How to Clean Football Cleats

Your football cleats take a beating out on the field — mud, grass, sweat, you name it. But with a little TLC, you can keep them looking fresh and performing at their best all season long. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some easy tips and tricks for maintaining your football cleats so you can focus on making those game-winning plays.

When grime builds up in your football cleat’s studs, your traction is reduced, making it harder to cut and change direction on the field. Plus, if mud and moisture get left on your cleats for too long, they can start to break down the materials, leading to wear and tear that shortens their lifespan. Regular cleaning also helps prevent odors and bacteria buildup, keeping your cleats from getting that funky smell that no one enjoys in the locker room.

Cleats should be cleaned after each game or practice session. This prevents dirt and grime from hardening and becoming more difficult to remove. You should also thoroughly clean your football cleats before storing them away for the off-season. This helps preserve the materials and prevents any residual dirt or sweat from causing damage over time.

Knowing how to clean football cleats properly is just as important as knowing when to clean them. Follow these steps to keep your cleats looking and working (almost) like new.

The football cleat cleaning tools you’ll need are:

• Soft Brush or Toothbrush

• Mild Detergent

• Water

• Cloth or Sponge

• Toothpick or Small Stick

• Towel

• Newspaper or Paper Towels

• Disinfectant Spray

• Choose a well-ventilated space with water access, preferably outdoors or in a garage.

• Lay down old newspapers, plastic sheets, or a large towel.

• Use a soft-bristled brush to remove loose dirt and a toothpick to dislodge stubborn debris.

• Wipe the cleats with a dry cloth or damp sponge.

• Mix warm water and a mild detergent. Submerge a soft cloth or sponge in the soapy water and gently scrub the cleats. For tougher stains or embedded dirt, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub.

• Rinse the cleats thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap or dirt.

• Gently shake off any excess water. Use a clean, dry towel to blot and absorb moisture from the exterior and interior of the cleats.

• Stuff the cleats with crumpled newspaper or paper towels to help them retain their shape and speed up the drying process.

• Avoid using direct heat sources like a hairdryer, radiator, or direct sunlight to prevent warping or cracking.

While it might be tempting to wash football cleats in a washing machine and dryer, it is not recommended. Machines can be too harsh for the cleat’s materials and may cause tearing, detachment of glued parts, and structure deformation. The heat, agitation, tumbling, and spin cycles can also wear down the cleats' surface and diminish their performance characteristics.

However, if you must use a washing machine, place the cleats in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag to protect them, use a gentle cycle with cold water, and avoid harsh detergents or bleach. Remember that even with these precautions, there's still a risk of damage. It’s always best to hand wash and dry your football cleats when possible.

Still have some lingering questions about how to clean football cleats? We’ve compiled expert recommendations to guide you!

If some stains on your football cleats just don’t seem to go away, you have three options:

• Pre-treat the affected areas with a small amount of mild detergent or a stain remover. Gently rub the solution into the stain with a soft-bristled brush or cloth.

• Mix a solution of warm water and mild detergent, then soak a cloth or sponge in it. Gently scrub the stained area, repeating as necessary.

• Create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently with a brush.

• Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly spray the interior of the cleats and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes.

• Sprinkle baking soda inside the cleats and let it sit overnight.

• Lightly spray the inside of the cleats with specialized disinfectant spray.

• Stuff them with newspaper or paper towels to help absorb moisture and maintain their shape.

Laces are often overlooked, but they need regular cleaning, too! Follow these steps:

• Take the laces out of the cleats. Gently rub the detergent into the fabric with your fingers or a soft brush.

• If the laces are stained, pre-treat them using a small amount of mild detergent or stain remover. Fill a bowl with warm water and mild detergent. Submerge the laces in the soapy water and let them soak for 15-30 minutes.

• Use a soft brush to scrub the laces.

• Rinse the laces under clean running water.

• Lay the laces flat on a clean towel and gently pat them dry to remove excess water. Then, hang them up or lay them flat to air dry.

If you’ve noticed a bit of mold or mildew creeping into your football cleats, don’t panic—there’s a way to tackle it.

• Remove the insoles and laces and wash them in warm, soapy water.

• Mix equal parts water and white vinegar (50/50) in a bowl. Dip a cloth in the vinegar solution to clean the inside and outside of your cleats.

• Place the cleats, insoles, and laces in a well-ventilated area to dry.

• Make sure your cleats are fully dry before storing them to prevent any future mold or mildew growth.

Properly maintaining your football cleats can extend their lifespan, enhance their performance, and prevent frequent repairs or replacements. We’ve outlined some important maintenance tips below.

• Inspect the cleats daily for wear and tear to help prevent further damage.

• Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda inside the cleats after each use to absorb moisture and neutralize odors.

• If possible, have more than one pair of cleats and rotate their use to reduce wear.

• Remove cleats before walking on surfaces other than grass or turf to prevent wear.

• Use a waterproofing spray specifically designed for athletic shoes or outdoor gear.

• Make sure your cleats are free of dirt and completely dry before applying the spray.

• Spray evenly over the surface of the cleats. Be sure to cover the seams and stitching.

• Let your cleats dry for at least 24 hours before wearing them.

• Loosen the laces before storing your cleats to allow better air circulation and prevent the eyelets and laces from becoming misshapen.

• Store your cleats in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid leaving them in a damp gym bag for extended periods because it can lead to mold and mildew growth.

Keeping your football cleats clean might seem like a small task, but it makes a big difference when you’re out on the field. So, next time you head off the field, give your cleats the care they deserve — they’ll thank you for it! If you’re in search of new shoes for this season, check out the football cleats available at Academy Sports + Outdoors!