How to Take Stains Off Shoelaces

Most cotton shoelaces are easy to clean.

Revive dull or stained shoelaces by using household items and a few simple tricks to get them looking clean and brand new again. Many types of laces have been made with cotton or polyester, so cleaning them involves utilizing some of the same products that you'd use to wash clothing or clean upholstery. However, you must use special products and techniques when cleaning suede or leather shoelaces because you can't just throw these materials in the washing machine.

Things You'll Need

• Bleach
• Bowl
• Fabric stain remover

Instructions

1. Remove white shoelaces from shoes and place them in a large bowl filled with 2 cups of water and 1/4 cup of bleach. Allow the laces to soak for 20 minutes or longer and then rinse them well under cold running water.

2. Apply stain remover to shoelaces that still look dirty after bleaching. Place these laces in the washing machine along with other similar-colored clothing.

3. Wash black, blue, green, red or other colored shoelaces separately from white laces in the washer and don't bleach these laces because it will destroy the color.

4. Place shoelaces on a table to dry naturally or put them in the dryer for 20 minutes or longer. Putting cotton laces in the dryer may cause them to shrink slightly.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use bleach or any detergents to clean leather or suede shoelaces. Instead, clean these laces with a soft cloth and leather conditioner or suede shoe cleaner. Scrub the laces gently with these products to remove dirt and stains.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Shoe Cleaning Guide; Heloise