How to Wash and Dry Soccer Cleats in 5 Easy Steps

Wash Your Soccer Cleats in 5 Easy Steps

Soccer cleats are essential for practice and match games. You need the right shoe for the right purpose — and one that you can afford. To make sure they last a long time, you need to take good care of them.

Whether you’re looking for youth or adult soccer cleats, in this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple five-step process to expertly wash and dry your cleats.

We'll even give you tips on how to freshen up smelly cleats, keep white soccer boots white, and maintain leather ones in top shape.

Let’s jump into it.

1. Remove Excess Dirt, Grass, and Mud
Begin the cleaning process as soon as practice or a match ends. Start by getting rid of any excess dirt, grass, or mud.

Give your soccer cleats a gentle knock together, sole on sole. Then, grab a stick or toothbrush to help you remove the dirt and mud stuck to them.

This initial step will make the following cleaning steps much easier.

2. Scrub with a Mild Laundry Detergent and Water

Head over to the sink and prepare a mixture of mild laundry detergent and water.

Grab a washcloth and begin scrubbing away, giving extra attention to stubborn stains.

3. Rinse with Warm Water

Next up, give your soccer cleats a thorough rinse.

Take the washcloth and immerse it in warm water, then use it to carefully wash away all the soap and suds from the cleats.

Ensure that every last bit of soap is thoroughly removed.

4. Wash the Insoles and Shoelaces in the Washing Machine

Once you arrive home, it’s time to look after your shoelaces and insoles.
Start by removing them from your soccer cleats. Then, place them inside a pillowcase so that they’re protected.

Put the pillowcase containing the laces and insoles in your washing machine. Opt for a cold and delicate cycle. Remember to add mild laundry detergent to ensure a thorough and gentle cleaning.

5. Air Dry Your Soccer Cleats

And last but not least, let your soccer cleats air dry.
Pick a spot indoors where they can dry naturally. Remember, they need to be fully dry before you store them.

Avoid using a hair dryer or drying machine or exposing them to direct sunlight to prevent damage.

Allowing your cleats to air dry will help maintain their quality and extend their lifespan.

FAQs About How to Wash Your Soccer Cleats

To finish off, we’ll address the most frequently asked questions about washing different types of soccer cleats.

How Do I Wash White Soccer Cleats?

To keep white soccer cleats looking new, you need to clean them regularly. This is the only way to prevent dirt and stains from setting in and becoming more difficult to remove.

To restore your white cleats’ brightness, create a solution of bleach and water — make sure you follow the instructions on the bleach bottle for proper dilution.

Then, dip a soft brush into the bleach solution and gently scrub your cleats, paying extra attention to any stubborn stains.

Once they’re clean, rinse them off with water to remove any traces of bleach.
Avoid drying them in direct sunlight. Instead, let them air dry in a cool, shaded area.

How Do I Wash Leather Soccer Cleats?

Washing leather soccer cleats requires a slightly different approach:

Use a dry cloth: To remove any loose dirt or grass without compromising the leather, gently wipe them with a dry cloth.
Apply leather cream: After wiping off any dirt, apply a small amount of leather cream to a clean cloth and gently rub it on the leather surface. This will help condition the leather and keep it supple, preventing cracks or drying out.

How Do You Clean Smelly Soccer Cleats? Are There Any Tips?

Here are some tips to help you freshen up smelly soccer cleats:

Place them in a sealable plastic bag and leave them overnight in the freezer. The cold temperature helps kill odor-causing bacteria, reducing the unpleasant smell.
Leave a couple of dry teabags inside your cleats after each use. Tea can naturally absorb odors.
Sprinkle baking soda inside your cleats and leave it overnight to absorb unwanted smells. In the morning, shake out the baking soda.
Use a specialized shoe freshener or deodorant.

How Do I Take Care and Protect My Soccer Cleats from Damage?

To take care and protect your soccer cleats from damage, avoid wearing them off-pitch. Hard surfaces easily damage the studs.

Consider getting a pair of sliders to ensure the longevity of your soccer cleats.
In addition, following the step-by-step washing process we gave you above is crucial to keep your cleats as good as new.