Why is it important to clean the laces properly?
Laces are an essential part of footwear. Beyond just being a decorative feature, they are what keep shoes securely on those restless feet that never stop moving, and they also help teach children key skills like coordination (and patience) when learning how to tie them. For this reason, they deserve attention and care. Like the rest of the shoe, they collect dirt with use, so it's important to keep them clean. In this guide, we'll show you how to easily clean different types of laces, tailoring the process to each material to ensure they are perfect.
How to Clean Flat Laces on Tennis Shoes
We've already discussed in another post how to keep your white trainers clean and perfect. When it comes to the laces, you can follow these specific tips to make sure no area is missed, especially around the eyelets of the shoes.
- Remove the laces from the shoes and immerse them in a bowl of warm water with a mild detergent.
- Let them soak for 20-30 minutes to loosen the dirt.
- Gently scrub, paying attention to the dirtiest areas. A soft-bristled brush can help.
- If the laces are white, you can add a teaspoon of baking soda to restore their brightness.
- For a quicker wash, these laces (especially white ones) can be washed in the washing machine with your regular laundry. Place them in a mesh laundry bag to prevent them from getting lost or tangled with other clothes.
- If they are coloured, first check if they bleed by placing a small piece in soapy water for a few minutes. If they release colour, wash them by hand separately.
How to Clean Round Laces
Your desert boots and smart bluchers often come with this type of laces, which give them an elegant and formal look. They are usually made from finer materials such as waxed cotton or woven thread combinations, so it's best to avoid the washing machine and wash them by hand like this:
- Fill a bowl with warm water and a bit of mild detergent.
- Rub the laces with your hands or a cloth to avoid fraying.
- Rinse them well and lay them flat on a towel to absorb any excess water.
- Allow them to dry completely before placing them back in your shoes.
How to Clean Velvet Laces and Ribbons
Velvet is a soft and delicate material, with a luxurious feel and texture. Therefore, this type of laces requires a special treatment to preserve their appearance and prevent damage or loss of texture. Clean them like this:
- Dampen a soft cloth with a mixture of water and a few drops of mild soap.
- Gently clean the laces, avoiding too much rubbing to prevent damaging the texture.
- Use a dry cloth to absorb moisture and let them air dry in a cool place.
- Tip: Avoid using the washing machine, as it could ruin the velvet texture.
How to Clean Grosgrain Ribbon Laces
Grosgrain fabric, also known as faya, is a durable textile characterised by its ribbed, textured surface on both sides. This texture provides a glossy and elegant appearance. You can find this type of laces in casual trainers, as well as in baby ballet flats and bluchers. Here are some care tips to keep them perfect and ensure they last a long time:
- They can be machine washed at up to 40ºC.
- They can be ironed at temperatures below 110ºC, always with a cloth between the ribbon and the iron to avoid damaging the textured surface.
- To wash by hand, dampen a cloth with warm water and a little mild detergent or neutral soap.
- Gently rub in circular motions to clean between the ridges of the material.
- Rinse with cold water and remove excess moisture with a dry cloth.
- Finish drying by laying them flat on a surface or hanging them, but never directly in the sun.
How to Clean Jute Laces
The laces found in bluchers and summer espadrilles are often made from jute. As it is a natural material, you should avoid excess water:
- Clean with a dry brush to remove dust and surface dirt.
- If that isn't enough, use a cloth dampened with water and white vinegar.
- Let them air dry in a well-ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight.
How to Clean Elastic Laces
At Pisamonas, we have elastic laces as an alternative to traditional bows, to replace them or keep them as spare. Flat silicone laces perfect for trainers or round rubber laces for your little one's dress shoes. The advantage of these laces, apart from not needing to be tied, is that they are very durable and easy to clean with a little water and soap, just following these tips:
- Rinse well and let them air dry.
- If they are very dirty, you can mix one part bicarbonate of soda with one part white vinegar, apply the paste formed on the laces and leave it to act for a few minutes. Finally, rinse well with cold water.
- Do not use a tumble dryer, as the heat may affect their elasticity.
Regardless of the material of the laces, remember that prevention is better than cure. If you take proper care of them, not only will it be easier to clean them, but they will also last much longer. Here are a few simple tips to help you achieve this:
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Shoe Laces
- Washing them directly in the washing machine can wear out the laces, snag them or cause fraying. It’s best to use a mesh bag or wash them by hand.
- Using harsh chemicals like bleach can cause the laces to discolour or damage the fabric. It’s better to use gentle detergents.
- Drying them directly in the sun makes the laces stiff and brittle. It’s best to dry them in the shade.
Lace Maintenance Tips
You’ll avoid excessive dirt and wear if you:
- Untie them before putting them on and taking them off.
- If you notice they start to fray, use a lighter to gently seal the ends (be careful, this can only be done with synthetic laces).
- Get a spare pair and alternate them, especially if your children wear the same shoes every day.
How Often Should You Clean Laces?
Wash the laces every 4-6 weeks or sooner if they are visibly dirty, as dirt can degrade the fibres. If they’re used for sports or outdoor activities, it’s advisable to clean them more frequently to avoid the build-up of sweat and bacteria.
As you can see, taking care of your children’s shoe laces is very easy, and not only does it improve their appearance, but in many cases, simply cleaning them separately renews the look of the shoes without the need to wash the entire shoe. A small detail that won’t take up much of your time and will make the shoes look new for much longer!
