1. Introduction
Can you clean shoelaces with toothpaste? Dirty, stained, or yellow shoelaces can make even the cleanest shoes look old and worn out. Many people instantly think the only solution is to replace them—but that’s not always necessary.
One of the easiest and most surprisingly effective home hacks is using toothpaste to clean shoelaces. Yes—regular toothpaste from your bathroom can lift grime, reduce yellowing, and refresh your laces without harsh bleach or expensive cleaners.
Toothpaste works because it contains gentle cleaning agents designed to remove stains safely. When used correctly, it’s a budget-friendly, fabric-safe, and fast method that can make your laces look noticeably brighter in minutes.
So the real question is: can you clean shoelaces with toothpaste and get real results?
In this updated guide, you’ll learn exactly how to clean shoelaces with toothpaste, which types of laces it works best on, and the best tips to get fresh-looking results without damaging the fabric.
2. Why Toothpaste Works for Cleaning Shoelaces
Toothpaste isn’t just for teeth—it’s designed to break down stains and remove buildup. That’s why it can work extremely well on shoelaces, especially white ones.
1. Helps Remove Yellowing and Dullness
Most white, non-gel toothpastes contain mild stain-lifting ingredients such as:
- gentle abrasives
- baking soda (in many whitening formulas)
- peroxide-based brighteners (in some brands)
These help remove surface grime and reduce that dull yellow look that builds up over time.
2. Safer Than Bleach for Regular Cleaning
Bleach can be effective, but it’s also aggressive. Overuse can weaken lace fibers and make them rough or brittle.
Toothpaste is usually less harsh, making it a safer choice for frequent cleaning—especially if you want to maintain your laces long-term.
3. Quick and Affordable
Most people prefer quick, low-cost cleaning hacks. Toothpaste is:
✅ already available at home
✅ cheap compared to shoe cleaners
✅ simple to apply without soaking
4. Perfect for Spot Stains
If your laces only have a few dirty sections (like near the ends or eyelets), toothpaste is perfect because you can target those spots without washing the whole lace.
Bottom line: cleaning shoelaces with toothpaste is a smart option for quick whitening and stain removal without complicated steps.
3. What Shoelaces Can You Clean with Toothpaste?
Not all laces react the same way, so it’s important to know what works best.
✅ Best Shoelace Materials for Toothpaste Cleaning
Toothpaste works best on durable, everyday lace fabrics such as
- Cotton shoelaces (best for whitening)
- Canvas shoelaces (handles scrubbing well)
- Polyester shoelaces (common in sneakers and sports shoes)
- Blended fabric laces (cotton-poly mix)
⚠️ Shoelaces You Should Be Careful With
Avoid or test carefully on:
- Silk or delicate designer laces (too sensitive)
- Waxed dress-shoe laces (toothpaste can remove the finish)
- Leather laces (may dry out or discolor)
- Dark- or dyed-colored laces (risk of fading)
📌 Pro Tip (2025): Always do a small spot test first if your laces are colored, patterned, or made of premium material.
4. How to Clean Shoelaces with Toothpaste (Step-by-Step Method)
This updated method is designed for better stain removal, less mess, and faster drying.
What You’ll Need
- White non-gel toothpaste (avoid colored gels)
- Old toothbrush (soft or medium bristles)
- Small bowl of lukewarm water
- Clean towel or microfiber cloth
Step 1: Remove the Laces
Take the laces out of your shoes completely.
This allows you to clean every part evenly.
Step 2: Wet the Laces First
Lightly dampen the laces with water.
This helps toothpaste spread smoothly and prevents a stiff texture later.
Step 3: Apply Toothpaste
Put a small amount of toothpaste directly onto:
- stained areas
- yellow sections
- lace ends and near eyelets (usually the dirtiest)
Step 4: Scrub Gently
Use your toothbrush to scrub in small circles.
✅ Keep pressure light.
✅ Focus on visible stains
✅ Scrub both sides of the lace.
⏱️ Scrub for 1–3 minutes depending on dirt level.
Step 5: Let It Sit (Optional but Effective)
For stubborn stains, let the toothpaste sit for:
🕒 5–10 minutes (ideal)
Avoid letting it dry completely, especially on cotton.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse under lukewarm water until all residue is gone.
📌 If you leave toothpaste behind, it can dry into the fabric and make laces feel stiff.
Step 7: Dry Properly
- Press with a towel to remove extra water.
- Air dry completely in a shaded area
🚫 Avoid direct sunlight for long hours (it can cause fabric yellowing again).
5. Extra Tips for Better Results
Here are quick upgrades that make the toothpaste method work even better:
✅ Use a whitening toothpaste only for white laces.
✅ Scrub in one direction for smoother fibers.
✅ Clean lace tips carefully (they hold dirt the most).
✅ Repeat once if needed instead of scrubbing too hard.
✅ Don’t use gel toothpaste (less effective and may stain).
6. Conclusion
Cleaning shoelaces with toothpaste is still one of the easiest and most effective home methods , especially for white or light-colored laces.
It’s simple, affordable, and safer than harsh chemicals when used properly. Whether you’re removing light dirt or dealing with yellowing, toothpaste can refresh your laces and improve the overall look of your shoes—without buying new ones.
If your shoelaces are only slightly dirty, this method can make them look almost new again in just a few minutes.
7. FAQs
1. Can I leave toothpaste on shoelaces overnight?
It’s not recommended. Leaving toothpaste overnight can dry into the fabric, making laces stiff and harder to rinse clean.
For best results, leave it on for 5–15 minutes max, then rinse thoroughly.
2. Can toothpaste damage colored shoelaces?
Yes, it can sometimes fade dyed or dark laces—especially whitening toothpaste.
Always do a small spot test first, and use a mild, non-whitening toothpaste for colored laces.
3. Which toothpaste works best for shoelaces?
The best choice is
✅ white, non-gel toothpaste
✅ preferably with baking soda
🚫 Avoid gel, charcoal, or colored toothpaste.
4. Can I mix toothpaste with baking soda or vinegar?
- Toothpaste + baking soda: ✅ Safe and can boost whitening for stubborn stains
- Toothpaste + vinegar: ❌ Not ideal—can foam too much and reduce cleaning performance
For best results, stick to one strong method at a time.
