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
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Remove the laces from your shoes
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Fill a bowl with warm water and a few drops of dish soap
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Soak the laces for 15–30 minutes
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Scrub gently with a soft toothbrush
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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
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Place your laces inside a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase
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Toss in with your whites (add baking soda for extra whitening)
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Use cold water and gentle detergent
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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
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Brings your sneakers back to life — makes beaters look fresh
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Sharpens your whole outfit — clean laces = clean aesthetic
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Cheap upgrade — far cheaper than new shoes
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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.
How to Wash Shoe Laces (But Here’s Why You Might Just Want to Buy New Ones)
Let’s face it—your sneakers are only as fresh as your laces. You can have a crispy pair of Jordan 1s or clean AF1s, but if your laces are grimy, yellowed, or crusted with dirt, the whole fit takes a hit. So you Google: how to wash shoe laces. Good news—we’ve got the answer. Better news? We’ll also tell you when to skip the scrub and go straight for a fresh pair.
How to Wash Your Shoe Laces
If you're determined to save your laces, here's how to clean them the right way:
What You’ll Need:
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Mild detergent or sneaker cleaner
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A bowl or sink
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An old toothbrush
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A mesh laundry bag (optional)
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Patience
Step-by-Step:
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Remove the Laces: Sounds obvious, but don’t try to wash them while they’re still on your shoes.
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Pre-Soak: Soak them in warm water with a small amount of detergent or sneaker cleaner for 30–60 minutes.
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Scrub: Use a toothbrush to work out any stuck-on grime, especially around the aglets and where the lace touches eyelets.
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Rinse & Repeat: Rinse with cold water. If they’re still dingy, repeat the process.
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Machine Wash (Optional): Put them in a mesh laundry bag and wash on gentle with cold water.
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Air Dry: Never toss your laces in the dryer—it can warp the material and melt plastic aglets.
Can You Bring White Laces Back to Life?
Sort of. But let’s be real: once they’ve absorbed enough street dust, sock grime, or even just time, they never quite hit the same again. Bleach can help (very diluted), but it can also weaken fibers or yellow your laces if done wrong.
Why Buying New Laces Might Be the Better Move
Washing helps, but buying a fresh pair of laces does more than just clean your look—it levels it up.
1. Crisp Factor
Nothing beats that out-of-the-pack pop of fresh white, sail, or black laces. It’s like getting your sneakers re-born without touching the uppers.
2. Style Upgrade
Been rocking the same colorway for a year? Swap your laces for red, volt, or even fuzzy laces and it instantly changes your sneaker’s personality. New Balance 9060s with cozy laces? Game changer.
3. Time & Effort
Scrubbing old laces takes time, mess, and effort—and still doesn’t guarantee they’ll look new. A fresh pair is affordable and guaranteed fresh.
4. Better Fit
Older laces can stretch, lose tension, or fray. New laces = better structure, better knot security, better flex.
When to Buy vs. Wash
Condition | Wash | Buy |
---|---|---|
Light dirt | ✅ | 🚫 |
Yellowed | 🚫 | ✅ |
Frayed ends | 🚫 | ✅ |
You want to switch up your look | 🚫 | ✅ |
Laces smell or feel stiff | 🚫 | ✅ |
Grab a Fresh Pair at ShoelaceSupply.com
Whether you need Jordan 1 replacements, ON Running laces, or just want a crispy new white pair, we’ve got curated options built for sneakerheads. Premium cotton blends, perfect length, and eyelet compatibility—it’s all we do.
🧼 Still want to wash your laces? Go for it.
🔥 But if you're about that fresh-out-the-box energy, shop fresh laces here and step your sneaker game up.