How to Clean White Shoe Laces (Or When to Just Buy a New Pair)

White shoe laces can elevate any pair of sneakers — from crisp white Air Force 1s to Jordan 1s — but they’re also dirt magnets. Whether you're rocking heat or keeping it casual, grimy laces will ruin your whole fit. The good news? You’ve got options.

Here’s how to clean white shoe laces the right way — and why sometimes, the best move is just grabbing a fresh pair from our shop.

🧼 Method 1: Clean Your White Laces With Soap and Water

Best for: Light dirt, everyday wear

1. Remove the laces from your shoes
   
   

2. Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of dish soap
   
   

3. Soak the laces for 15–30 minutes
   
   

4. Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush
   
   

5. Rinse with cold water and air dry on a towel
   
   

Tip: Don’t use bleach — it can yellow synthetic fibers or weaken the lace material.

🧺 Method 2: Throw Them in the Washing Machine

Best for: Heavier dirt or stains

1. Place your laces inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
   
   

2. Toss in with your whites (add baking soda for extra whitening)
   
   

3. Use cold water and gentle detergent
   
   

4. Air dry to prevent shrinkage or damage
   
   

This works… kind of. But let’s be real — laces never come out exactly like new.

🧽 Method 3: Try a Sneaker Cleaner Kit

Best for: Sneakerheads with premium lace care products

There are lace-safe cleaning foams and solutions designed for sneaker materials. If you're already using something like Jason Markk, Reshoevn8r, or Crep Protect — use their soft bristle brush and follow the brand’s lace-cleaning instructions.

🧠 Real Talk: Sometimes It’s Better to Buy a New Pair

Even after a deep clean, white laces rarely regain that factory-fresh look. They get fuzzy, lose shape, and the color never quite pops the same way. That’s why sneaker collectors and stylists agree:

🔁 Replacing your laces is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to refresh your kicks.

Instead of spending 30 minutes scrubbing, you can just grab a new pair of crisp white laces from our store — designed to match Nike, Jordan, New Balance, and more.

💥 Why New Laces Make a Huge Difference

• Brings your sneakers back to life — makes beaters look fresh
  
  

• Sharpens your whole outfit — clean laces = clean aesthetic
  
  

• Cheap upgrade — far cheaper than new shoes
  
  

• Better structure & feel — no fuzz, perfect tension, no fraying
  
  

Whether you’re swapping out laces on Jordan 1s, Dunks, or New Balance 550s, a fresh pair from us at Shoelacesupply.com gives your shoes that “new out the box” vibe again.

🔗 Shop Replacement White Laces

Skip the soaking and scrubbing. Shop premium white replacement laces now:

👉 Shop All Shoe Laces
👉 Jordan 1 Replacement Laces

👟 Final Thoughts

You can clean your white shoe laces, and it’ll help — for a little while. But if you're serious about keeping your sneakers fresh, replacing your laces is the move. It’s quick, affordable, and instantly levels up your look.

So next time your laces look rough… don’t clean them. Replace them.