How to Clean Velcro on Shoes: What Fastener Makers Say

How to Clean Velcro on Shoes: Sources Compared

A Velcro strap stops gripping when the hooks fill with lint, hair and fibers, not usually because it wore out. We read the Hook and Loop site, Velcro UK, Startrite (a children’s shoe maker), Apartment Therapy, Hunker and Oh So Spotless. They agree on getting the debris out of the hooks and keeping straps fastened in the wash. They differ on trimming, brushes and how to wash.

Several of these sources sell shoes or related products, so their steps may point to their own range. We have not tested any of these methods.

Step by Step: Cleaning Velcro Straps

The shared method, with who says what:

1. Open the strap and shake off loose debris. Hook and Loop says to peel the sections apart first.
2. Lift the surface fuzz. Hook and Loop, Startrite and Oh So Spotless use a lint roller or tape. Startrite says tape will not damage the hooks.
3. Comb or brush out the hooks. Startrite uses a toothbrush in short firm strokes. Hunker says to work in one direction, because going back and forth pushes debris back in.
4. Pick out tangles. Tweezers (Hook and Loop, Startrite, Apartment Therapy).
5. Wash only if needed. Hook and Loop hand washes heavily soiled straps in warm soapy water and rinses well.
6. Dry fully before closing. Hook and Loop says moisture can cause odor and mildew. Oh So Spotless says to air dry fully open.

Startrite says the hook side gets dirtiest and the fuzzy side needs less frequent checks.

Tools That Work

• Toothbrush: Startrite, Hook and Loop, Apartment Therapy and Oh So Spotless. Hunker calls it a less effective substitute for a file card or pet brush.
• File card or metal pet brush: Hunker holds the strap flat and scrapes away from the hand. Apartment Therapy (quoting Will Cotter of Happy Cleans) uses a metal pet brush or fine-toothed comb.
• Another piece of hook fastener: Velcro UK and Apartment Therapy. Hunker says this takes the longest.
• Pins and needles: Startrite and Apartment Therapy for tiny fuzz.
• Tape dispenser blade: Startrite and Oh So Spotless, for hook-only fasteners.

Hunker says to replace duct tape as soon as it is covered in debris. If arthritis or another condition affects your hands, Hunker suggests a file card or pet brush over fine tools.

Washing Velcro Shoes

• Fasten first: Hook and Loop, Velcro UK, Startrite and Oh So Spotless all say so. Startrite warns that open straps can snag wool and nylon tights and cause bobbles.
• Temperature: Hook and Loop says cold or warm, gentle cycle. Oh So Spotless says hot water can warp the hooks. Hook and Loop adds that heat tolerance varies by material and cites one nylon product withstanding up to 280 F.
• Which shoes: Startrite says canvas shoes and some trainers are generally fine in the machine but leather and patent are not. See our washing machine guide and kids shoes guide.
• Adhesive-backed strips: Hook and Loop says to avoid soaking them and to use a damp cloth then dry the area at once.

Weak Grip, Matted Loops and When to Replace

Grip not back after cleaning. Hook and Loop says the fastener may be worn out and should be replaced. Oh So Spotless says trapped debris causes most grip loss and quality fasteners are rated for up to 20,000 open and close cycles. It suggests a shoe repair shop can sew on new strips.

Matted loops. Oh So Spotless says to trim fuzzy loops with scissors to expose fresh ones. Hook and Loop warns that trimming worn fasteners with scissors can damage the hooks and says to replace the strip instead. General advice: do not cut the hook side, and consider a repair shop before cutting anything.

Adhesive residue. Velcro UK uses a citrus-based cleaner and says to spot test first.

Keeping Velcro Clean

• Keep straps fastened when shoes are not worn (Startrite, about school shoes over weekends and holidays).
• Refresh the fastener every few weeks or monthly (Startrite).
• Keep the hook side covered when not in use (Velcro UK).
• Do not store the strap damp or dirty (Hook and Loop).

Where the Sources Disagree

Trimming. Oh So Spotless trims matted loops. Hook and Loop says not to trim worn fasteners.

Brushes. Startrite and Oh So Spotless use a toothbrush. Hunker says a file card or pet brush is more effective.

Machine or hand washing. Apartment Therapy and Oh So Spotless machine wash fastened items. Hook and Loop hand washes heavily soiled straps. Startrite says canvas is fine but leather and patent are not.

Heat. Hook and Loop says high dryer heat can warp the hooks. Oh So Spotless adds that hot tumble drying and direct ironing are to be avoided.

Questions About Velcro, Answered

“How do you get lint out of Velcro on shoes?”

Tape or a lint roller for the top layer, then a comb, toothbrush or file card in one direction, then tweezers.

“How do you make Velcro sticky again?”

Remove the trapped debris. Oh So Spotless says it causes most grip loss.

“Can you wash Velcro shoes in the washing machine?”

Startrite says canvas and some trainers generally yes, with the strap fastened. Not leather or patent.

“Can you use a toothbrush?”

Yes, though Hunker finds a file card or pet brush more effective.

“Can you cut the fuzz off Velcro?”

Sources disagree, see above.

“Should you use rubbing alcohol on Velcro?”

Apartment Therapy quotes Nathaly Viera of InspireClean dabbing a little on a cotton swab for gum or paint.

“How long does Velcro last?”

Oh So Spotless says quality fasteners are rated for up to 20,000 cycles. No source gives a lifespan for shoe straps specifically.

“How do you remove sticky residue?”

Velcro UK uses a citrus-based cleaner after a spot test.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Bleach and harsh chemicals. Hook and Loop, Oh So Spotless.
• Fabric softener. Hook and Loop, Oh So Spotless.
• Hot water and hot drying. Oh So Spotless, Hook and Loop.
• Washing unfastened. Every washing source.
• Back and forth scraping. Hunker.
• Scrubbing the loop side hard. Oh So Spotless.
• Putting leather or patent shoes in the machine. Startrite.
• Reusing damp. Hook and Loop, Apartment Therapy.

Velcro Strap Cleaning Helpers

A lint roller, tweezers and a shoe brush cover the tools the sources keep naming. These are listed on Amazon.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you clean Velcro on shoes?

Lift fuzz with tape or a lint roller, comb the hooks in one direction and pick out tangles with tweezers.

Why does Velcro stop sticking?

Oh So Spotless says trapped debris causes most grip loss.

Can you machine wash Velcro shoes?

Startrite says canvas and some trainers generally yes with the strap fastened, not leather or patent.

Should you fasten the strap before washing?

Yes. Hook and Loop, Velcro UK, Startrite and Oh So Spotless all say so.

Can you trim Velcro?

Sources disagree. Oh So Spotless trims loops, Hook and Loop says not to trim worn fasteners.

What should you avoid?

Bleach, fabric softener, hot water and hot drying.

How do you remove adhesive residue?

A citrus-based cleaner after a spot test (Velcro UK).

When should you replace Velcro?

When it will not grip after cleaning (Hook and Loop). A shoe repair shop can sew on new strips (Oh So Spotless).

The Short Version

Get the debris out of the hooks in one direction, fasten before washing, dry fully and replace the strip if grip never returns.

Keep Reading

Sources

• Hook and Loop: How to clean Velcro strips
• Hook and Loop: Washing hook and loop
• Velcro UK: Cleaning hook surfaces
• Startrite: How to clean hook and loop fastenings
• Apartment Therapy: How to clean Velcro
• Hunker: How to make Velcro stick again
• Oh So Spotless: How to clean Velcro