Best Way to Clean Velcro and Remove Stubborn Lint
Frustrated by lint-covered Velcro that no longer fastens properly? Learn how to quickly restore the grip on your child's shoe straps.
Published May 18, 2025.
If you're a parent of a little one who wears Velcro shoes, you've likely encountered the frustration of fasteners that no longer stick properly. Those convenient straps that make it easy for your child to put on their own shoes can quickly become clogged with lint, threads, and playground debris.
At First Walkers, we know how important it is to keep your child's shoes functioning perfectly, which is why we've created this comprehensive guide to cleaning Velcro on children's footwear and restoring that satisfying "rip" sound we all love.
» Old shoes need replacing? Have a look at our Prewalkers Collection
Why Velcro Collects Lint and Debris
Velcro is a brilliant fastening system composed of two complementary strips—one covered in tiny hooks and the other in small loops. When pressed together, these hooks and loops interlock, creating a secure fastening that's easy for little hands to open and close.
This makes Velcro the perfect choice for children's shoes, giving them independence as they learn to dress themselves.
However, this same hook-and-loop design is precisely why Velcro is prone to collecting lint, hair, and playground debris. Those tiny hooks are experts at grabbing onto more than just their intended loops—they'll happily latch onto fluff from socks, carpet fibres, grass, and even pet hair.
As your child romps through their daily adventures, these particles become trapped in the hooks, gradually causing the Velcro to lose its grip and making it even more likely to collect additional unwanted material.
How Different Velcro Materials on Children's Shoes Affect Cleaning
Nylon Velcro
Many children's shoes feature nylon Velcro, which offers impressive strength and stickiness along with excellent flexibility, perfect for active little feet that need secure fastening. While these are fantastic qualities for keeping shoes on wriggly toddlers, they don't prevent buildup from occurring.
To clean nylon Velcro on your child's shoes effectively, a stiff bristle brush works best, followed by gentle hand washing if necessary.
It's worth noting that frequent washing can lead to premature deterioration, so this type of Velcro is often found on shoes designed primarily for indoor use, like nursery slippers or indoor trainers.
» Discover the best easy-on, easy-off, Velcro shoes for kids
Polyester Velcro
For children's outdoor shoes and trainers that face puddles, playground sand, and grass, polyester Velcro is often the material of choice. More resilient to moisture, UV exposure, dirt, and the general chaos that comes with children's outdoor play, polyester Velcro can typically handle more rigorous cleaning.
This material offers excellent durability for those muddy park visits and splashy puddle jumps. The trade-off is that polyester hooks and loops tend to be less flexible than nylon, so they can lose their stickiness over time, resulting in your little one's shoes coming undone more often during play.
» Parents also asked: Are Velcro shoes good for kids with disabilities?
How Often Should You Clean Velcro on Children's Shoes?
For children's shoes with Velcro straps, cleaning once or twice a month is recommended as a minimum. However, any parent knows that kids have an extraordinary talent for finding the messiest puddles and the sandiest playgrounds!
If your child's Velcro straps are visibly collecting debris or starting to lose their grip, it's time for a clean regardless of your regular schedule.
For toddlers who attend nursery or playgroups, you might want to check their Velcro fasteners weekly, as craft materials like glitter, play dough, and tiny bits of paper are particularly adept at working their way into Velcro hooks.
School-aged children's shoes may need attention after forest school sessions or sports days when they've been exposed to more outdoor elements.
Remember that maintaining clean Velcro isn't just about aesthetics—it ensures your child's shoes stay securely fastened, preventing trips and falls as they explore the world around them.
» Find the best pair of Velcro shoes for your busy boy
The Most Effective Method to Clean Velcro on Children's Shoes
The most effective way to clean Velcro on your child's shoes and restore its original fastening strength is manual cleaning with a hard-bristle brush or fine-tooth comb, followed by gentle hand washing if necessary.
This method is superior because it removes debris without damaging the hooks and loops that keep your little one's shoes secure.
Here's a step-by-step guide to the ultimate Velcro cleaning method for children's shoes:
- Examine the Velcro carefully to identify what kind of debris is stuck in the hooks and loops. This will help you choose the right tool for removal.
- Lay the Velcro flat on a surface and use gentle strokes with a fine-toothed comb or toothbrush to remove superficial dirt.
- For stubborn particles that remain stuck, use tweezers to pluck them out one by one. This preserves the integrity of the hooks and loops.
- After removing the larger particles, use the toothbrush again to sweep away any remaining debris.
- If the Velcro hasn't been cleaned in a long time or still appears dirty, wash it gently by hand using a mild soap solution.
- Allow the Velcro to dry completely—either naturally or with an air dryer on a cool setting—before using it again.
Prewalkers Collection
Discover our range of gentle prewalker shoes, perfect for nurturing your baby's developing feet.
Alternative Velcro Cleaning Methods for Children's Shoes
Lint Roller Method
A lint roller provides a quick and convenient solution for removing superficial dirt from Velcro, especially when you're in a hurry to get out the door. This method works well for indoor shoes that have collected fluff and hair but aren't heavily soiled.
To use this method, keep the shoe flat on a surface and roll the lint roller over the Velcro straps several times. The sticky surface captures loose debris with minimal effort.
This can be a great approach to teach older children how to maintain their own shoes, as it's simple and safe for them to do with supervision.
» Learn how to clean different types of kids shoes
Duct Tape Method
This approach is perfect for quickly freshening up Velcro on everyday school shoes or when you notice the fasteners starting to lose their grip.
To use duct tape for cleaning, cut a piece of tape, press it firmly onto the Velcro, and then pull it away quickly. The adhesive picks up loose dirt and lint from the surface.
This method is handy when you're away from home, perhaps on holiday or at a grandparent's house, and don't have access to your usual cleaning tools.
Needle Method
When precision is required for removing stubborn bits of thread, craft materials, or even chewing gum from smaller Velcro strips on infant shoes, a needle offers a targeted solution. A needle allows you to carefully extract individual pieces of debris that have become tightly wedged between the hooks and loops.
While effective for thorough cleaning, the needle method is time-consuming and requires good lighting and steady hands.
It's best reserved for particularly problematic spots rather than cleaning entire Velcro strips, perhaps when your little one has been exploring the craft table or playing with sticky materials.
» Got this method down? Learn how to clean your baby's white shoes next.
Soap Wash Method
For children's shoes that have been through serious adventures—muddy forest walks, beach trips, or particularly vigorous puddle jumping—a soap wash provides a more thorough cleaning.
This method works well for outdoor shoes that regularly encounter the messier elements of childhood exploration.
To clean with soap, dip just the Velcro straps in warm soapy water and gently scrub with a brush or comb.
Be careful not to saturate the entire shoe unless it's specifically designed to be fully washable. While this provides a deeper clean than dry methods, it requires sufficient drying time before your child can wear the shoes again, so it's best done in the evening or when you have backup footwear available.
» Got leather shoes with Velcro? Find out how to care for them like a pro
Proactive Strategies to Protect Velcro on Children's Shoes
For Everyday Use
Always fasten the Velcro straps when your child removes their shoes. This simple habit significantly reduces the Velcro's exposure to dirt and debris while also protecting its adhesion properties for long-term use.
You can make this a fun part of your child's routine—"Let's make sure your shoes are having a nap too by closing their eyes!"
Encourage your child to avoid sitting or kneeling directly on their Velcro straps when playing on the floor. Materials like carpet fibres, tiny toy parts, and craft supplies are particularly prone to sticking to Velcro hooks.
For Storage
Store your child's Velcro shoes in a dedicated shoe rack or box rather than tossed in a basket with other items. This prevents the Velcro from being exposed to dust and debris that could compromise its effectiveness. For younger children, you might label their shoe storage with a picture to encourage them to put their shoes away properly.
When packing shoes for holidays or storing seasonal footwear, fasten the Velcro straps together and then wrap them in tissue paper before placing them in a dust-free bag. This prevents the straps from accidentally sticking to clothes or other items and collecting unwanted fibres.
» Here are the best practises for storing off-season shoes
For Laundering
If your child's canvas or machine-washable shoes have Velcro fasteners, always close the straps completely before washing. This protects both the Velcro and your other laundry items from damage.
When drying shoes with Velcro, avoid using a heated dryer as high temperatures can damage the hooks and loops. Instead, stuff the shoes with newspaper to maintain their shape and allow them to air dry naturally away from direct heat sources.
Always ensure the Velcro is completely dry before your child wears the shoes again to maintain proper grip strength.
» Discover if you can wash your child's shoes in the washing machine
DIY Repair Techniques When Cleaning Isn't Enough
Patch Replacement
When cleaning no longer restores your child's Velcro shoe straps to their former glory, consider replacing the damaged section with a new patch. You can purchase replacement Velcro strips from craft shops and attach them with strong fabric glue designed for shoes.
» Shoes too far gone? Check out our prewalker collection for a new pair
Fluffing Technique
Over time, the loop side of Velcro can become flattened from constant use, reducing its ability to grip the hook side effectively. You can rejuvenate flattened loops using a needle to carefully pick up and realign each one, enhancing the gripping power between the two sides.
» Here are more ways to fix Velcro that isn't sticking
Proactive Care for Active Little Feet
Taking care of your little one's Velcro shoes is surprisingly simple! A quick wipe with mild soap is all you need—avoid lengthy soaking that might damage those important fasteners.
This straightforward maintenance ensures their shoes stay securely fastened, giving you peace of mind while they develop the confidence to put on their own footwear.
With these gentle cleaning habits, your child's First Walkers will stay secure and functional throughout their early years. It's a simple commitment that makes a big difference, keeping those precious feet safely supported from wobbly first steps to playground adventures, all with minimal effort from you!
Prewalkers Collection
Disclaimer: First Walkers' information is intended for educational and informational purposes related to toddler footwear and feet. We encourage you to consider individual circumstances and consult qualified orthopaedists about specific conditions.
