Introduction
White shoelaces get dirty faster than almost any other part of your shoes. Dust, sweat, road grime, and daily wear can quickly turn bright white laces dull, gray, or yellow—making even new shoes look old. The good news? With the right washing machine method, you can restore your shoelaces safely and effectively.
This follows the latest fabric-care best practices and Google Helpful Content standards. You’ll learn how to clean white shoelaces in the washing machine, which materials are safe, what detergents work best, common mistakes to avoid, and expert aftercare tips to keep laces white for longer.
Is It Safe to Clean White Shoelaces in a Washing Machine?
Yes—most white shoelaces can be washed in a washing machine, but the material matters.
Safe for Machine Washing
- Cotton shoelaces—durable and easy to clean
- Polyester or synthetic laces—hold shape well and resist shrinking
NOT Safe for Machine Washing
- Leather shoelaces – Water causes cracking and discoloration
- Silk or decorative laces—high risk of fraying and damage
Care Tip: Always use a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase. This prevents tangling, protects aglets (plastic tips), and reduces fiber wear—an approach now recommended by most fabric-care experts.
Things You’ll Need Before Washing
Prepare these items before washing to get the best results:
- Mesh laundry bag or clean pillowcase
- Mild or whitening laundry detergent (low-alkaline preferred)
- Old toothbrush or soft nail brush
- Optional whitening boosters (for cotton & polyester only):
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Oxygen-based bleach (color-safe)
Avoid chlorine bleach unless absolutely necessary—overuse can cause yellowing over time.
Step-by-Step: How to Wash White Shoelaces in the Washer
Step 1: Remove and Pre-Treat Stains
Remove laces from shoes. Shake off loose dirt, then soak them for 15–30 minutes in warm water mixed with mild detergent. Gently scrub visible stains with a toothbrush.
Why this matters: Pre-treatment reduces the need for harsh chemicals and protects lace fibers.
Step 2: Place Laces in a Mesh Laundry Bag
Put the laces inside a mesh bag or tie them inside a pillowcase. This prevents tangling, fraying, and damage to your washing machine drum.
Step 3: Choose the Right Wash Cycle
Use these settings:
- Cycle: Gentle or Delicate
- Water temperature: Cold or lukewarm
- Spin speed: Low to medium
Choose a detergent formulated for white fabrics that lifts stains without weakening fibers.
Step 4: Add Whitening Boosters (Optional)
For heavily soiled laces:
- Toss a heaping tablespoon of baking soda into the laundry for an extra boost of freshness.
- OR ½ cup white vinegar in the rinse cycle
- OR a small amount of oxygen-based bleach
⚠️ Never mix vinegar and bleach together.
How to Dry Shoelaces the Right Way
Best Method: Air Drying
Arrange the laces smoothly on a fresh towel or suspend them in a breezy, shaded spot, keeping them out of direct sunlight.
Dryer Use (Only for Durable Laces)
If using a dryer:
- Select lowest heat setting
- Keep laces inside the mesh bag.
- Remove while slightly damp and reshape
Lace Care Tip: Excessive heat is the main reason your laces shrink and their aglets start to fray.
Extra Tips to Keep Shoelaces White for Longer
- Clean regularly before stains set
- Wash laces separately from shoes for deeper cleaning.
- Use a mesh laundry bag every time.
- Spray your laces with a fabric protector to keep dirt and moisture at bay.
- Change your lacing style when wearing the same shoes daily to avoid uneven wear and tear.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot water (causes discoloration)
- Drying on high heat (leads to shrinkage)
- Applying undiluted bleach directly
- Washing with dark or heavily dyed clothes
Avoiding these mistakes dramatically extends lace lifespan.
FAQs: Washing White Shoelaces
Can I wash shoelaces with shoes?
Yes, but washing laces separately provides better cleaning and reduces tangling.
Why do white laces turn yellow after washing?
Usually due to detergent residue, hard water, or high heat drying.
How often should I wash white shoelaces?
Every 2–4 weeks with regular wear.
Conclusion
Knowing how to clean white shoelaces in the washing machine the right way saves time and keeps your shoes looking fresh. By using a mesh laundry bag, gentle cycle, proper detergent, and safe drying methods, you can restore brightness without damaging the fibers.
Following these shoelace care tips, your laces will stay cleaner and whiter and last much longer—helping your footwear always look its best.
10. FAQs
1. Can I wash shoelaces with my clothes?
Yes, you can wash shoelaces with your regular laundry, but it’s important to protect them first. Always place your laces in a mesh laundry bag or a clean pillowcase before adding them to the load. This prevents them from tangling with clothes, catching on zippers or buttons, and protects both your shoelaces and the washing machine. For heavily soiled laces, it’s even better to wash them separately for a deeper clean.
2. How long does it take shoelaces to dry?
White shoelaces generally take 6–12 hours to air dry, depending on the material, thickness, and humidity of your environment. Air drying is recommended because it’s gentler on the fibers and prevents shrinkage or fraying. Place the laces flat on a fresh towel or hang them in a breezy spot to dry thoroughly. Avoid using a dryer unless absolutely necessary, and if you do, choose the lowest heat setting.
3. Will the washing machine ruin the aglets (tips)?
No, the washing machine will not ruin the aglets as long as you take proper precautions. Putting your laces in a laundry bag and selecting a gentle or delicate cycle helps safeguard the tips from damage or fraying. Avoid washing the laces loose in the drum, as they can get caught in the agitator or drum holes, leading to damage.
4. Is bleach safe for laces with colored logos or patterns?
No, using bleach on shoelaces with colored logos, designs, or threads can cause fading or permanent discoloration. Instead of bleach, opt for a whitening detergent, baking soda, or oxygen-based bleach to brighten your laces without damaging the colors. For white cotton or polyester laces without any color, you can use diluted bleach occasionally, but make sure to rinse thoroughly.
