To wash shoelaces without fading them, remove them from the shoes and hand wash: soak them in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent, gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush, rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water, and air dry — never use the dryer, and skip bleach and harsh chemicals, which strip color and weaken the fibers. Hand washing is gentler than the machine and best protects the color, especially on dark or synthetic laces.
Clean laces are one of the easiest ways to keep shoes looking fresh. It’s tempting to just toss them in the washing machine, but that can fade and damage them — here’s how to do it properly.
Gather your supplies and prep the laces
Have everything ready before you start — the cleaning solution and how you wash the laces both matter for keeping them looking good.
Remove the shoelaces
Loosen the laces and untie any knots, then follow each lace back through the eyelets, easing it free with your fingers. Don’t use sharp objects to pry them out — that risks fraying the ends or snagging the fabric.
Make a gentle cleaning solution
- Fill a bowl with lukewarm water.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent — baby shampoo or a mild laundry detergent works well and won’t discolor the laces.
- Stir gently until the detergent dissolves.
Test the solution first
Before soaking the whole lace, test the solution on an inconspicuous spot — the tip, or a section hidden by the eyelets. Apply a little and watch for any change in color or texture over a couple of minutes. If it reacts badly, switch to a milder solution; it may clean more slowly but it protects the laces.
Soak the laces
Submerge the laces fully in the solution to loosen dirt. Let them soak for at least two hours, or overnight for heavily soiled laces.
Scrub gently
Use a soft-bristled brush to work out ingrained dirt, with a light touch so you don’t damage the fibers.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse out all the detergent — leftover soap dulls the texture and attracts dirt faster. Lukewarm water is the best choice: hot water rinses soap well but can fade colors, while cold is gentle on color but may leave residue. Run the laces under lukewarm water, rubbing gently with your fingers until no soap remains.
Air dry
Air-drying preserves color and avoids heat damage. Lay the laces flat in a well-ventilated spot or hang them to dry — never use the dryer.
Preventing fading and discoloration
Material and color affect how prone laces are to fading — synthetic and dark-colored laces are more vulnerable, so they need a little extra care. A few habits keep them looking their best.
Avoid harsh chemicals
Gentle, natural cleaners are your best allies — eco-friendly options like baking soda or vinegar clean effectively without stripping color. Harsh chemicals like bleach are a common cause of premature fading and damage — they break down the fibers and leave laces frail and dull.
Wash similar colors together
Washing like colors together prevents color bleed:
- Keep white or light laces separate from darks.
- Avoid mixing colors that could bleed.
- Use color-safe detergents.
- Consider a color-catcher sheet to absorb stray dyes.
Skip the dryer
A dryer’s heat degrades the fabric and fades colors quickly. Always air-dry instead — it’s gentler and extends the life of your laces.
Store properly
Store laces fully dried, loosely coiled, in a cool, dark place. Keeping them out of light and away from moisture and heat preserves their color and strength.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put shoelaces in the washing machine?
You can, but to avoid fading or discoloration it’s better to hand wash them using the steps above. If you do machine wash, place them in a mesh laundry bag on a gentle, cold cycle.
What detergent should I use?
A mild detergent is best. Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals, which cause discoloration and weaken the fibers.
How often should I wash my shoelaces?
It depends on how dirty they get — every few weeks, or whenever they look dirty or stained, is a good guideline.
Can I use hot water?
Lukewarm is best. Hot water can fade colors, so stick to lukewarm for both washing and rinsing.
Will washing remove stains?
It removes most dirt and many stains, though stubborn ones may remain — pre-treat those with a stain remover before washing.
Can I tumble dry shoelaces?
No — the heat can fade and degrade them. Lay them flat or hang them to air dry instead.
