How to clean football boots and trainers

Playing football and outdoor sports may be fun, but the excitement can fade away when you think about washing football boots, and the removal of mud and stains from them. It’s actually a much smaller job if you’re prepared though, so check out our video and guide on how to clean football boots quickly and easily.

Prolong the time between washing football boots by putting together a homemade shoe-cleaning kit out of a cloth half-dampened with warm water,  a soft toothbrush and shoe conditioning cream to allow you to do a quick clean before heading home after a sporting event. Brush off any loose dirt with the toothbrush, gently clean the shoe with the damp side of the cloth and then use the other side to dry the shoe and rub in the conditioning cream.

Can football boots go in the washing machine?

If you wear your football boots and other sports shoes regularly, they are likely to need freshening up, as even everyday walking can lead to smelly odours forming due to bacteria. You may find yourself looking for the best way to clean football boots. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, “can you put football boots in the washing machine?” the answer is yes!

The good news is that as many modern sports shoes are made of durable materials, and so should be able to withstand being washed in the washing machine.

How to clean your football boots and sports trainers

There are four easy steps to follow to make sure that your football boots and sports trainers are sparkling clean and dry, ready to wear next time you need them:

1. Start by removing shoelaces. Wash the laces separately in the washing machine, as this will prevent them from getting tangled during the wash.

2. Use a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush will do) to remove any dried-on mud or dirt. You can use a mixture of laundry detergent and warm water at this stage to remove any stubborn stains and dirt.

3. Always read the instructions provided by the manufacturer when cleaning your shoes. If you are able to use a washing machine, pop them inside a mesh laundry bag  or a pillow case and choose a cool wash programme to clean them. Shoe laces should be washed in the same way. You only need a little good quality detergent, like Persil Bio Liquid. If you cannot use a washing machine, a bucket of cold water will be the next best option.

4. A quick, easy way to dry your football boots and sports trainers is to put newspaper into the shoes, as this will absorb excess moisture. Simply leave the shoes somewhere warm and allow them to air-dry.

Now you have a simple guide for how to wash football boots in washing machine, you have all the information you need to make sure that your football boots and other sports trainers are clean and ready for next time you need them.

• Use a soft-bristled brush for cleaning and removing stains so as not to damage the fabric.

• Use a mesh laundry bag if you wash your shoes in the washing machine.

• Just a small amount of laundry detergent like Persil Bio Liquid should do the job!