How to Clean Soccer Cleats

To best remedy muddy soccer cleats, clean after the match or practice that left them looking worse for wear. This means removing piled-on grass and dirt as soon as you can.

To remove debris from the soles, knock the cleats together sole to sole or use a tool, like a small wooden stick, putty knife or screwdriver. To wipe dirt from the uppers, use a gentle cleaning brush (a clean, spare toothbrush works, too).

Next, create a mixture of mild laundry detergent and warm water in a small bowl. Bring the soccer cleats to a sink or bathtub and remove the laces from the shoes. Using the mild cleaning solution, brush the soles of the shoes with a gentle cleaning brush.

Then, use a washcloth to scrub away any dirt or stains from the uppers of the shoes.

Rinse off the cleats to remove any excess soap or suds.

You can wash shoelaces in the washing machine by placing them in a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag and running a cold, delicate cycle with mild detergent. Or, you can hand-wash by submerging them in a mixture of dish soap and water, then scrubbing them with a gentle brush.

Be sure not to put shoelaces in the dryer, as the heat can damage the plastic tips on the laces or cause the laces to shrink.

(Related: 3 Easy Ways to Clean Shoelaces)

Finally, lay the cleats and shoelaces out to dry indoors.

Tip: It’s best to avoid drying soccer cleats with direct sunlight, a hair dryer or in the dryer if you want them to last as long as possible. Excessive heat can cause damage to the cleats.

Make sure they’re completely dry before wearing them again or putting them back in your soccer bag. Storing damp cleats in a soccer bag can lead to bacteria growth and unwanted odors.

(Related: Smelly Shoes? How to Remove Odor From Shoes)