How to clean football boots, in short: by hand, never in the washing machine or tumble dryer, and leather boots least of all. Brush the mud off first, wipe the boots down with a damp cloth and lukewarm water and let them dry at room temperature. To tackle the smell, let the boots dry out properly and give them plenty of air.
Below we go step by step through what to do and what to leave well alone. Always follow the care advice from the maker of your boots. You will find it on the box or the brand’s website, and it can vary by material.
Can you wash football boots in the washing machine?
Best not. A washing machine can leave the material baggy, weaken the glue and stitching and pull the boot out of shape. Leather is most at risk, because too much water and heat can dry it out and discolour it.
Manufacturers generally advise against putting football boots in the washing machine, but there is no single rule. So check the label or the brand’s website. If you want to play it safe, clean them by hand.
Can football boots go in the tumble dryer?
No, and leather boots certainly not. Heat can make leather shrink and crack, and it can make the glue give way. The same goes for synthetic and knit boots. Keep them out of the tumble dryer.
How to clean football boots: step by step
- Let the mud dry and knock it off with a soft brush. Clean the studs and the soleplate.
- Take out the laces and the insole.
- Wipe the upper with a damp cloth and lukewarm water. Use a mild soap if needed, but no harsh chemicals.
- Rinse the cloth and wipe again, so no soap is left behind.
- Finish off the soleplate and clear any rubber crumb from 3G pitches out from between the studs.
Do not hold boots under the tap for long and do not leave them standing in water. With leather in particular, too much water makes the material heavy and vulnerable.
How do you dry wet football boots?
Let them dry at room temperature somewhere airy. Take the insoles and laces out so the air can get in. Stuff them with newspaper or a dry cloth and change it every so often to soak up the moisture.
Do not leave boots by a radiator, in the sun or in front of a hairdryer. Heat damages both the material and the glue, and leather that dries too fast can go stiff. With a soaked leather boot, patience pays.
How do you get the smell out of football boots?
The smell comes from moisture and sweat trapped in the boot, so drying is the key step: take the insoles out and let everything air after every training session. Do not leave boots zipped up in your kit bag while they are still wet, which is all too easy after a soggy midweek session.
- Change into clean, dry socks and wash your socks after every session.
- Leave the boots to air somewhere well ventilated.
- Clean the insole with a damp cloth and soap, and let it dry fully.
- Some players use odour neutralisers or bicarbonate of soda. There is no set rule for this, so try it with care.
If the smell keeps coming back, the insoles may need replacing. If you have foot problems such as persistent athlete’s foot or other skin trouble, see your GP or a podiatrist.
Should you condition football boots?
Only if they are leather. Leather benefits from a little care after use and cleaning. Our sources give no set frequency. Follow the manufacturer’s care advice, especially for kangaroo leather, and use a product that suits the type of leather.
How often should you clean football boots?
Brush the worst of the mud off after every training session or match, before it sets hard. A proper clean with a damp cloth is only needed when the boots are visibly dirty or start to smell. Cleaning them hard more often than that is unnecessary and puts needless strain on leather. Which leather models suit a wide foot is covered in our overview of leather football boots.
How long do football boots last?
That depends on how much you use them, the surface and how you look after them. The wrong soleplate on the wrong surface wears out faster, for example FG boots on artificial grass. See which soleplate: FG, AG, MG, TF, IC or SG. Leather needs more looking after than synthetic, see leather or synthetic football boots.
What should you avoid when cleaning football boots?
- No washing machine, tumble dryer or radiator.
- No long soaks in warm water.
- No harsh cleaning products on leather.
- No wet boots left in a zipped-up bag.
If a boot no longer fits properly after cleaning, for example because it has shrunk, it is damaged. If your boots are giving you trouble, read more in tight football boots and what to do. Whether stretching is worth it depends on the material, see stretching football boots. If you are after a new pair, the football boot adviser gives you a top three.