How to clean soccer cleats: by hand, not in the washing machine or dryer, and leather cleats certainly not. Brush off the mud first, clean the cleat with a damp cloth and lukewarm water and let it dry at room temperature. You fight odor by letting the cleats dry well and airing them out. See also our guide on smelly soccer cleats.
Below you will find what to do per step and what to leave alone. Always follow the care advice of the maker of your cleat. It is on the box or on the brand’s site and can differ per material.
Can you wash soccer cleats in the washing machine?
It is better not to. A washing machine can loosen the material, attack glue and seams and warp the shape of the cleat. That is strongest with leather, which can dry out and fade with too much water and heat.
Manufacturers usually advise against the washing machine for soccer cleats, but there is no shared rule. So check the label or the brand’s site. If you want to be safe rather than sorry, clean by hand.
Can soccer cleats go in the dryer?
No, leather certainly not. Heat can make leather shrink and crack, and it can make glue let go. That goes for synthetic cleats and knit too. Do not use a dryer.
How to clean soccer cleats by hand
- Let the mud dry and brush it off with a soft brush. Clean the studs and the sole.
- Take out the laces and the insole.
- Clean the upper with a damp cloth and lukewarm water. Use a mild soap if needed. Do not use strong chemicals.
- Rinse the cloth and wipe again, so no soap stays behind.
- Finish the sole and remove any rubber crumb from turf from between the studs.
Do not rinse cleats under the tap for a long time and do not leave them soaking. With leather in particular, too much water makes the material heavy and vulnerable.
How do you dry wet soccer cleats?
Let them dry at room temperature in an airy spot. Take out the insole and the laces so air can get in. Stuff them with newspaper or a dry cloth and swap it now and then, so the moisture is absorbed.
Do not put cleats near the radiator, in the sun or in front of a hair dryer. Heat damages the material and the glue. Leather that dries too fast can go stiff. With a wet leather cleat, patience helps.
How do you get the smell out of soccer cleats?
Odor comes from moisture and sweat in the cleat. The most important step is therefore drying: take the insole out and let everything air out well after every practice. Do not put your cleats in a closed bag while they are still wet.
- Wear clean, dry socks and wash your socks after every practice.
- Let the cleat air out in a well-ventilated spot.
- Clean the insole with a damp cloth and soap and let it dry well.
- Some people use odor neutralizers or baking soda. There is no fixed rule for it, so try carefully.
If the smell keeps coming back, the insole can be replaced. If you have foot problems such as lasting fungus or skin issues, see your doctor or a podiatrist.
Should you condition soccer cleats?
That applies to leather only. Leather can use some care after use and cleaning. Our sources give no fixed interval. Follow the care advice of the maker, especially for kangaroo leather, and use a product that suits the type of leather.
How often should you wash soccer cleats?
Brush off the worst mud after every practice or game, before it hardens. A thorough wipe with a damp cloth is enough when the cleat is visibly dirty or starts to smell. Cleaning intensively more often is not needed and is hard on leather. Which leather models suit a wide foot is covered in our overview of leather soccer cleats.
How long do soccer cleats last?
That depends on use, surface and care. The wrong sole on the wrong surface wears faster, for instance FG on turf. See which soleplate: FG, AG, MG, TF, IN or SG. Leather needs more care than synthetic, see leather vs synthetic.
What should you not do when cleaning soccer cleats?
- No washing machine, dryer or radiator.
- No long soaking in warm water.
- No strong cleaners on leather.
- Do not leave wet cleats in a closed bag.
If the cleat no longer fits well after cleaning, for instance because it has shrunk, it has been damaged. For complaints caused by your cleats, read more in soccer cleats that pinch. Whether stretching makes sense depends on the material, see stretching soccer cleats.