Clean soccer cleats after every match by knocking off loose dirt, hand-washing with mild detergent and warm water, and air-drying them indoors.
Letting mud harden after a game is the quickest way to ruin a good pair of cleats. The fix takes about ten minutes: soccer cleats respond better to gentle hand-washing than to any machine cycle, and all major brands agree on the same basic routine. Start with the loose stuff—right after play, knock your cleats together or tap them with a wooden stick to remove dried grass and mud. This habit stops dirt from setting into the fabric and studs.
The Step Order That Keeps Cleats in Good Shape
Every major manufacturer recommends the same cleaning sequence, which works for both turf and firm-ground boots.
- Remove the laces, and take out the insoles if they come out easily.
- Rinse the cleats under cool or warm running water to loosen remaining dirt.
- Mix a small amount of mild laundry detergent or dish soap with warm water in a bowl.
- Scrub the soles and studs with a soft brush or an old toothbrush. Use a damp washcloth for the uppers to avoid scratching the material.
- Rinse thoroughly until no soap residue remains—leftover soap attracts dirt later.
- Wash the laces separately by hand, or put them in a mesh bag and run them through a cold, delicate machine cycle.
- Stuff the cleats with newspaper or clean cloths to absorb moisture and hold their shape while drying.
- Air-dry indoors in a cool, well-ventilated spot away from heat and direct sunlight.
That’s the whole routine. Mistakes come from skipping the rinse step or reaching for heat to speed things up.
What Ruins Cleats Faster Than Anything
Heat is the main enemy. Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour all warn against hair dryers, tumble dryers, radiators, and direct sunlight, because even mild heat can warp, crack, or peel materials. A pair of damp cleats beside a radiator looks harmless until the glue softens and the sole separates. Hot water and bleach are just as bad—stick with warm water and mild detergent, and skip abrasive pads or stiff wire brushes that scratch the surface and weaken the upper fabric. Also avoid storing or re-wearing cleats before they’re fully dry; damp boots develop odor and stretch out of shape. Give them a full overnight dry, and swap in fresh newspaper in the morning if they still feel wet.
Leather Cleats Need Extra Care
For natural leather uppers, the rules change slightly. Under Armour advises using a dedicated leather cleaner and conditioner, and leather should never be soaked or submerged—soaking draws out oils and causes cracking as it dries. Use a barely damp cloth to wipe the surface, apply the conditioner, then let them dry naturally. Take extra care around the toe area, where the material flexes most during play.
How Often Should You Clean Them?
A full deep clean is only needed every few weeks or after muddy matches. A quick knock-off of debris after every game, plus a hand-wipe of the uppers with a damp cloth, keeps cleats fresh for a full season. If you’re shopping for a new pair this season, our roundup of the best yellow soccer cleats on the market covers models that clean up especially well. Insoles deserve the same gentle treatment: if removable, hand-wash them with mild soap and warm water, but never soak them or subject them to high heat, and let them dry fully before returning them to the boots.
| Step | What To Use | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Remove loose dirt | Wooden stick, putty knife, or knocking cleats together | Stops mud from setting while it’s still dry and crumbly. |
| Hand-wash uppers | Mild detergent, warm water, soft cloth | Removes grime without scratching or weakening fabric. |
| Scrub soles and studs | Soft brush or old toothbrush | Clears packed dirt from traction points for better grip. |
| Rinse thoroughly | Cool running water | Prevents soap residue from attracting new dirt. |
| Wash laces | Hand wash, or mesh bag on cold delicate cycle | Keeps laces clean without damaging the boot itself. |
| Air-dry | Newspaper or cloth stuffing, cool ventilated room | Preserves shape and avoids heat damage to glue and leather. |
One thing worth noting: the same approach works for baseball and football cleats, since the materials and heat warnings are similar. If you play multiple sports, you only need to learn one care routine.
FAQs
Can I put soccer cleats in the washing machine?
None of the major manufacturers recommend machine-washing the cleats themselves. The cycle can loosen the adhesive bonding the sole to the upper and damage materials. Laces and removable insoles can go in a mesh bag on a cold, delicate cycle, but the boots should always be hand-washed.
How do I get rid of the smell in my soccer cleats?
Odor usually comes from bacteria growing in a damp boot. Let the cleats dry fully between uses, and stuff them with newspaper after each game to pull out moisture. Baking soda inside a sock left in the boot overnight can absorb lingering smells without harming the materials.
Should I wash my cleats after every game?
You don’t need a full deep clean each time. Knock off loose mud immediately after play, wipe the uppers with a damp cloth, and let the boots dry thoroughly. Reserve the full soap-and-brush routine for muddy matches or every few weeks of regular use.
References & Sources
- Adidas. “How to Clean Soccer Cleats.” Official care guidance covering debris removal, cold delicate lace washing, and air-drying rules.
- Nike. “How to Clean Soccer Cleats.” Details the gentle cleaning solution, hand-washing method, and heat-avoidance recommendations.
- Under Armour. “How to Clean Cleats.” Covers soft-brush techniques, leather care, and natural drying instructions.