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If you’re looking for a detailed guide on how to clean your soccer cleats, look no further than this article. We will have you cleaning soccer cleats effectively in no time at all.
However, before you do anything, you should remove chunks of grass, mud, and dirt between the studs. Then, take off the laces and soles (if they come out), and proceed with the cleaning.
If you decide to wash your soccer cleats by hand, scrub them inside and out with a cloth dipped in warm water and some soap. Once they’re completely dry, put the laces and soles back on.
With regular cleaning and maintenance, you will keep your brand new soccer cleats looking like new, so let’s dive deeper and learn more tips and hacks on how to clean soccer cleats.
Can Soccer Cleats Be Washed?
You can clean soccer cleats in the washing machine. However, I would strongly advise against it because the washing machine may damage your beloved soccer cleats.
Therefore, avoid both the washing machine and dryer when cleaning your soccer cleats. Also, don’t use hair dryers, direct sunlight, or put them next to a vent/radiator to dry.
You can dry soccer cleats indoors at room temperature. Furthermore, never store your soccer cleats wet because moisture causes unpleasant odors.
How To Clean Soccer Cleats?
Cleaning soccer cleats isn’t hard. On the contrary to clean soccer cleats is a breeze if you follow my step-by-step guide. Proper care will extend the life of your soccer cleats, so take notes.
Step 1: Tackle the soles
First and foremost, you should develop a habit of keeping your shoe studs clean. You can do that with a tool suitable for dirt removals like a popsicle, putty knife, or a multitool with a screwdriver or something similar that’s just as sharp. Keep the tool in your soccer bag at all times.
1.1 Remove the excess dirt
After wearing your soccer cleats, take them off. Then, hit them against each other, sole facing sole for a few times. This will remove as much excess mud, dirt, and grass, as possible before you clean your cleats.
1.2 Dry clean the dirt from the soles
Utilize a cleat-specific cleaning tool or soft-bristled brush to scrub the bottoms of the soccer cleats. This will detach any clumps of built-up dirt, mud, and grass between the spines and on the sole.
Switch brushes and utilize a toothbrush when cleaning the side of the soles that isn’t far from the upper of the shoes. I recommend utilizing a toothbrush because it’s still loaded with abrasive bristles, however, it’s a lot easier to handle and control, so you can easily focus on the places you’re scrubbing.
I would strongly advise against utilizing a stick to remove dirt, mud, and grass from the soles. Otherwise, you will probably damage your shoes and scratch the soles, and still not get the best results.
1.3 Make a cleaning solution
Mix a bit of warm water and some type of cleaning solution like laundry detergent or hand soap. They both work exceptionally well for cleaning soccer cleats. Add 1 tablespoon of laundry detergent in a container with 2 cups of warm water.
Then, stir the warm water and laundry detergent an old toothbrush. Also, don’t add too much soap, especially if you’re planning on cleaning leather soccer cleats. A small amount of dish soap or hand soap will do the job just fine.
1.4 Clean the soles with the solution
Dip your soft-bristled brush in your cleaning soapy solution. Then, dry clean your soles. Scrub them and when the brush becomes filled with grass, dirt, and mud, run it under a stream of water, dip it into your cleaning soapy solution again, and keep cleaning.
Again, you can utilize a small toothbrush to wet clean the cleats when you reach the upper sides of your shoe, near the top part of the shoe. The toothbrush will enable you to keep on cleaning the sides of your soles with the accuracy of a smaller scrub brush.
1.5 Wipe the soles clean and air dry
Lastly, dip a paper towel or any other towel into the cleaning solution and wipe the soles of your shoes to take off any leftovers of grass, mud, and dirt. Then leave your cleats to air dry.
Step 2: Take care of the upper part
First of all, remove and wash the laces. Dip the laces in the soapy solution or wash them in your washing machine together with your laundry. If you try a manual wash, let them sit for approximately 10 minutes in the cleaning solution. Then, utilize your toothbrush to scrub them.
The toothbrush will remove any mud build-up. After cleaning the laces, run them underwater. Then, lay them out on a flat surface such as a towel to dry. You can also lay them out in sunlight. However, bear in mind that direct sunlight could possibly fade the coloring of your laces.
2.1 Clean the tops of the shoes with a small toothbrush
Dip your toothbrush or soft-bristled scrub brush in the cleaning solution. Then, scrub the top portion of your shoes. Start cleaning in the center of the shoes and work your way down to the sides of the shoes. This will enable the watery mud to fall to the sides of the shoes.
Clean the tongue of the shoes as well. Without the laces, you can clean all spots of the tongue properly. You can even put one hand into the shoe and clean the sides with your other hand. If you don’t want to utilize a toothbrush, a cleaning eraser sponge will also do the job.
2.2 Clean the tops of the shoes with a cleaning eraser sponge
Dip a cleaning eraser sponge into the cleaning solution. Squeeze it until most of the liquid is gone. Grab your shoe and utilize the eraser to clean the top part of your shoe. Don’t forget to clean the tongue with the laces taken out. Voila! You’re almost done!
2.3 Dry off the soccer cleats and put the laces back on!
Utilize a clean, dry rag or paper towel to dry off your soccer cleats and gather any remaining dirty water. Dry all parts of the shoes including the soles, sides, and tongue.
Stuff the inside of your shoes with some newspaper to take in any excess water. Once they’re dry, add them loosely, put your shoes on, and make lacing adjustments.
How Do You Clean Smelly Soccer Cleats?
Sweating isn’t something you can prevent when playing soccer. However, you can prevent smelly soccer cleats by applying some of the following solutions. With good care, your soccer cleats will last longer and smell better, so try some of these deodorizing hacks immediately.
- Put some bleach on a paper towel. Then, put the paper towel inside your soccer cleats.
- Sprinkle Epsom salt or baking soda inside a coffee filter. Then, place the coffee filter inside your soccer cleats.
- Utilize shoe deodorizer to remove the smelly odor.
- Put one or more dry tea bags inside your shoes. They will soak up any moisture and
- Put a dryer sheet for each soccer cleat after every game or practice.
- Utilize a cotton ball soaked with some rubbing alcohol. Then, wipe the inside of your shoes with it.
If you don’t have the time for a deep clean, the following method will definitely remove the smelly odor from your shoes.
- Soak your shoes with hot water and some mild detergent for about 10 minutes. If they’re made of leather, just mildly wash them in water utilizing a soaked cloth.
- After soaking for about 10 minutes, scrub off the dirt in your shoes.
- Rinse your shoes utilizing warm water.
- Dry off your shoes with a clean towel or cloth.
- Put your shoes in a dry and cool spot to completely dry off. Then, remove the insoles from your shoes and let them hang out to dry. You can put the insoles in direct sunlight to dry quicker.
- When they’re fully dry, put them in a bag. Then, put the bag inside a freezer overnight.
- For extra precautions, you can put some baking soda inside a coffee filter. Apply the coffee filter for a few hours after removing your shoes from the freezer.
Extra Tips & Hacks
Always wash and dry your feet after each game or practice. Wash every single part of your feet to prevent the bacteria from spreading and growing.
Make sure they’re completely dry before putting on some socks or your soccer cleats. Another excellent tip is to have more than just one pair of soccer cleats.
That way, you can leave the pair you wore for the day to dry out fully. Wearing the same pair seven days in a row isn’t a smart thing because the damp moisture environment will encourage bacteria to develop. Last but not least, I would recommend that you utilize foot powder if you have sweaty feet.
Final Tips on Cleaning Soccer Cleats
Soccer cleats aren’t hard to clean and maintain.
They often get covered in mud, dirt, and grass because of the nature of the game. However, regular care can extend the life of your soccer cleats.
Although cleaning your soccer cleats might sound like a scary task, it’s actually the opposite. Some warm water, a cleaning solution, and a bit of elbow grease can make your dirty soccer cleats look brand new in record time.
Do you have some cleaning tips up your sleeve? If so, drop a comment below!
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