Should You Be Washing Your Shoelaces?

Washing your shoelaces regularly is a quick, easy, and often-overlooked way to keep your shoes looking fresh and clean.

You probably don’t think about your shoelaces until they’re falling apart, but you might want to start thinking about your shoes’ most unassuming feature. Giving your shoelaces a quick refresh once in a while keeps your shoes looking sparkly clean (and your whole outfit on point).

Although you may be inclined to replace shoelaces after they wear out, washing them regularly will save you money and take one extra errand off your list. Don't believe us? Read on for advice on shoelace maintenance from an expert—Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid.

Meet the Expert

Marla Mock is the president of Molly Maid, a national cleaning service.

Why Wash Shoelaces?

“Washing shoelaces is a cost-effective way to extend their lifespan and maintain cleanliness,” says Mock.

Washing worn-out shoes tackles odor, sweat buildup, and unsightly stains, but shoelaces are often removed before the soak. According to Mock, there are practical reasons to give the shoelaces some extra attention when washing your shoes—and it’s not all for the aesthetic of a bright white lace. In fact, if your shoes haven’t been smelling great as of late, your laces might just be the reason why.

“They accumulate dirt, sweat, and bacteria over time,” says Mock. “Regular cleaning can help prevent odors and maintain hygiene.”

To prevent smells and stains, Mock suggests washing your laces every two to three months, but even more frequently if you see fit. If they’re noticeably grimy or are carrying a foul smell, an extra cleanse won’t hurt. So how do you wash shoelaces without damaging them? There are several ways.

Regular Shoelace Maintenance

Before they’re in need of a deep clean, Mock suggests keeping a few general maintenance tips in mind. Giving the shoelaces a gentle wipe down after each wear might seem like a lot to ask, but this mostly mindless task takes only a few seconds and makes a noticeable difference in the laces' lifespan.

“To keep shoelaces clean, you can wipe them down with a damp cloth after wear, avoid stepping on them to prevent dirt buildup, and remove them from shoes before cleaning to ensure thorough washing,” says Mock.

How to Machine Wash Shoelaces

When you notice your laces are due for a real cleaning, though, consider your options. You might not expect it, but most laces are fit for either a handwash or a washing machine.

If you’re going the washing machine route, Mock says to put the shoelaces in a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag to prevent them from becoming tangled or catching inside the machine. Plus, Nike suggests giving them a quick scrub with an unused toothbrush, running them under warm water, and applying stain remover if necessary before you pop them in the wash. Stick to a cold or cool cycle, and don’t dry the laces after they’re clean—anything other than an air-dry could leave them shrunk or damaged.

Related: The 9 Best Laundry Stain Removers, Tested and Reviewed

If your white shoelaces are looking especially dull or dusty, soak the shoelace-filled laundry bag in a bleach solution—3 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water—for five minutes before tossing the bag in the wash.

Warning

Exceptions to the machine washable group include laces made of special materials. These should steer clear of the washing machine altogether.

“Shoelaces made of delicate materials like silk or leather should not be washed,” says Mock. “Instead, they should be spot-cleaned carefully.”

How to Handwash Shoelaces

If you’re dealing with special materials or you simply prefer to handwash no matter the occasion, using dish soap is perhaps the simplest approach: Nike suggests filling a bowl or plugged sink with warm water, adding some dish soap, and soaking the laces (fully submerged) for about 15 minutes.

According to Arm & Hammer, the same thing can be done with laundry detergent. Just add about one tablespoon of laundry detergent to a container of warm water and soak the laces for 15–30 minutes. Add cool water at the end for a final rinse. If needed, scrub with a toothbrush or small cleaning brush to tackle persistent stains or dirt.

Related: This Free Hack Was a Total Game-Changer to Dry My Machine-Washed Shoes

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