Why Do Football Boots Get Smelly?
Let’s be real, nothing kills post-match vibes faster than taking off your football boots and getting hit with a whiff worthy of a science experiment. The culprit? Sweat, dirt, and bacteria set up camp inside those boots like they own the place. Add a poor drying routine, and boom—you’ve got yourself a stinky mess.
But fear not; smelling like last season’s locker room doesn’t have to be your fate. We’ll walk you through cleaning smelly football boots in the washing machine without turning your prized cleats into a soggy catastrophe.
Can You Actually Wash Football Boots in a Machine?
Before you toss those boots into the washing machine and hope for the best, a quick reality check: most experts and manufacturers advise against machine washing football boots, especially those made of leather or delicate synthetic materials.
Why? Water and harsh tumbling can warp, crack, or ruin your boots’ structure, reducing performance and lifespan. But if your boots are mostly synthetic or labeled as machine washable, keep reading for safe washing tips.
Pro tip: Always check your manufacturer’s instructions first. For example, Adidas recommends removing laces and insoles and washing them separately on a cold delicate cycle.
Step-By-Step Guide to Machine Washing Your Football Boots
1. Preparation: Kick Off with Some Prep
First things first, take off the laces and insoles. These parts tend to trap the most funk and deserve a solo washing session. Toss them into a pillowcase or mesh laundry bag to keep them safe and contained.
If you want to spare your washing machine from boot thuds, a mesh bag or a specialized washing protector like a Whizz Wizard (yes, that’s a thing) can help. It prevents the boots from banging around inside the drum.
2. Choose the Right Settings
Set your washing machine to a cold, delicate cycle—think 30°C or lower—to avoid heat damage. Use a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics or sportswear. Strong detergents might strip materials or leave residues.
3. Into the Machine They Go
Place the boots inside your mesh bag or protective case, then slide them gently into the drum. Add the bagged laces and insoles too.
Close the door and start the delicate cycle. Resist the urge to add tons of other clothes. Boots need delicate handling, and mixing them with heavy items isn’t the best idea.
4. Drying: Patience Is a Virtue
Here’s where many turn to hairdryers and ovens—nope, don’t do it. Heat is the enemy of boot material, causing cracking and shrinking. Instead, stuff your boots with crumpled newspaper or dry towels to absorb moisture and keep shape.
Leave them to air dry indoors, out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade colors and dry out leather.
Alternative Tricks to Deodorize Football Boots
Not ready to wash your boots in the machine? Or maybe you want to complement the wash with some odor-busting hacks?
Freeze the Funk Away
Wrap your boots in a plastic bag and pop them in the freezer overnight. The freezing temperatures kill bacteria causing the smell. It’s a surprisingly effective, low-effort trick—plus, boots won’t get soggy.
Baking Soda Magic
Sprinkle baking soda inside your boots and leave overnight. It soaks up moisture and neutralizes odors. Just shake out the excess before next use.
Vinegar Spray
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Lightly mist inside your boots and let air dry. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and bacteria buster. Just be sure not to soak leather boots too much.
Laundry Pods of Herbs
Place dry tea bags or fragrant herbs like sage inside your boots when not in use to help absorb smells naturally and keep them fresh.
Aftercare: Keep Your Boots Fit and Fresh
Post-cleaning, consider applying a leather conditioner or balm if your boots have leather parts. This will keep them supple, prevent cracking, and extend their life.
And remember, regular maintenance beats emergency cleanups. Wipe off dirt after games, air out your boots, and use odor-fighting inserts to keep the nasties at bay.
Bonus: Where to Find Boot-Cleaning Essentials
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- Shop for laundry bags and cleaning supplies in India
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Keep Those Boots Smelling Like Victory
Sure, football boots can get smelly, but with a little care (and the right washing machine tactics) you can keep them fresh and ready to score. Whether it’s the gentle cold wash or clever DIY deodorizing hacks, it’s all about protecting your investment while blasting the stink.
Now when you kick off the next match, the only thing you’ll smell is team spirit — and maybe fresh grass, not gym socks.