It isn’t glamorous but knowing how to clean your soccer cleats is an important part of the game. We get it – after giving every ounce of energy on the pitch, the last thing you want to do is sweat the details. But when you respect your cleats and take care of them, they’ll take care of you.
First, it’s important not to wear your cleats unless you’re on the field. Hard surfaces like pavement and sidewalks cause damage and unnecessary wear and tear. Keep them protected inside of a soccer bag and wear sliders or training shoes to and from the pitch. For soccer players, cleats are by far your most vital piece of equipment, so perform routine maintenance off the field for a better performance on the field.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
When you’re learning how to clean soccer cleats, follow these steps:
Start cleaning as soon as the final whistle blows by removing excess dirt, grass and mud. Knock the cleats together, sole on sole or use a popsicle stick, screwdriver or putty knife.
Step #2
Head for the sink. Create a mixture of mild laundry detergent and water then start scrubbing out the stains with a washcloth.
Step #3
Dip the washcloth in warm water then rinse the cleats off, removing all of the soap and suds.
Step #4
Once home, remove laces and insoles. Place them in a pillowcase and wash them in your washing machine (cold/delicate) with mild laundry detergent.
Step #5
As a final step, air dry cleats indoors and make sure they are completely dry before storing them in a breathable bag. DO NOT damage your cleats by using a hair dryer, dryer machine or direct sunlight.