Honestly, I used to think shoe laces were just… laces. Something you tie. Something that gets dirty and you maybe spot-clean with a toothbrush and some questionable stain remover. My first few pairs of decent sneakers got trashed because the laces looked like they’d wrestled a muddy dog. Then someone casually mentioned tossing them in the wash. I scoffed. Surely that would ruin them, tangle them into an unholy knot, or worse, they’d just come out the same.
But I was wrong. So gloriously, embarrassingly wrong.
Confession time: I once spent nearly $30 on a “specialty lace cleaner” that was literally just a fancy bottle of concentrated soap with a brush. It was utter garbage. My laces looked exactly the same after I’d meticulously scrubbed them for ten minutes. That’s when I decided to really figure out can I wash shoe laces in washing machine, and more importantly, *should* I.
So, Can I Wash Shoe Laces in Washing Machine? The Real Answer.
Look, it’s not rocket science, but there are definitely ways to do it that don’t end with a mangled mess. The quick answer is yes, you absolutely can wash shoe laces in the washing machine. It’s surprisingly effective, and frankly, far less effort than any ‘handwashing’ method I’ve ever tried. I’ve cleaned hundreds of pairs over the years, from dusty hiking boots to pristine white athletic shoes, and the machine method is my go-to. It’s just… easier.
Think of it this way: your shoes themselves often go into the wash (or at least a good scrub-down), so why wouldn’t the laces get the same treatment? They’re subjected to the same dirt, sweat, and general grime. The idea that they’re somehow too delicate for a washing machine is, in my humble opinion, pure marketing nonsense designed to sell you overpriced cleaning kits. I mean, I’ve seen cleaning kits for *everything* these days.
However, you can’t just chuck them in with your whites and hope for the best. There’s a little finesse involved, mostly to prevent them from becoming a single, braided entity with all your other laundry. I learned this the hard way after one particularly disastrous load where my bright red laces decided to become one with a load of my husband’s white socks. It looked like a crime scene.
[IMAGE: Close-up of tangled white and red shoelaces in a laundry basket, looking like a chaotic mess.]
Prepping Your Laces for the Spin Cycle
Before you even think about hitting ‘start,’ you need to do a little prep work. First, take them off the shoes. Obvious, I know, but you’d be surprised how many people try to leave them on. Don’t be that person. Remove the laces completely. This allows for a more thorough clean and prevents any weird snagging that could damage your shoes. (See Also: Are You Supposed To Wash Shoes)
Next, give them a quick brush to get off any loose dirt, mud clumps, or grass clippings. A stiff brush, like a shoe brush or even an old toothbrush, works wonders. It’s like a pre-wash for your laces, removing the surface gunk so the washing machine can do a more effective job on the embedded grime. Don’t skip this step; it makes a significant difference in the final outcome. Seriously, I once skipped this on a pair of muddy trail running laces, and they came out looking… less than ideal. Still dingy.
Finally, and this is key, put them in a mesh laundry bag. This is your secret weapon against tangles. You can buy these at any department store for a few bucks. They’re essentially small zippered bags made of net material. This keeps the laces contained, preventing them from wrapping around other items or getting knotted up with themselves. I always use two bags if I’m washing a lot of laces at once. About seven out of ten people I’ve talked to about this still skip the mesh bag, and then they wonder why they have lace spaghetti.
[IMAGE: Several pairs of shoelaces neatly folded inside a zippered mesh laundry bag.]
Washing Machine Settings: What Works
Now for the actual washing. For most standard cotton or polyester laces, a gentle or delicate cycle is your best bet. Think of it as treating them with a bit of respect. You don’t need to go full industrial mode here. A cold or warm water setting is fine; hot water can sometimes cause colors to bleed, especially on older or brightly dyed laces. I tend to stick with cold water just to be safe, unless they’re truly caked in something that looks like it requires a bit more persuasion.
Regarding detergent, use a standard laundry detergent. You don’t need anything special. A small amount is sufficient. Overdoing it can lead to excess suds and residue that might cling to the laces. I usually use about half the amount I’d use for a small load of clothes. The goal is to clean, not to create a foam party in your machine.
What about fabric softener? I’d steer clear. It can actually make laces slippery, which is the last thing you want when you’re trying to tie them securely. Plus, it’s an unnecessary addition to the cleaning process. I’ve found that laces come out perfectly fine without it. They regain their stiffness and grip.
Drying Your Clean Laces
This is where many people go wrong. The dryer. Oh, the dryer. While you *can* put laces in the dryer on a low heat setting, I generally advise against it. High heat can weaken the fibers over time, making them more prone to fraying and breaking. Plus, they can still get tangled or snagged, even in the mesh bag, if you’re not careful. Think of it like microwaving delicate glassware – it’s usually okay, but why risk it when there’s a gentler alternative? (See Also: Are Shoes Safe In The Washing Machine)
Air drying is your best friend. Hang them up somewhere with good airflow – a clothes drying rack, a hanger, even just draped over the edge of a counter. They dry surprisingly quickly. Within a few hours, they should be completely dry and ready to go back on your shoes. This slow and steady approach preserves the integrity of the laces and ensures they last longer. I once tried to rush the drying process with a hairdryer on high heat, and I swear I heard a faint *snap* sound that I’m pretty sure was the fibers protesting.
If you absolutely *must* use the dryer, use the air-only or low-heat setting, and make sure they are still in the mesh bag. Keep an eye on them, and pull them out as soon as they are dry. Don’t let them tumble endlessly. My personal preference? Just hang them up. It’s free, it’s gentle, and it’s effective.
[IMAGE: Clean, white shoelaces hanging on a clothes drying rack, looking crisp and new.]
Common Laces and How to Clean Them
Different materials require slightly different approaches, though the machine method is generally safe for most. For standard cotton or polyester laces (the most common type), the mesh bag and gentle cycle method described above is perfect. They’re durable and handle the wash well. These are the workhorses.
For older, possibly more fragile laces, or those with delicate dyes, I’d lean even more heavily towards a cold water wash and a very gentle cycle, or even a hand wash if you’re feeling particularly cautious. Think of them as vintage clothing – you wouldn’t throw a silk blouse in with your jeans, right?
Now, what about those fancy, maybe slightly plastic-feeling ones, like reflective laces or some synthetic athletic laces? They can usually handle the machine too, but I’d be extra vigilant about the mesh bag and the low-heat or air-dry option. The reflective coating can sometimes be sensitive to excessive heat or harsh agitation. I tested a pair of reflective laces on a slightly more vigorous wash cycle once, and the reflective threads seemed to lose a bit of their shine. Minor, but noticeable.
| Lace Type | Washing Machine? | Detergent | Drying | Opinion/Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Cotton/Polyester | Yes (Gentle/Delicate) | Standard | Air Dry Recommended | Easy to clean, very durable. Machine wash is perfect. |
| Older/Delicate Dyes | Yes (Cold, Very Gentle) or Hand Wash | Mild | Air Dry Essential | Treat with care, machine is okay if cautious. Hand washing is safest. |
| Synthetic/Reflective | Yes (Gentle/Delicate) | Standard | Air Dry Strongly Recommended | Can handle machine, but avoid high heat and harsh agitation. |
| Very Heavily Soiled | Yes (Pre-treat & Mesh Bag) | Standard + Stain Remover | Air Dry | Pre-treating is key; machine will do most of the heavy lifting. |
People Also Ask About Washing Shoe Laces
Can You Put Shoelaces in with Your Clothes?
Yes, but it’s best to use a mesh laundry bag to keep them from tangling with your clothes or getting damaged. This prevents them from wrapping around other items and becoming a knotted mess. I always recommend this step, even for sturdy laces.
How Do You Get Shoelaces Really White?
For stubbornly white laces, you can try adding a tablespoon of baking soda to your wash load along with your regular detergent. For tougher stains or dinginess, a pre-soak in a solution of warm water and oxygen bleach (follow product instructions) can work wonders before washing. Sometimes, a gentle scrub with a paste of baking soda and water directly on the stain helps too. (See Also: Are Shoes Washable In Washing Machine)
Will Washing Shoelaces Damage My Washing Machine?
Generally, no. As long as you use a mesh bag to contain them and avoid excessively high spin cycles, shoelaces shouldn’t cause any damage to a modern washing machine. They are small and flexible items. The biggest risk would be if a lace somehow came out of its bag and got caught in the agitator or pump, which is rare if you use a good quality bag.
How Long Do Shoelaces Last?
This really depends on the material, how often you wear the shoes, and how tough your activities are. Good quality cotton or polyester laces can last anywhere from six months to two years. Signs they are nearing the end include fraying, thinning spots, or visible wear and tear. Proper cleaning and air drying will help them last longer.
[IMAGE: Close-up of a frayed shoelace end, showing signs of wear and tear.]
The Verdict on Machine Washing Laces
So, to circle back to the initial question: can I wash shoe laces in washing machine? The answer is a resounding yes. It’s a practical, time-saving, and effective method for keeping your footwear looking its best. I’ve been doing it for years now, and it’s saved me so much hassle and, frankly, money on products that just don’t work.
Just remember the key steps: remove them, brush off debris, use a mesh bag, select a gentle cycle with cold or warm water, and air dry. Do these things, and your laces will come out cleaner than you probably thought possible, without becoming a laundry disaster.
Verdict
Honestly, the whole idea of special lace cleaners was a scam I fell for, and it took me way too long to realize that a simple mesh bag and my regular washing machine were all I needed. If you’ve been wondering can I wash shoe laces in washing machine, the answer is a confident yes. Just take those few extra minutes to prep them properly.
Seriously, try it. You’ve got nothing to lose except a few hours of your time and the potential for permanently dingy laces. It’s not about some complex ritual; it’s about basic laundry sense applied to a small, overlooked part of your shoes.
The next time you’re about to toss some grubby laces aside, just remember the mesh bag trick. It’s that simple.
Recommended Products
No products found.
