Generally, laces are white in color, which makes them particularly vulnerable to stains and dirt. Often, these do not resist time and take on an unappealing appearance. They can turn gray or yellow and deteriorate the quality of your favorite shoe. How to clean shoelaces effectively? Discover our best tips.
Dirty shoelaces make you look unkempt – Source: Express Uk
3 steps to clean your shoe laces
Laces may appear dull over time. Whether your pair of shoes is splattered with mud or you simply stained your white tennis shoes during a walk around town, you need to act quickly to clean and maintain your shoelaces. White shoelaces tend to absorb dirt and develop stubborn stains. To prevent them from losing their natural whiteness, it is necessary to wash them regularly using the right products.
Laces should be cleaned regularly – Source: Express Uk
To keep the laces clean, there is a simple and very effective cleaning method. Shared by an influencer named Andrea Sarn on Tik Tok, the video which details this method has more than 80,000 likes.
To do this, she first removed all the laces from each shoe to clean them all in the same basin. However, if you have different colored laces, it is best not to mix them as this risks distorting their color.
The ingredients you need to carry out this method are:
- Some water
- Soap (preferably black soap)
- Bleach
- Laundry detergent
1. Step 1: The laces in the basin
Start by removing the laces from your shoes and putting them in a large basin. Next, scrub the laces with cold water and soap to remove a set-in stain or stubborn dirt.
2. Step 2: Add the bleach
After following this first step, add bleach and your regular laundry detergent to the basin. Rub your shoelaces vigorously to penetrate the ingredients. Then let them soak in the basin for a few hours.
Whiten shoelaces using detergent – Source: Express Uk
3. Step 3: Brush the laces
The last step is very simple. It consists of removing all traces of soap and cleaning product. You can use a soft cloth or brush the laces to remove the products. Then, rinse them well and then put them to dry in the sun. The results will impress you and encourage you to repeat this method every time your laces get dirty.
Washing shoelaces by hand or in the machine: 9 tips
There are many inexpensive and practical ingredients that can make your white shoelaces shine without damaging them. However, for long-lasting results, shoes and laces need regular maintenance. Whether you opt for hand or machine washing, discover these cleaning products with whitening properties:
Clean laces give a neat look – Source: Express Uk
Cleaning the laces by hand
1. Baking soda
Baking soda has many uses at home. To whiten stained shoelaces, you can opt for this solution. Simply soak your shoelaces for a few hours in warm, soapy water mixed with a cup of baking soda. After 3 hours, scrub the laces using a used toothbrush then rinse them with cold water. Little extra, the bicarbonate eliminates bad odors.
2. Soda crystals
Soda crystals have been used for many generations to clean tiles and remove the most stubborn stains. To have white shoelaces, you can soak your shoelaces in a mixture of lukewarm water and soda crystals. Leave on for 2 hours then rub gently to remove stubborn stains. Rinse and let air dry.
3. Mix boiling water and lemon
Rich in vitamin C and citric acid, lemon is a powerful cleaner used for home maintenance. For this tip, all you need to do is dip your shoelaces in a basin filled with boiling water and a few slices of lemon. After a few hours, scrub your laces and rinse them.
4. Oxygenated water
To get white laces like new, put a glass of hydrogen peroxide with soapy water in a basin. Soak your shoelaces and let the solution work for 2 or 3 hours before washing them.
5. Tablet or washing powder
You can also wash your laces by soaking them in a basin filled with hot water, a tablet or 3 tablespoons of washing powder. Scrub vigorously then rinse with lukewarm water.
6. Percarbonate de sodium
Made up of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide, sodium percabonate can restore shine to white laundry that is starting to yellow or become dull. Simply soak your laces for 2 hours in a basin filled with hot water and percarbonate. Mix a spoonful of sodium percarbonate and 5 liters of hot water for optimal cleaning. Once this time has passed, rinse your laces in cold water.
Cleaning shoelaces by machine
1. Citron
You can also wash the laces in your washing machine and whiten them with lemon. Simply add lemon juice to the detergent drawer for an impressive result.
2. Soda crystals
If you have opted for cleaning in the washing machine, add half a cup of soda crystals to each wash to restore your shoelaces to their original whiteness.
3. Sorrel salt
This powder can also fight stubborn stains. For this third option, add a tablespoon of sorrel salt to the detergent drawer and run your machine.
Extra tip: To take care of your laces and shoes, place them on a towel after washing them for optimal drying. The sun can make your laces even whiter.
To preserve your shoes, you might also be interested in tips for cleaning sneakers, shoes and tennis shoes !
Read also:
- 13 tips for whitening laundry
- What does the crossed out triangle on the laundry label mean?
- How to dry laundry without using a dryer?