How To Wash Football Cleats: Deep Cleaning & Extend Their Life

Can you wash football cleats in a washing machine? While a machine can speed things up, it’s generally not the best way to clean cleats. Hand washing is usually safer and more effective for cleaning football cleats thoroughly and preserving their material. This guide will walk you through the best methods for boot cleaning and shoe washing, ensuring your athletic footwear maintenance is top-notch.

Dirty cleats can affect your performance and shorten the lifespan of your gear. Whether you’re dealing with muddy cleats after a tough game or just need a general refresh, knowing how to properly clean them is essential. We’ll cover everything from removing dirt from cleats to tackling stubborn stains, ensuring your sports shoe care routine keeps your boots in prime condition. This is your ultimate guide to deep cleaning football boots and even keeping your cleaning soccer cleats in great shape.

Preparing Your Cleats for Cleaning

Before you dive into the actual washing, a little preparation goes a long way. This step is crucial for efficient boot cleaning and preventing unnecessary damage to your footwear.

Removing Excess Dirt and Debris

The first and most important step is to get rid of as much loose dirt as possible before you introduce water.

Beat them together: Hold your cleats by the heel and firmly strike the soles against each other. Do this outdoors to avoid making a mess indoors.
Use a dry brush: A stiff-bristled brush (like a shoe brush or even an old toothbrush) is perfect for this. Work it into the nooks and crannies of the soles, studs, and upper material to dislodge dried mud and grass. Pay special attention to the areas around the studs.
Shake it out: Turn the cleats upside down and give them a good shake. This can help loosen dirt that’s trapped inside.

Removing Laces and Insoles

For a truly thorough clean, you need to tackle every part of your cleats.

Laces: Untie and remove the laces. These can be washed separately. You can hand wash them in warm, soapy water or even toss them in a mesh laundry bag and put them in the washing machine with your regular laundry. Make sure they are completely dry before re-inserting them.
Insoles: If your cleats have removable insoles, take them out. Insoles can accumulate a lot of sweat and odor. Clean them separately. You can often wipe them down with a damp cloth and a mild soap, or soak them in a basin of cool water with a bit of detergent. Always let them air dry completely before putting them back in your cleats.

The Hand Washing Method: The Gentle Approach

Hand washing is widely considered the best way to clean cleats because it allows for targeted cleaning and minimizes the risk of damage to delicate materials. This method is perfect for all types of cleats, including those made of leather or synthetic materials.

Gathering Your Supplies

Having the right tools makes the job much easier. For effective cleaning football cleats by hand, you’ll need:

Two Buckets or Basins: One for soapy water and one for rinsing water.
Mild Soap or Detergent: Dish soap or a gentle laundry detergent works well. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Soft-Bristled Brush: An old toothbrush or a dedicated shoe brush is ideal.
Stiffer Brush: For scrubbing stubborn dirt on the soles and studs.
Clean Cloths or Sponges: For wiping and drying.
Lukewarm Water: Hot water can damage some materials.

Step-by-Step Hand Washing

Follow these steps for a meticulous clean:

Fill Your Buckets: Fill one bucket with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild soap. Fill the second bucket with clean, lukewarm water for rinsing.
Scrub the Uppers: Dip your soft brush into the soapy water. Gently scrub the upper part of your cleats. Work in small sections, applying gentle pressure. For synthetic materials, this is usually straightforward. If you have leather cleats, be extra careful not to scrub too harshly, as this can damage the leather.
Tackle the Soles and Studs: Use the stiffer brush dipped in the soapy water to scrub the soles and studs. This is where most of the tough dirt and mud accumulates. Get into all the grooves and around each stud to ensure thorough removing dirt from cleats.
Wipe Down: Use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe away the soapy residue and loosened dirt from the entire cleat.
Rinse Thoroughly: Dip your clean cloth or sponge into the second bucket of clean water. Wipe down the cleats again to remove any remaining soap. You want to ensure no soap residue is left behind, as this can sometimes attract more dirt or degrade materials over time.
Dry the Cleats: This is a critical step for athletic footwear maintenance. Gently pat down the cleats with a dry cloth.

Drying Your Cleats: The Key to Longevity

Proper drying is as important as the washing itself. Improper drying can lead to lingering moisture, mold, mildew, and a foul smell.

Air Drying is Best

The most recommended method for drying cleats is air drying.

Location: Place your cleats in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Direct sun can fade colors and warp materials, especially leather. Extreme heat from a dryer or radiator can cause materials to crack or become brittle.
Position: Place them upright or on their side to allow air to circulate freely. You can prop them open slightly if possible to speed up the process.
Stuffing: You can stuff them with newspaper or paper towels to absorb excess moisture from the inside. Change the paper periodically if it becomes saturated. This also helps the cleats maintain their shape.
Patience: Allow ample time for them to dry completely. This might take 24-48 hours depending on humidity and the thickness of the materials. Ensure the inside is completely dry before storing or wearing them again.

What to Avoid During Drying

Some common mistakes can harm your cleats during the drying process.

Washing Machine Drying: Never put your cleats in a clothes dryer. The heat and tumbling action can severely damage the materials, adhesives, and shape of the shoes.
Direct Heat: Avoid placing them near heaters, radiators, or in direct sunlight. This can cause them to crack, warp, or shrink.
Wearing Damp: Don’t wear your cleats if they are still even slightly damp. This can lead to discomfort, blisters, and the growth of bacteria.

Dealing with Stubborn Stains and Odors

Sometimes, regular cleaning isn’t enough. Muddy cleats can leave behind tough stains, and sweat can lead to unpleasant odors. Here’s how to handle those tougher issues.

Stain Removal

Grass Stains: For green grass stains, a paste made of baking soda and water can be effective. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for about 30 minutes, and then gently scrub with a soft brush. Rinse and dry as usual. Alternatively, a dab of white vinegar on a cloth can help lift grass stains.
Mud Stains: After the initial dry brushing, if mud stains persist, try a slightly more concentrated soap solution. For very tough dried mud, you might need to re-wet the area and use a bit more elbow grease with your brush.
Dye Transfer: If the dye from socks or other gear has transferred onto your cleats, try a specialized shoe cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water. Test any cleaner on an inconspicuous spot first.

Odor Control

The enclosed environment of cleats, combined with sweat and dirt, is a recipe for odor.

Baking Soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside your dry cleats overnight. Baking soda is excellent at absorbing odors. The next day, shake out the excess. Repeat as needed.
Vinegar Spray: A diluted white vinegar solution (50/50 vinegar and water) can be lightly misted inside the cleats. Vinegar helps kill odor-causing bacteria. Ensure the cleats are well-ventilated afterwards to allow the vinegar smell to dissipate.
Sunlight: On a sunny day, place your dry cleats outside in the sun for a few hours. Sunlight can help kill bacteria and deodorize them naturally.
Specialized Shoe Deodorizers: You can also purchase commercial shoe deodorizing sprays or inserts.

Cleaning Different Cleat Materials

The material of your cleats can influence the best cleaning approach. While the general principles remain the same, some materials require a bit more care.

Synthetic Materials

Characteristics: Most modern cleats are made from synthetic leather, mesh, or plastics. These materials are generally durable and easier to clean.
Cleaning Method: The hand-washing method described above is usually perfectly suitable. You can be a bit more vigorous with scrubbing on synthetic materials compared to natural leather.
Drying: Air drying is still essential.

Leather Cleats

Characteristics: Leather cleats offer flexibility and comfort but require more delicate care.
Cleaning Method: Use a soft brush and a very mild soap solution. Avoid soaking leather cleats for too long. After washing, you might want to condition the leather with a leather conditioner to prevent it from drying out and cracking.
Drying: Air dry away from heat. Do not use heat to speed up the drying process, as this can stiffen and damage the leather.

Mesh and Fabric Cleats

Characteristics: These cleats are lightweight and breathable but can be prone to stains and odors if not cleaned properly.
Cleaning Method: Gentle scrubbing with a soft brush and mild soap is best. Be careful not to snag or tear the mesh.
Drying: Air drying is crucial. Ensure they are thoroughly dry, as trapped moisture in the fabric can lead to mold.

Maintaining Your Cleats for Extended Life

Proper cleaning is a cornerstone of sports shoe care, but other practices can further extend the life of your football cleats.

Regular Cleaning After Every Use

Spot Cleaning: Even if they aren’t caked in mud, wipe down your cleats after each game or practice. Remove loose dirt, grass, and debris with a brush. This prevents dirt from becoming deeply embedded and makes future deep cleans easier.
Drying: Always air dry your cleats after use, even if they are only slightly damp from dew or sweat.

Proper Storage

Ventilation: Store your cleats in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Avoid plastic bags or sealed containers, which can trap moisture and promote odor and mold growth.
Away from Heat: Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Organization: Consider using a cleat bag or a dedicated shoe rack to keep them protected and organized.

Inspecting for Wear and Tear

Studs: Regularly check your studs for wear and tear. Replace any that are significantly worn down, as this can affect your traction and performance.
Seams and Adhesives: Look for any signs of stitching coming undone or glue failing, especially around the sole and upper. Address minor issues promptly to prevent them from worsening.

Can you use a washing machine for cleats?

While not recommended for the best outcome, a washing machine can be used cautiously for synthetic cleats. If you choose this route, use a delicate cycle with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Place the cleats in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to prevent them from banging around and damaging the machine or the cleats themselves. Always air dry afterwards; never put them in a dryer. This method is riskier and may not clean as effectively as hand washing, especially for intricate areas like studs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Football Cleats

Here are some common questions people have about cleaning football cleats:

Q1: How often should I clean my football cleats?
A1: It’s best to do a quick spot clean or brush-off after every use. A thorough hand wash should be done every few weeks of heavy use or whenever they become significantly dirty or smelly.
Q2: Can I use bleach to clean my cleats?
A2: It’s generally not advisable to use bleach. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage the materials of your cleats, especially synthetic leathers and adhesives, and can cause discoloration. Stick to mild soaps.
Q3: How do I get rid of the smell in my cleats?
A3: Baking soda is a fantastic natural deodorizer. Sprinkle it inside your dry cleats overnight and shake it out the next day. A diluted vinegar spray can also help kill odor-causing bacteria. Ensure good ventilation when drying.
Q4: My cleats are made of leather, is the cleaning process different?
A4: Yes, leather cleats require a gentler approach. Use a soft brush and minimal soap. Avoid soaking them and always air dry them away from heat. Consider using a leather conditioner after cleaning to keep the material supple.
Q5: How long does it take for cleats to dry?
A5: Properly air drying can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. Ensure they are completely dry before storing or wearing them again to prevent odor and mold issues.

By following these comprehensive steps for cleaning football cleats, you’ll not only keep your gear looking its best but also significantly extend their lifespan. Proper sports shoe care ensures you’re always ready for the field, with footwear that performs as well as it looks. Happy cleaning!