Dont Let Your Footy Boots Smell Like a Locker Room Disaster
Okay, so youve just come back from a muddy pitch, and your footy boots are looking like they just survived a mudslide. Youre wondering, Can I chuck these bad boys in the washing machine and call it a day? Well, my friend, washing your footy boots in the machine isnt as straightforward as tossing in a t-shirt. But fear not — were diving headfirst into the nitty-gritty on exactly how to do it without turning your cleats into a soggy disaster.
Why Washing Footy Boots in the Machine Is a Bit Like Playing With Fire
Lets be real — your boots are made of various materials like synthetic leather, rubber, and foam. Tossing them straight into a washing machine can lead to warped soles, faded colors, or even cracking. Most experts advise against machine washing the boots themselves because the aggressive tumbling and heat can damage them and shorten their lifespan. But dont toss your hopes out the window just yet. There are rackets ways to get them clean, so you still smell fresh post match.
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro — Remove Laces and Insoles
Start by taking off the laces and insoles. These smaller parts can be washed safely in a washing machine. Place them in a pillowcase or a mesh laundry bag to protect both your washing machine and the laces from snags. Use a cold water cycle on delicate with mild detergent. This little magic trick comes straight from the experts at Adidas and Under Armour. Its the only part you should wash machine-style.
Step 2: Get Dirty — Clean the Boots by Hand
Heres where the fun (and elbow grease) comes in. Grab a bowl of warm water and mix in a small amount of mild detergent or washing powder. Using a soft brush or a cloth, gently scrub off the caked-on dirt and mud. This manual cleaning technique preserves your boots shape and materials—no mangled cleats here. Adidas even suggests a good flannel dipped in warm water to wipe off the soap afterward.
Avoid soaking or rinsing the whole boot under running water; this can make the glue loosen and materials degrade. The same goes for avoiding bleach or harsh chemicals because youre not trying to clean a kitchen floor.
Step 3: Dry Without Drama
Air drying is your boots best friend. Stuff the insides with old newspaper or kitchen paper towels to help absorb moisture and keep their shape intact. Put them somewhere indoors or in the shadenever under direct heat sources like radiators, sunlight, or hairdryers. These villains can cause your boots to crack, warp, or shrink.
Remember, your footy boots arent just sneakers — theyre your trusty partners on the pitch. Treat them well, and theyll treat you right.
What About Machine Washing Whole Boots? Is It Ever Okay?
If youve peeked at some YouTube tutorials showing boots tumbling in the washing machine, you might be tempted to try it. If you do, proceed with caution: use a cold or 30C water cycle on delicate, a short wash (think 15 minutes), no spin or very low spin speed, and place the boots inside a sturdy pillowcase or laundry bag to reduce banging noises. But keep in mind, most manufacturers like Nike and Adidas recommend hand cleaning for longevity.
Pro Tips From the Experts
- Use mild laundry detergent, nothing too harsh or scented.
- Never use bleach or fabric softeners on your boots or laces.
- Regularly clean your boots after every muddy match — dirt left too long can damage materials and make cleaning a nightmare.
- Consider using specialized shoe cleaners or protectors for synthetic leathers.
- Keep your washing machines filter clean so no stray dirt or muddy bits linger inside — see our guide on how to wash the filter of washing machine.
Want the Best Cleaning Gear for Your Footy Boots?
If youre after a trusted washing detergent or protective spray, check out these handy products that get recommended by athletes and pros alike:
Keep Your Footy Boots Fresh & Long-Lasting
So there you have it! The washing machine is more of an occasional luxury for your laces and insoles, while your footy boots deserve the gentler touch of hand cleaning and air drying. Keep them clean, dry, and away from heat, and theyll reward you with seasons of epic footy memories.
Fancy more handy cleaning wisdom? Check out our guide on how to wash football shoes in washing machine without damage for even more expert tips.