How to Wash Soccer Boots

A newly purchased pair of soccer shoes can quickly become dirty on the field. Knowing how to clean soccer boots at home will help you look your best on game day and extend the life of your favourite pair of boots.

Updated 18 December 2023

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Author By Cleanipedia Team

Reading Time 5 minutes

Soccer boots Laundry

Steps To Wash Soccer Boots

Follow these easy steps to clean your soccer boots to look like new:

1.   Check Washing Instructions

You must check the specific washing instructions that come with your brand-new pair of boots before you do anything to your boots. It helps to be aware of the type of material your shoe is made of and any prior treatments it may have received.

The steps necessary to maintain leather boots in top condition will likely differ from the cleaning guidelines for a pair of knitted or synthetic boots.

2.   Clear the Debris Right Off the Field

After a game or practice that left your soccer boots looking worse for wear, wash them. Cleaning requires quickly removing piled-on grass and dirt as soon as you step off the soccer field.

Start by knocking the boots together sole to sole and remove debris from the soles. You can also use a tool, like a tiny wooden stick, screwdriver, or putty knife. Then, use a soft cleaning brush to remove dirt from the uppers.

3.   Use a Mild Cleaning Solution to Scrub

Next, mix warm water and good quality laundry detergent like Omo in a small bowl. Untie the laces from the soccer boots and take them near a sink or bath. Brush the shoe bottoms with a soft cleaning brush with the cleaning solution. Then, scrub any debris or stains from the shoe with a flannel.

Rinse off the soccer shoes to get rid of the excess soap.

4.   Wash the Shoelaces

Shoelaces can also get dirty while playing. You can clean them in the washing machine by putting them in a mesh laundry bag and using a cold, delicate cycle, again with a detergent like Omo. If you don’t know how much Omo to add to your machine, you can look at this guide.

Alternatively, you can wash them by hand by dipping them in a solution of dishwashing liquid, like Sunlight, and water and then gently brushing them.

Shoelaces should never be placed in the dryer since the heat may cause the plastic tips to crack or the laces to shrink.

5.   Air-Dry the Boots

Last but not least, spread the boots and shoelaces in an airy room and let them dry. To ensure that your soccer boots survive as long as possible, avoid using a hair dryer or direct sunshine to dry them. The boots can get damaged by too much heat.

Before putting the shoes back in your soccer bag or wearing them again, ensure they are entirely dry. If the shoes stay wet, it can lead to bacterial growth and unpleasant odours.

6.   Place Some Old Newspapers Inside

The best technique to dry your insoles quickly is to put something that can soak up moisture inside your boots. It works well to stuff your boots with old newspaper, but depending on how wet the paper is, you might need to do it every few hours.

Things To Avoid While Cleaning White Soccer Shoes

Avoid these things when cleaning white soccer boots:

  • Using the wrong materials: The wrong products to clean your white soccer boots can harm them and ruin their look. Your boots may suffer material damage and increase their susceptibility to scuffs and stains.

  • Not cleaning them regularly: White is a delicate colour, and white soccer boots are susceptible to stains. The grime on your boots will accumulate and become more difficult to remove if you don't clean them regularly. Make it a habit to clean them after a few games.

  • Storing them while wet: If you don't dry your soccer shoes properly before storing them, the moist environment could foster mould or mildew growth.

  • Wearing them in muddy settings: Avoid putting on your white soccer boots if you know the pitch you are playing on is muddy because the stain will not come off if the mud dries on your shoes.

  • Storing them improperly: Most soccer players just store their shoes in their bags after a game, and some simply dump them in the locker room. Keep them away from direct sunlight in a dry place. You can also put them on a shoe tree to maintain their shape.

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FAQs

  • Can I Wash My Soccer Boots in the Washing Machine?

    It is advisable to hand-wash soccer boots to prevent damage. Just rub them down with a mild cleaning agent, like laundry detergent diluted with warm water, and then allow them to air dry.
  • How to Remove Stinky Odours From My Soccer Boots?

    A few teaspoons of baking soda should do the trick for each pair of shoes, then vacuum them the next day, and the smell will be gone. You can also add a tea bag to each shoe and leave it overnight to remove the stink.
  • Can I Dry My Soccer Boots With a Hair Dryer?

    Avoid using a hair dryer or direct sunshine to dry soccer boots, as they can get damaged by too much heat. Let them air dry in an airy room.

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