Previously, shoelaces were made of materials such as leather, hemp, or cotton (in general). However, the development of the production of synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, and elastic means that today there are various types of shoelaces, not only from natural materials. With a large selection of laces available as a shoe accessory, it's a good idea to keep the look clean.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning White Shoelaces
Step 1. Remove the laces from the shoes
You will find it easier to clean the laces once they are removed from the shoes.
Step 2. Scrub the shoelaces with your hands or a brush to remove any dust or dirt
The dried mud or dirt on the shoelaces should be easy to remove with a little scrubbing.
Step 3. Make a solution of 3 tablespoons of bleach and about 4 liters of water in a sink or basin
You can also add a little soap or laundry detergent to the water to help clean the laces.
Step 4. Put the shoelaces in a washing bag and soak them in the cleaning solution for a few minutes
Use a spoon or spatula to stir the shoelaces in the water. You can use a dishwasher-proof dish to press the shoelaces in the water so they don't float.
NOTE: wear gloves and try not to put your bare hands in the bleach solution as it can cause skin irritation
Step 5. Wash the laces in the washing machine
Put the shoelaces (which are still in the washing bag) in the washing machine and clean with laundry soap and 1/2 cup of bleach in hot water.
Step 6. Hang shoelaces over the sink or towel and allow them to dry
To prevent the laces from shriveling or damaging the ends, do not use a tumble dryer. The use of a tumble dryer can damage the elastic fibers or the structure that holds the rope in shape. You may have to leave the laces for a few hours to dry.
Step 7. Reattach the shoelaces
If the ends are damaged during cleaning, you can use tape to wrap the ends of the laces to make them easier to fit into the holes in the shoe.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning Colored Shoelaces
Step 1. Remove the laces from the shoes
The laces will be easier and more effective to clean once they are removed from the shoes.
Step 2. Scrub the shoelaces with your hands or a brush to remove any dust or dirt
The dried mud or dirt on the shoelaces should be easy to remove with a little scrubbing.
Step 3. Fill warm water into the sink or basin and add a little soap or laundry soap
This water will be used to saturate the rope. Meanwhile, the soap will help loosen dirt particles from the fibers of the shoelace fabric for easier cleaning.
Step 4. Let the laces soak in the soapy water for a few minutes
Leave until the rope material is completely wet. The shoelaces are likely to expand. Meanwhile, the attached dirt will be released. Twist the shoelaces if you want to speed up this process.
Step 5. Use a small brush (or an old toothbrush) to brush the shoelaces
Keep in mind that the ends of the rope may peel or break if you brush too hard.
Step 6. Pour clean water into the sink or basin to rinse the shoelaces
If any dirt remains, repeat steps 2 through 6 until the rope is completely clean.
Step 7. Hang the shoelaces over the sink or towel and let them dry on their own
To prevent the laces from shriveling or damaging the ends, do not use a tumble dryer. The use of a tumble dryer can damage the elastic fibers or the structure that holds the rope in shape. You may have to let the laces sit for a few hours to dry.
Step 8. Reattach the shoelaces
If the ends are damaged during cleaning, you can use tape to wrap the ends of the laces to make them easier to fit into the holes in the shoe.
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning Leather Shoelaces
Step 1. Remove dirt from shoelaces using a toothbrush or other small brush
This process is useful for making it easier for you to wash the rope while preventing damage to the material. Leather shoelaces don't absorb dirt like synthetic materials, so they don't need to be washed in the same way.
Step 2. Use leather soap and warm water to clean the strap
Soak the rope for a moment, then gently rub the soap all over the rope. Do not soak leather in a soap solution, as this can damage the color. Just wipe with a damp cloth instead.
Step 3. Lay the shoelaces on top of an old rag or newspaper
Allow the rope to dry on its own and keep it out of direct sunlight as the color may fade. Before proceeding to the next step, make sure the laces are completely dry.
Step 4. Apply a natural oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil, to make the laces shine again
Wipe the oil with a clean cloth. Put on gloves and be sure to dab the oil on the straps over a rag as leather-care oils can stain. Let the oil soak in. This treatment will soften and improve the appearance of the leather shoelace.
Step 5. Let the laces dry for a few hours
After the first hour, remove excess oil from the rope. To avoid staining the shoes or damaging the laces, wait for the laces to dry completely before putting them back on. Mink oil resembles human sebum and will feel greasy on most ingredients if not allowed to be absorbed completely.
