What’s the difference between putting your soccer cleats in the washing machine and flushing down a few hundred dollars down the toilet?
Absolutely nothing!
As it’s one of the most frequently asked questions we’ve encountered regarding cleat maintenance, let’s clarify your doubts for once – NO, IT’S NOT! Not only that, but it’s not safe to dry them under direct sunlight, heat dryers, or radiators.
Buying high-performance soccer footwear isn’t enough; you also have to take care of it like it’s your child. Since we’ve finally cleared out the confusion, why not take the opportunity to learn the best way to clean soccer cleats for optimal durability?
Listed below is a step-by-step breakdown of the appropriate way to rid your footwear off the stubborn dirt, bad smell and debris without harming its fit and finish.
Let’s begin, shall we?
Steps to Clean Soccer Cleats Properly
Before we begin, let’s take note of the fundamental tips to follow while cleaning your cleats.
First, always make sure to dry the product at room temperature. Also, ensure that it’s not even a little wet because that can create an unpleasant odor.
Keeping that aside, let’s take a look at the cleaning steps!
Step 1: Removing the Debris
When you’re stomping your feet rigorously on-field, it’s only natural for unwanted grass and debris to cling to your footwear’s bottom. So, the preliminary step involves proper removal of the underlying debris.
If there’s negligible debris stuck there, using your fingers to push it outwards would suffice. Nevertheless, don’t forget to maintain proper hygiene and use gloves while performing this step.
To play safe, you can also bang the cleats against each other to clean the bottom, as the impact would automatically push out the debris. Whatever you do, don’t dip it directly in water, as it can have detrimental long-term effects.
Step 2: Wiping the Cleat
Instead of using water to clean the footwear, it’s better to wipe the surface with a baking soda mixture instead. This solution can efficiently wipe out all the underlying dirt and deal with the insufferable odor developing inside.
For this step, you’d need warm water and 3-4 tsp baking soda mixed in a container. Pick out an old and worn-out toothbrush, dip it in the solution and start brushing throughout the cleats for thorough cleaning.
Once you’re done, wipe it clean with a damp cloth to remove any leftover solution and dirt.
Step 3: Drying
As we’ve mentioned before, drying the cleats correctly is vital to maintain its life. That said, always make sure that you’re drying it in an air-dry indoor space.
Yes, it’ll take a while for the cleats to dry this way; however, it’s 100% safe and has been tested by many soccer aficionados.
Final Words
It’s OK!
We make mistakes, and that’s how we learn every day.
On that note, we’re hoping that our brief guide has helped you acknowledge the right way to clean and maintain your precious cleats.
Stay tuned for more soccer-related articles!