How to Clean Soccer Cleats
Clean excess dirt off the soles of your cleats using either a special brush for that purpose or even just an ordinary toothbrush.
At least once every game, use an odor-removing stix as an inexpensive and eco-friendly alternative to bleach.
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Wet Clean
If your shoes become muddy or wet from playing, soaking them in water and using a sponge are both effective ways of cleaning them quickly and easily. Avoid placing them in the washing machine as that can damage them; rather allow them to air dry overnight instead.
Remove the insoles and laces from your soccer cleats, placing them on a towel to prevent wetting inside of shoes. Soak the cleats in warm water mixed with some soap before brushing off dirt that has collected over time with a stiff bristled brush.
Once your cleats have been washed and dried off with soapy water, leave them to air dry on a towel overnight. Be wary of placing them near direct sunlight or other sources of heat as this can damage materials and cause the cleats to warp over time.
Once your cleats are dry, they’re ready for reuse. To prevent them from smelling bad again, an old toothbrush can help remove dirt while adding some dry tea bags may absorb and mask any unpleasant odors.
Last, spray a mixture of vinegar and water onto the cleats using either a spray bottle or mixing ingredients in a bowl. Spray this solution onto each of the cleats, and allow it to dry overnight before placing them back into storage.
If you’re worried about damaging your cleats, a mild detergent might be more suitable as part of the cleaning solution than soap – though too much detergent could potentially corrode their surfaces and ruin the finish of the cleats. Just be sure not to overdo it as too much can damage them further!
If you own real leather soccer cleats, warm water can help stretch them out after they have been washed to extend their lifespan and prolong their use. Cleaning them regularly ensures their excellent condition provides adequate traction and helps avoid injuries that could otherwise have been avoided by maintaining clean cleats.
Dry Clean
If your cleats are too dirty to clean by hand or you prefer not to put them through the machine, another alternative is drying them in direct sunlight. Just be wary as heat from direct sunlight may damage their materials and hasten their demise prematurely.
Before beginning dry cleaning your cleats, begin by removing any larger lumps of dirt from them using either your hands or a sturdy tool such as a toothbrush. After doing so, dip your brush in soapy cleaning solution and scrub away. Remember to get into all nooks and crannies of the studs if possible – sponge cleaning might even work better!
Once you’ve cleaned the tops and laces of your cleats, it is time to move onto their soles and laces. Be sure to use a soft brush that won’t damage the material of your shoes before dipping it in soapy water and beginning scrubbing in circular motions until all tight areas have been thoroughly scrubbed off. When completed, take out both sponge and brush from their respective buckets and leave them to air-dry.
Once your cleats are clean, they should be dried either in direct sunlight or by stuffing them with newspaper and leaving them out overnight. When dry, store your cleats in a bag or box so they won’t smell; be sure that their storage location is dark; light can degrade material over time, while moisture can lead to mold growth that will ruin them over time. Keeping them somewhere dry ensures they will last longer and stay in great condition – if storing in an open space stuffed with paper will help prevent them from smelling!
Damp Clean
As with anything, proper maintenance of soccer cleats can prolong their lifespan significantly. To do so, this involves cleaning them after each use – particularly after becoming muddy – in order to eliminate odors and avoid the buildup of mold that could compromise shoe materials and cause irreparable harm. Using damp cloth or paper towels to absorb any extra water is ideal; leaving them alone to dry properly without using dryers may damage materials and reduce comfort for wearers.
Cleaning cleats requires first removing larger lumps of dirt and mud, followed by rinsing in cool to warm water with mild detergent (dish or hand soap is usually appropriate) for optimal results. If some stubborn dirt remains after this step has been completed, a toothbrush can be used to help scrub away. Afterward, they should be rinsed again in warm water before air drying them completely.
Use a clean cloth to apply cleaning solution to the exterior of the shoe, working from its upper down towards its sole plate. If your cleats become wetter than usual, stuffing them with newspaper can help dry them faster – just beware not overstuffing as this could cause them to lose shape or come apart altogether!
If your cleats haven’t dried completely yet, speeding up their drying can be achieved by placing them on a drying rack or using a low heat setting hairdryer to accelerate this process. Be wary when using an overheated setting on leather cleats – too much heat may cause cracking or misshapening!
Apart from keeping them clean and disinfected, cleats should also be rotated frequently between pairs to reduce wear on any single pair and extend its life while looking and feeling great. By having at least one pair ready at all times ready to play in order to save costs and hassle of buying new pairs every few weeks.
Dried Clean
As with any piece of clothing or footwear, cleaning your cleats regularly will keep them looking their best and functioning more smoothly for longer, while reducing odor and mold growth risks.
Making time to clean your cleats properly can save money and effort on costly deodorizing products that could damage leather shoes. Instead, follow these simple steps to clean and eliminate odor from your cleats!
Start by taking steps to gain easy access to your soccer cleats for cleaning without fear of damaging them or the insole (if applicable). Remove laces as well, which will provide greater access for thorough cleaning without risking damaging the shoe itself.
Combine cool water with a small amount of soap, and use a soft-bristled brush to use soft bristle bristles on a soft bristle brush to scrub the tops of your soccer cleats with cool water and soap. Start by scrubbing the center area before moving on to sides, tongue, and undercarriages where dirt and sweat tends to collect. Make sure that every area of your cleats are thoroughly scrubbed – including beneath them where sweat often collects!
Once your cleats have been scrubbed clean, use a damp cloth to wipe them down with clean water to rinse away any remaining soap residue and lay them out to dry on a towel – this will absorb excess moisture, helping prevent mold and mildew growth on them.
If you’re in a pinch, washing machine washing of soccer cleats is another viable solution, provided they aren’t exposed to direct heat from a dryer. Just remember to separate out insole and laces prior to adding them in the cycle so they can be properly washed separately.
Once your cleats are dry, you can lace and wear them again. To maintain good condition for longer, be sure to clean and air dry them after every game; this will prevent mud and dirt build-up as well as reduce risk of fungus or bacteria growth. Keeping multiple pairs on hand so you can switch out regularly will extend their life; just be sure you store them somewhere well-ventilated so they have time to dry completely before wearing again!