Caring for shoe jewelry – cleaning, storage and material protection

At a glance: Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth. Water: Splashes are okay; remove in heavy rain. Always remove before washing shoes. Storage: Keep dry in a cloth bag or box. Pearls and crystals are more delicate than metal.

Shoelace charms are made from various materials depending on the model – most commonly stainless steel, zinc alloys, faux pearls, and glass or crystal stones. Caring for them is straightforward if you keep a few things in mind. This article will show you how to properly clean your shoe jewelry , store it safely, and keep it looking beautiful for a long time.

Cleaning: How to clean your charms again

Basic cleaning: A soft, dry cloth is usually sufficient to remove dust and light dirt. Microfiber cloths are particularly suitable as they do not leave scratches.

For heavier soiling: Lightly dampen the cloth – with water only, no cleaning agent. Gently wipe the charm and then dry it immediately. Moisture that penetrates crevices or closures can lead to discoloration over time.

What you should avoid: Aggressive cleaning agents, alcohol, abrasives, and ultrasonic cleaners can damage the surface. Gold-plated or coated charms are particularly sensitive – never use chemicals on them.

Care according to material

Not every material requires the same treatment. Here are the most important differences:

Stainless steel: The easiest material to care for. Stainless steel doesn't rust, doesn't discolor, and easily withstands occasional contact with water. Simply wipe it clean, and you're done. Stainless steel charms are therefore particularly well-suited for everyday use and for children's shoes .

Zinc alloy (often gold-plated or silver-plated): Robust for everyday use, but more delicate than stainless steel. The coating can wear off over time with frequent contact with water or perspiration. Store in a dry place and minimize direct skin contact on the underside.

Crystals and glass stones: They look great, but are more delicate. Avoid impacts against hard surfaces and prolonged contact with water. Crystals are best polished with a dry microfiber cloth.

Artificial pearls: Easy to clean, but sensitive to chemicals. Keep perfume and hairspray away – these substances can damage the surface.

Water, rain and washing machine

Most charms can easily withstand splashes and light rain. In heavy rain, or if you know your shoes will get really wet, you should remove the charms beforehand. Removing them only takes seconds – we explain how to put them back on under "Attaching shoe charms" .

Washing machine: Before putting your sneakers in the washing machine, be sure to remove the charms! The combination of water, detergent, and mechanical stress can damage coatings and loosen crystals. If necessary, hand wash the charms separately.

Sweat: In summer temperatures or during sports, sweat can damage the surface of coated charms. If you notice that your charms are damp after exercising, simply wipe them briefly and let them dry.

Storage: How to keep your charms protected

When you're not wearing your shoelace charms, store them properly:

Dry location: Moisture is the biggest enemy of metal charms. A dry place (not a bathroom!) is ideal.

Fabric bag or box: A small fabric bag or jewelry box prevents scratches and keeps everything dust-free. Avoid plastic bags – moisture can build up in them.

Store them individually: If you have several charms, prevent them from rubbing against each other. Crystal charms, in particular, can easily get scratched. Small fans or Ziploc bags help.

Not in direct sunlight: Prolonged UV radiation can cause colors to fade and coatings to damage.

How long do shoelace charms last?

High-quality shoelace charms easily last for several years with normal use. Their lifespan depends primarily on the material and how well they are cared for.

Stainless steel charms: Virtually indestructible. Stainless steel does not rust and does not lose its shine.

Gold-plated/silver-plated charms: With proper care, they will last 1–3 years before the plating visibly wears off. Dry storage and careful handling will extend their lifespan.

Crystal charms: The crystals themselves last forever, but the setting can loosen over time. Check regularly to make sure everything is secure.

When buying shoe jewelry, pay attention to good workmanship and durable materials – this is the best investment in longevity. You can find out more in our article on sustainability in shoe jewelry .

The most important care tips

situation	What to do?
Dust / light soiling	Dry microfiber cloth
Heavier dirt	Slightly damp cloth, dry immediately
Rain	Splash water is okay, remove in heavy rain
Wash shoes	Always remove charms beforehand.
Do not wear	Store in a dry place in a cloth bag or box.
dull crystals	Polish with a dry microfiber cloth.

Homemade charms made from polymer clay or resin require special attention – they are often less robust than metal charms. You can find crafting tips and suitable materials under "Make Your Own Shoe Jewelry" .

Frequently asked questions about care

Can I clean shoelace charms with water?

Yes, with a slightly damp cloth. Avoid prolonged soaking and harsh cleaning agents. Dry immediately after cleaning.

Do I need to remove charms before washing my shoes?

Yes, absolutely. The combination of water, detergent, and mechanical stress in the washing machine can damage coatings and crystals.

What is the best way to store charms?

Store dry in a cloth bag or small box. Do not store in the bathroom (too humid) or in plastic bags (heat buildup). Store crystal charms individually to prevent scratches.

Do shoelace charms discolor over time?

Stainless steel charms do not tarnish. Gold-plated or silver-plated charms may tarnish after 1–3 years with frequent contact with water or perspiration. Dry storage extends their lifespan.

Are stainless steel charms better than gold-plated ones?

Stainless steel is easier to care for and more durable. Gold-plated charms, on the other hand, offer a warmer look. For everyday wear and children's shoes, we recommend stainless steel; for special occasions, gold plating might be the more elegant choice.