How to Wash Soccer Cleats: 5 Easy Steps
Soccer cleats are a must for any soccer player as they help in gaining the required surface friction and achieving comfort while playing. Maintaining the cleats enhances their durability and performance on the field having a neat look.
Here it is, step by step guide on how to clean your Soccer cleats some tricks on how to get rid of the smell, and the right process for drying those cleats.
Video: How To Effectively Clean Your Soccer Cleats!
Can You Wash Your Cleats in the Washing Machine?
The vibrations from the machine can also harm the cloth of your cleats making them less durable and less suitable for your feet.
Machine washing can be inconducive to the synthetic and leather-like parts of your cleats because it will very quickly degrade the material.
How to Clean Dirty Cleats
Professional cleaning of the cleats should be done by hand to avoid damaging the cleats.
Here is a guideline that can assist you in cleaning your cleats to the best standard:
Supplies
Before you start cleaning, gather the necessary supplies:
- Mild detergent or soap
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- Clean cloth
- Warm water
- Bucket or sink
Tools
Make sure you have these tools on hand:
- A soft brush (or old toothbrush)
- Clean cloth
- Warm water
5 Easy Steps to Wash Soccer Cleats Easily
Step 1: Eliminate Loose Debris
Wash the cleats first by trying to wipe off any dirt and sweat on the surface of the cleats. This step is important because it helps avoid surface scratching of the cleats by the dirt that is being removed.
For cleaner areas, you can try to wash the items in your regular washing machine and use a soft brush or an old toothbrush for stubborn stains in particular with mud and grass.
It is important to clean areas on the soles of the shoes and any recess for accumulation of dirt. In the case of impossible dirt, sometimes you will have to use a toothpick or a sharp instrument to remove it gingerly.
Step 2: Clean Your Soles
Finally, after removing the loose parts, it is time to clean the soles of the cleats. Dip the soft brush under warm water mixed with soap and then try to clean the soles. The soles part is normally prone to collecting as much dirt as possible and this can impact the kind of grip that you have on the field.
Gloves are recommended so you do not have direct contact with the grooves as well as the indents as you apply the compound. This is the step that may require a clean sponge dipped in warm water to wash off the soap on the soles gently.
Step 3: Scrub the Top of the Shoe
Third, concentrate on the area of the cleats that protrude above the soles of the shoes. To clean the surface, one will have to wet a brush with soapy water and use it to wipe the area. Never let the cleats get wet, only wipe them with a damp cloth. For synthetic material for cleats, do not wash with too much water as it will penetrate through the shoe and spoil the material.
When it comes to leather cleats, you have to be certain that you are cleaning them using leather-friendly products. It is then followed by rinsing the body with clean water and then cleaning off any soap residuals with a sponge soaked in water.
Step 4: Wash Shoelaces
Take out the shoelaces of the cleats and wash them individually from the rest of the equipment. Submerge the laces in warm water mixed with dish soap and wash the laces with your hands or with the help of a brush. Drain them, and leave them to dry on a clean towel or tray.
Dirty laces also hurt the appeal of the shoe and, when you are putting on your clean cleats after washing them, you do not want to transfer dirt back on them.
Step 5: Let Your Cleats Air Dry
Cleats should be washed gently, then left to dry without being hung to dry since this may alter the shape of the cleats. Do not expose them to sunlight or heat sources like radiators since this will lead to damage of material through expansion.
A better way is to use newspaper to pack into the cleats so they will hold the shape and avoid too much absorption of water. Replace the newspaper frequently until the cleats become dry. Because they can take a long to dry when placed on a flat surface, ensure that you put them in an area with proper air circulation.
How to Wash Metal Cleats?
Cleaning metal cleats is simple. Follow these steps to make your cleats nice and clean:
- Remove Dirt and Mud: Use a brush to gently knock off any big chunks of dirt or mud.
- Brush the Cleats: Use a soft brush to clean the rest of the grime out of the grooves.
- Prepare Cleaning Solution: Mix a small amount of soap with warm water.
- Scrub the Cleats: Dip a soft brush or sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub your cleats, especially the metal parts.
- Rinse the Cleats: Rinse off the soap by wiping the cleats with a clean sponge dipped in warm water.
- Air Dry: Let your cleats air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid using a dryer or placing them in direct sunlight, as heat can damage them.
- Protect the Metal: Once dry, check the metal parts for rust and apply a drop of oil to keep them shiny.
3 Tip: How to Get the Smell Out of Cleats
The cleats can also stink after a while because of the bacteria and sweat that build up on them after several uses.
Here are some tips to keep your cleats smelling fresh:
- Baking Soda: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside your cleats and let it sit overnight. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that absorbs odors.
- Odor-Absorbing Insoles: Consider using odor-absorbing insoles. These insoles are designed to neutralize smells and keep your cleats fresh.
- Dryer Sheets: Place a dryer sheet inside each cleat when you’re not using them. Dryer sheets can help mask and absorb odors.
Avoid Chemicals & Rough Scrubbers
Cleaning removable screws or using hard chemicals/ scrubbers on your cleats is a catastrophe for them. For its advantage, however, one should avoid using strong detergents and hard brushes on the materials to ensure that they stay in the best condition.
Acids and alkalis can degrade artificial fabrics and affect the leather, as well as abrasive cleaning tools can scratch and inflict mechanical wear. In a similar vein, take proper care of your cleats, And you will be able to get the best out of them for longer.
Can You Put the Cleats in the Dryer?
The quickest way to ruin your soccer cleats is to put them in the dryer. Heating up alters the shape, size, or form of the material such that your cleats become uncomfortable and inefficient when you play football.
But as for the cleats, it is advisable to let them dry naturally to retain their neatness and stylized looks. It helps retain their shape, their position on the contours of the bust, and their flexibility. Don’t forget it, taking proper treatment on your sports shoes can dry naturally to increase their performance and durability.
How to Dry Cleats
If you want to dry your cleats, put some newspapers in them, and keep them in a space that has proper airing.
Replace the newspaper after every 30 minutes until all the cleats become dry. It also assists in preserving their form during use and protects them from wear.
Final Words:
Soccer cleats need to be kept clean and ready to use and this calls for proper care to be taken on the cleats. These shoes should be washed with hands, not by washing machine, and definitely should not be placed in a dryer.
Follow these easy steps: wipe off the dirt, wash them with warm and soapy water, and wash them again with clear water to rinse, spread them, and leave them to dry. Your cleats may become smelly so you can use baking soda, special insoles, or dryer sheets to freshen the smell.
If you take proper care of the cleats then it will last for a long time and in turn, it will assist you in playing well.
FAQs:
How to Wash Football Cleats?
First, dust off with a brush and remove any debris or dust from the surrounding areas. Prepare a cleaning solution with mild soap and warm water in a bucket. Clean the cleats using the brush or the sponge, especially the part that is stained with dirt. As you wash, use a clean sponge that has been soaked in warm water to rinse off the soap. Dry the cleats in the open air, do not expose them to direct sunlight or any other source of heat.
How to Wash Nike Cleats?
Clean big dirt clumps with the help of a brush. Using warm water mix a little of mild detergent. Take a soft brush or a sponge, wet it, rub it on some water mixed with mild liquid soap, and then scrub the cleats, especially the sole and other hard-stained areas. Lastly, using a clean sponge and warm water; rinse the surface. Do not let shoes dry in direct light or heat so that Nike cleats can air dry in cooler and shaded areas.
