How to Clean Cleats to Keep Them Going Longer

Whether you’re rushing downfield for a game-winning touchdown or pitching for a no-hitter, the right equipment can mean the difference between success and failure. Cleats are some of the most important equipment available because they provide the stability and traction to keep your footing when it matters most.

Cleats see heavy use throughout a season, and they can wear out quickly without proper maintenance, forcing you to find and break in a replacement pair. Keeping your cleats clean and in good condition can extend their lifespan so you can get the most out of them.

Why You Should Regularly Clean Your Cleats

After every practice and game, your cleats accumulate dirt, grass stains, bacteria, and sweat. This can cause their materials to degrade, reducing their traction and support. Over time, a dirty pair of cleats will wear out much quicker than a clean pair. Here’s how dirty cleats can impact your game:

Less Traction, More Injuries

The soles of cleats tend to pick up dirt or debris, which becomes impacted and covers the studs, reducing your traction. That makes it harder to pick up speed, stop, or turn, and it can lead to twisted ankles and missed chances. If your cleats have metal spikes, as some golf and baseball cleats do, it can even cause them to rust, permanently ruining their soles.

Ball Control

Soccer cleats, as well as football cleats for kickers, have high-grip uppers to help you control the ball. When those uppers are dirty, their specialized materials can’t grip the ball, which can reduce your accuracy with passes and shots.

Reduced Lifespan

Dirt and grime can degrade the materials of your cleats over time, causing them to become stiff, crack, or warp. Not only are they uncomfortable, dirty cleats are more prone to tearing.

To properly clean your cleats, you’ll need:

• A soft-bristled brush or cloth to remove grime.
• A bucket of warm (not hot) water.
• Mild detergent or dish soap.
• A small, soft toothbrush or cotton swabs.
• A clean cloth.
• Leather cleaner and conditioner (if your cleats have natural leather uppers).

Because cleats need to be cleaned after each use, it can be helpful to assemble these items into a ready-to-use kit. This can save you time and make it easier to do maintenance after an intense practice or game.

How to Wash Cleats: Step By Step

These steps can be applied to any type of cleat, including molded, detached, rubber, or plastic. Each may require some additional attention to ensure all portions are cleaned thoroughly.

Here are 10 easy steps to cleaning cleats:

Step 1

Tap your cleats against a hard surface, or against each other, to free any clumps of dirt or grass stuck to the soles.

Step 2

Use a cloth or soft-bristled brush to remove excess dirt and debris from the exterior or your cleats.

Step 3

Fill a small bucket or sink with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent or soap. If your cleats have leather uppers, instead swab a cloth with a specialized leather-cleaning solution.

Step 4

Remove the laces and the insoles if they’re removable. Dip the brush or cloth into the soapy water and lightly scrub the exterior of the cleats. Spend extra time on stubborn stains.

Step 5

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or cotton swab to clean off hard-to-reach spots like the grooves in the soles or the lace holes.

Step 6

Hand-wash the laces in water with mild detergent. Alternatively, you can put them in the washing machine inside a mesh bag and run a cold, delicate cycle.

If your shoes have removable insoles, gently scrub them with warm water and mild detergent using a soft-bristled brush. Rinse them off, then pat them dry immediately so they don’t become saturated.

Step 7

Thoroughly rinse the soap off your cleats with clean water, taking care not to get them wetter than necessary. If your cleats have leather uppers, instead use a clean cloth to apply a thin layer of leather conditioner.

Step 8

Insert a shoe tree, or stuff the inside of the cleats with a clean cloth or balled-up newspaper, to help them dry faster and maintain their shape.

Step 9

Let the cleats dry naturally in a cool, dry area without direct sunlight, preferably one that’s well-ventilated. Don’t use anything like a hair dryer or space heater that applies direct heat. Dry the laces by hanging them or laying them flat.

Step 10

Repeat steps 1 and 2 every time you wear your cleats. Watch your cleats for signs that you need the additional steps for a more thorough washing, like dirt or stains that don’t easily brush off or stiff, stained laces.

Keeping Your Cleats Clean & Lasting Longer

Once you’re in the habit of cleaning your cleats, you might wonder how you can do it better. Here are some tips we’ve put together to help you from making costly mistakes, as well as how you can keep your cleats fresher and cleaner, longer.

Avoid Chemicals & Rough Scrubbers

Most cleats made of synthetic materials or leather won’t stand up to a harsh scrubber, which can scratch or tear the uppers if you scrub too hard. Likewise, harsh chemicals are generally a bad idea and can damage cleats.

No Heat

There’s a reason you need to wash your cleats by hand in warm water. Too much heat can damage the glue securing the soles of your cleats in place, so hot water can easily cause the soles to detach.

For the same reason, it’s important to let your cleats air dry. Not only can dryers or hair dryers damage the glue, they can also distort and warp the cleats’ shape. Putting cleats in front of a stand-up fan can help them dry faster, but never use anything that applies heat.

Overnight Drying

There are many ways you can ensure your cleats are dry by morning, or at the very least, by the next practice. Once you’ve cleaned them, keep the insoles separated so everything dries faster. Stuffing your cleats with a balled-up newspaper or cloth can help maintain the shape and absorb excess moisture. Avoid letting your cleats dry in damp areas like a basement or garage, which can slow the drying process and lead to mold or mildew.

What’s that smell?

Smelly cleats can result from sweat, bacteria, and fungus building up over time. If your cleats have developed an odor that persists after you’ve aired them out, a little extra time cleaning their insoles can help. If your cleats are particularly smelly or visibly dirty, you can easily clean them by carefully removing the insoles and following the same cleaning instructions.

If the odor isn’t overwhelming, you can deodorize your cleats by putting household items like baking soda or cedar chips in your cleats overnight. This will help absorb the odors and moisture, and reduce the amount of time it takes to thoroughly clean the insoles.

A Little Time Cleaning Pays Off

While cleaning your cleats can be the last thing you want to do after a hard game, it’s worth it. With just ten minutes and a little soapy water, it can save you a lot of money and effort in the long run.