You invested a handsome amount in your white shoes. You wore them multiple times on hiking trips, daily runs, park visits, shopping, movie nights, and many more places. They may have become filthy and dirty. Or you wore your white sneakers just once and accidentally got a stain on them.
Cleaning shoelaces can become challenging if you do not know the tips and techniques. If you desire to impress your friends with your favourite white shoes then this article is for you. Here, you will get to know the ways how you can clean white shoelaces.
Types of stains on shoelaces
Before heading towards the cleaning ways we should know the different types of stains which make the shoelaces dirty. Every cleaning agent works for a different kind of stain. Following are some of the shoelace stains
- Grass stains
If you are into sports or visit parks regularly then you may be familiar with these tough stain marks. The dirt pigments bind with the fabric strongly and do not remove easily. For such reasons, strong cleaning agents like vinegar, baking soda, and toothpaste are used.
- Oily stains
Oily stains can happen easily if you accidentally spilled oily food, motor oil, or gasoline on your footwear. For oily stains, first, immediately sprinkle powders like chalk, baby powder, or baking soda to absorb the oil then you can further wash the laces.
- Bloodstains
While playing any sport or during an accident, bloodstain can happen to your shoelaces which you can easily remove by using hydrogen peroxide.
- Mud stains
Who does not like going out in the rain? A muddy stain can occur any time which you can easily wash off by using detergent or dish soap.
How to clean white laces with baking soda
Baking soda has hundreds of use and sodium bicarbonate in them has amazing laundry cleaning properties. You can prepare a paste of baking soda and water in the ratio of 3:2. Three portions of baking soda into one portion of water. Apply the paste on the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes remove it with a brush and rinse the shoelaces with cool water. For better results wash in a detergent afterward.
How to clean white laces with bleach
You can easily clean your white shoelaces with bleach solution. It is among the best way to clean shoelaces. For preparing bleach solution you will need one cup of bleach in 1 gallon of hot water. Water dilutes the bleach and the solution will not damage the shoelace.
After preparing this solution you can soak your shoelaces for 2 to 3 hours. Take it out of the solution and rinse with cold water. Before putting the shoelaces back into the shoes make sure they’re not wet. Bleaching shoelaces helps in removing the stain and bringing the charm back to your shoes.
How to clean white shoelaces without bleach
Although bleach removes the stain from the shoelace quickly and effectively but leaves an impact on the fabric. For such an expensive sneaker, no one wants to soak them in an intense bleach solution. Therefore, you can clean your shoelaces in solutions without using bleach.
How to clean white shoelaces with vinegar
When planning to wash shoelaces without bleach then what can be better than the magical white vinegar solution. The white vinegar is the all-in-one solution making laces soft, bright, germ-free, odour-free, and without any pet hairs.
Vinegar is a 100% natural solution and does not contain any bleaching agent. It removes the toughest stains in minutes. Take half a cup of vinegar in one cup of water. Add a few drops of dish soap. Soak the shoelaces for one hour. Wash with cold water and dry them for a whiten shoelaces.
How to clean white shoelaces with toothpaste
If you are wondering how toothpaste can help in cleaning white shoelaces? Baking soda is the secret. Since baking soda is an active ingredient of toothpaste therefore it can easily remove those filthy stains.
Make sure you buy white toothpaste and scrub the laces with a toothbrush. Wash the shoelaces with cold water and repeat the process until the dirt removes completely.
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How to clean white laces with hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a quick remedy for cleaning the deadliest stains. You only need to spill a few drops of hydrogen peroxide on the dirty area and within seconds you will see your clean shoelaces again.
Thoroughly wash the shoelaces in the washing machine afterward. Add white vinegar while washing in the machine. It will prevent the shoelaces from turning yellow.
How to clean white shoelaces with dish soap
Cleaning the shoelaces with dish soap is a good idea especially when the stain is due to mud. First, remove any of the dirt and make sure the laces are dry. Then take a sponge dip in water and dish soap mixture. Apply it on the shoelaces and then with a toothbrush gently scrub. Wash with cool water and repeat the procedure if needed.
How to clean shoelaces without taking them off
If you accidentally spilled some oily stuff on your shoelaces and do not have time to take it off for washing then you need this immediate solution. For such a situation, clean your shoes with chalk or baking powder without taking the shoelaces off.
All you need to do is sprinkle a hefty amount of chalk or baby powder. Let it sit for 15 minutes so it can absorb the oil.
Methods for washing the shoelaces
Once you have treated the shoelaces with lace cleaners you will further need to wash them. Afterward washing is necessary to remove any residue from the shoelace cleaning agent.
Following are the two methods for washing shoelaces
- Washing the shoelaces by hand
If you desire to keep the cleaning process in your control then washing the shoelaces by hand is an excellent idea. Prior to washing soak in warm water for 30 minutes which helps in removing the stain even better.
You can clean the shoelaces by using a shoe brush, toothbrush, sponge, non-abrasive cloth, a mesh drawstring bag, paper towel, or a washcloth. Scrub the shoelaces with any of these tools. Wash them with cold water and let them completely dry before putting them back in the shoes.
- Washing shoelaces by washing machine
Do not directly put the shoelaces in the washing machine as they can get stuck in it. Put the shoelaces in the pillowcase or in a mesh laundry bag having a zipper closure. Remove the stain with the help of a toothbrush. Put the pillowcase or mesh laundry bag in the washing machine with white laundry. Add detergent and warm water.
After the cycle let the shoelaces air dry. Do not dry the shoelaces in the washing machine dryer because the high heat can distort the plastic tips of the laces.
Conclusion
The sparkling white shoes are always a delight to the eyes. No one likes to spend money on a new pair of shoes because fixing the strains can make your shoelaces flawless again.
Make a habit of cleaning your shoes and shoelaces after every few weeks. No matter if you wash it by hand or with a washing machine, make sure you air dry it.