow machine washing. Put them in a closed mesh laundry bag, use mild detergent and a gentle cycle, and air-dry afterward. Hand-wash delicate or coated laces.

Can I use baking soda to whiten shoelaces?

You can add a small spoonful to a detergent soak for washable laces. It may help with grime, but it is not a guaranteed bleach substitute. Rinse thoroughly and avoid abrasive scrubbing.

Is bleach safe for white shoelaces?

Not always. Chlorine bleach can weaken fibers or discolor lace tips. Prefer detergent first, and use only a whitener specifically suitable for the material, following its label. Never mix cleaning products.

How long should I soak shoelaces?

For ordinary dirt, 15 to 30 minutes in warm, soapy water is a practical starting point. Follow the product and lace-care instructions if they specify a different limit, and do not leave delicate laces soaking.

Can I dry shoelaces in a dryer?

Air-drying is safer because dryer heat may shrink or damage some fibers. Blot the laces with a towel, then let them dry completely away from direct heat before putting them back in the shoes.

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